The new director of the university band is now filling the shoes of former director Nicholas Contorno, who retired last spring after 24 years in the position.,”With over 20 years in the U.S. Army Band, Otis French knows a thing or two about high standards.

The new director of the university band is now filling the shoes of former director Nicholas Contorno, who retired last spring after 24 years in the position. Contorno is currently the university orchestra director.

Originally from Kentucky, French began his music career in fifth grade.A He played the trumpet for a brief period of time, but switched to euphonium when his junior high director was lacking players, he said. A lot of hard work and practice earned French the status of an all-state baritone player in high school. To pay for college, French entered the Army in 1978.

"I actually intended to go into the Army for three years, get the G.I. Bill, and get out," French said. "But I liked the Army program. I liked the idea of moving around. I moved 17 times in 24 years, but that's what you do."

The Army provided him with more than what he expected.

"I liked the opportunities for growth in the Army," he said. "I liked that they wanted you to go to school and that they had their own military schools. I liked it and ended up becoming an officer and a conductor and just made a career of it."

Before he could be named band director at Marquette, French had to come to Marquette and guest-conduct the band.

"Last year when we were going over different candidates, we had three who came in and guest conducted," said Eric Blaufuss, public relations director of the band and College of Communication junior. "He was everyone's choice."

Having worked with the U.S. Army Band for so long, French is accustomed to following firm rules and regulations.A According to Blaufuss, things are not as strict at Marquette.

"In our rehearsals we only require 40 percent attendance in our six hours of practice a week, so we have kids walking in and out," he said. "He's trying to get used to that."

Trying to fit into an already successful program may be a difficult task, but is exactly what French is trying to do.

"You want to find your own way and find how your talents and strengths work best in a situation," French said.

He said he feels he has big shoes to fill coming into an established program. Sunday's concert in the Westowne Square was his debut, and he and the band said they felt confident it reflected a month of hard work.

"It was awesome," said JoDee Wellnitz, an attendee of the show.

Michael Breitzman, another attendee, said the concert "was wonderful" and "very lively."

As band director, French hopes to leave a lasting mark on Marquette.

"I would like to see the growth of some special groups, maybe a wind ensemble, he said. "I think the mark I would like to leave most would be to continue to grow the program like the two previous directors have."

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