DATE: April 17, 2008

CONTACT: Mark Spede, (864) 656-3380
mspede@clemson.edu

WRITER: Glenn Hare, (864) 656-1478
ghare@clemson.edu

Ball State graduate promoted to associate professor at Clemson

CLEMSON, S.C. — Mark Spede, a 1988 master's degree graduate of Ball State University, has been promoted to associate professor of music with tenure in the department of performing arts at Clemson University.

Spede, who is the director of bands at Clemson University, conducts the Clemson's marching Tiger Band and the Clemson University Symphonic Band. He came to Clemson in 2002.

Under his direction, both ensembles have received critical as well as popular recognition. Most recently, Tiger Band was selected to give a video presentation of the “Guitar Hero” halftime show at the College Band Directors National Association-Southern Division Conference. The “Guitar Hero” show was praised for its innovative integration of the stadium video screen with the on-the-field band performance.

Spede is the recipient of Clemson University Board of Trustees 2007 Award for Faculty Excellence. The award is given annually to outstanding faculty members who have demonstrated excellence in their fields.

“Mark has gone above and beyond the requirements that have been established by the department; the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities; and Clemson University,” said Rick Goodstein, department chairman. “I applaud him for his numerous professional accomplishments.”

Spede also holds degrees from the University of Michigan and the University of Texas-Austin.