WOLFFORTH, Texas (PRESS RELEASE) — The following is a press release from the Frenship Independent School District:

Frenship ISD is excited to announce the addition of Dr. Ryan S. Smith as the new Band and Fine Arts Director for the District pending approval by the Frenship ISD Board of Trustees next month.

Dr. Smith holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Wind Conducting from Texas Tech University and comes to Frenship with more than 15 years of teaching experience from the collegiate, high school, and middle school levels.

As the Band and Fine Arts Director for the District, Dr. Smith will oversee and lead Frenship students in Band programs at Frenship High School and the three middle schools.

“Frenship ISD has such a storied history of incredible Fine Arts education,” said Dr. Smith. “The opportunity to be a part of this and help guide the district to future success is tremendously exciting. We have amazing teachers already on staff and amazing student musicians already here at Frenship. I’m excited to get started.”

Dr. Smith is joining Frenship after serving as Director of Bands and associate professor of music for Lubbock Christian University since 2016. He also currently serves as co-conductor for the newly created Lubbock Civic Orchestra and is a member of several professional organizations including Phi Beta Mu, an honorary International Bandmasters Fraternity.

Dr. Smith has assisted with Texas Tech University’s Goin’ Band from Raiderland and concert band, served as Director of Athletic Bands for Lamar University, and has led several band programs at the middle school and high school level. Under his direction, his students have performed at state and regional venues, winning multiple awards and honors.

“I am extremely passionate about teaching and about Fine Arts education. I’m most looking forward to getting back into the classroom and making great music,” Dr. Smith said.

The District will make a recommendation to hire Dr. Smith at the Frenship ISD Board of Trustees meeting on May 18. Dr. Smith will be assuming his new position as Tom SoRelle, current Band Director, retires after 52 years of teaching, 22 of those at Frenship ISD.

(This is a press release from the Frenship Independent School District.)