Band

The Director

Michael Chance became the Director of Bands at Harding University in 1996 after a 21-year career directing high school bands in the public schools of Texas. In 1998 he was appointed the director of the University Orchestra as well. He holds the Bachelor of Arts degree in music with teacher certification from Lubbock Christian University and the Master of Music degree in trombone performance from Midwestern State University. Presently he is completing requirements for the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in conducting at the University of Memphis. His directing responsibilities at Harding include the Thundering Herd Marching Band, the University Wind Ensemble and the University/Community Orchestra. Teaching responsibilities include advanced instrumental conducting, low brass private lessons, band and orchestra literature and techniques, and drill design. He also serves as the department's coordinator of instrumental studies.

Chance's 23-year performance career includes posts as a trombonist with the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra, San Angelo Symphony Orchestra, Red River Lyric Opera Orchestra, and San Angelo Community Band. He also has performed with the Midland-Odessa Symphony Orchestra, Big Spring Symphony Orchestra, and South-Ark Symphony Orchestra. He is currently in his eleventh season as principal trombonist with the Pine Bluff Symphony Orchestra, and his third season as principal trombonist with the Little Rock Wind Symphony.

Chance is a frequent guest conductor, adjudicator and clinician for band and orchestra festivals and competitions in Arkansas, Tennessee and Texas. He directs the Searcy Community Band and is a board member of the Searcy Community School of Music. Professional memberships include the Arkansas Bandmasters Association, the College Band Directors National Association and Phi Beta Mu, the Conductors Guild, and the College Orchestra Directors Association.  He is a past president of the Arkansas unit of the College Band Directors National Association.

Chance and his wife Carla, a chemistry/physical science teacher at Searcy High School and a violinist, are the parents of three grown sons.