Clovis High band director retiring

Bill Allred, Clovis High School's band director through a string of successive state marching championships, is retiring, the school district announced Tuesday.

But he's not done teaching.

"I'll probably go back east, closer to family, and see if I can get a job," he said. "I'm still passionate for teaching. I still have fire in my belly and I still love making a difference in kids' lives.

"I love helping kids and pushing kids and helping them be accountable to reach their potential. I just need to do it in a different state so I can double dip (earn two retirement benefits)."

Allred, 52, said his last day at Clovis Municipal Schools will be May 24.

"I get to conduct the band at graduation for my daughter and for all my seniors," he said.

"First and foremost, I want to take care of these kids. They're going to be fine, they're going to do great things, the traditions (with Clovis music programs) will continue."

Announcing his retirement in December gives the school time to find his successor and gives him time "to figure things out."

"Do I want to be a middle school band teacher, assistant director, head director, small school, large school ... I don't know. This (early announcement) allows me to get all my affairs in order," he said.

Allred's departure comes "(a)fter nearly three decades at the helm of the state's nationally recognized, premier high school band program – including a stunning 11 consecutive years as New Mexico state marching champions," the CMS news release stated.

Allred was born in Gary, Ind., and went to high school in Kentucky before going to college in Knoxville, Tenn.

He came to CMS in 1996 as assistant band director at Clovis High School. That was his first job after graduating from the University of Tennessee, he said. In 2000 he became band director at Marshall Middle School, followed by head band director at Clovis High School in 2001.

His Wildcats have been the top-performing New Mexico band at the Zia Marching Band Fiesta 15 times since 2003. The state's band community generally considers Zia the state championship competition since most of the top bands participate in the season's final marching performance.

Allred's bands have won the overall Zia title 13 times, including an active streak of 10 straight.

"I'm going to miss these kids (in Clovis) a lot," he said. "I'm going to miss the highs and the lows with this program. Clovis has wonderful kids. I have been blessed in my 28 years here."

CMS stated in its news release that it is opening "the high-profile role" of band director starting immediately, with a call for applications.

"(T)he remaining months of the school year will provide opportunity for the selection of a new band director and allow for a seamless transition in leadership," the release stated.

The position will remain open until it's filled. Candidates can submit an application online at: http://www.clovis-schools.org

The job's salary range is $54,000 to $85,000, based on experience and qualifications, the district announced. The high school's head band director also receives an annual stipend of $16,000.

"The district is seeking exceptional candidates for the role who can carry forward the stellar legacy of the Clovis High School Band Program," the news release stated.

Allred said he talked with music students last week about his expectations for them.

"I truly believe the band can still continue to get better and improve," he said. "Our motto has always been 'We're proud, but we're not satisfied.'

"I would be crushed if this program took a step back. So it's important for me to hand the keys off to the next person with the program in the best shape possible."