Larry Archambo recounts fond memories, successes in music department
When Larry Archambo came to MSU 25 years ago, there was no marching band. Now he directs the symphonic band, the wind ensemble and the marching band.
Archambo announced he will be retiring at the end of this semester.
“I really decided to retire a year to a year and a half ago. This wasn’t something that was done at the last minute,” Archambo said.
Archambo said the retirement thought process takes usually three to five years of careful planning and consideration.
“As you prepare, your finances change, your income stream changes. It’s a major part of your life when you stop getting that monthly check from the university and you start getting another check from some other source,” Archambo said.
Archambo said his wife, a high school band director at Midland, was the biggest factor for his retirement decisions.
With Midland being approximately 240 miles away, commuting back-and-forth on the weekends for three years and an increase in living expenses all contributed to his decision to retire.
Archambo is one faculty member who is taking advantage of the Voluntary Separation Program, although it was not part of his original plan.
“My wife and I already decided a year and a half ago that the 25 year, would be the final year,” Archambo said. “So this was one of those things that just came along. I think it is a good plan for the university.”
Archambo said there is never a perfect time to leave. He exhibited nothing less but passion and consideration for his students.
“You become concerned with the students you have in the program. And you want them to do well, but you just can’t be there until they all graduate,” Archambo said.
May 31 is the last day Archambo will be a part of the MSU staff. Though he has nothing in particular planned, Archambo is looking forward to the final concert on April 16.
Archambo was also very excited for a special selection that will be performed by one of the faculty members.
“Norval Crews, associate professor of music, who is also retiring, will be performing a solo with the band which is kind of cool,” Archambo said.
While the university is seeking someone to take over Archambo’s position, he is putting things in order for his replacement. He spent the summer organizing recordings of the band since 1949.
“I’m trying to leave everything organized for the next guy,” Archambo said.
Holly Irby, secretary of the department of music, said Archambo was indeed a very organized individual and had nothing but kind words to say about his retirement.
“He is going to be very difficult to replace. He’s been the band director for so long and has such a wonderful following,” Irby said. “He has done such a good job at it and he is also one of the most organized people I have worked with. We will certainly miss him.”
Though this is a bittersweet occasion, Archambo and one of his students were excited about the retirement.
“I am really looking forward to retiring,” Archambo said.
Students like Tyler Sennn, a junior in music education, were happy but sad to see Dr. Archambo leave.
“It’s a little difficult knowing that he wouldn’t be here next semester, but the fact that he has put in a lot of hours and he has worked so hard for so many years, it’s good to know that he will leave behind a great legacy,” Senn said. “We’ll miss him, but I am sure he will have great time being retired.”
Archambo always had a yearning to be a musician. Upon graduating high school in 1970, Archambo auditioned and later got accepted to the Navy Band. After being enlisted for four years, Archambo went on to further his studies as a music director.
Before becoming part of the MSU faculty, Archambo taught high school for six years.
After 25 years of teaching, Archambo is most pleased with the success of his past students.
“We have had a couple of music majors go on to get doctorate degrees and become professors, which is one of the most rewarding things that can happen,” Archambo said.
Archambo said the marching band has always performed its best whether performing in front of small or large crowds.
The band has also brought great honor to the music program by performing at exceptional events and places, he said.
“(In the) fall of 2007 we were selected the only college marching band in the state to march at the UIL State Marching Band Contest in Alamo Dome, San Antonio,” Archambo said. “Of the 25 years, we have gotten to march twice in Dallas Cowboys Stadium.”
The marching band has expanded since 1988 when the band had only 90 students. Today the marching band consists of approximately 100-120 students and Archambo works alongside Alan Black as directors for the marching band and the basketball pep band.
The success of athletics has influenced the number of members in the marching band, he said.
“It’s been fairly easy to recruit because athletics have been so successful here at Midwestern,” Archambo said.
Archambo said he plans to continue teaching and remain actively involved in music wherever life takes him.