Thatcher, Ariz.—Eastern Arizona College will introduce one of the newest members of its Music Department, Dillan Francis, to Gila Valley audiences during the annual Music Faculty Recital on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m. in EAC’s Lee Little Theater. Admission is free and the whole family is welcome.
Francis joins EAC as associate director of bands, bringing an extensive background as a conductor, composer and woodwind performer. He will make his EAC faculty recital debut alongside his new colleagues during the free annual performance.
Francis comes to EAC following doctoral studies in conducting at Texas Tech University, where he served as a graduate conductor with the university’s bands. He holds a Master of Music in clarinet performance and wind conducting from Oklahoma City University, as well as undergraduate degrees in instrumental music education and clarinet performance from Southern Nazarene University.
His musical interests span conducting, composition and woodwind performance, with a particular emphasis on bass clarinet. As a composer, Francis has written works for a variety of ensembles and performers. His bass clarinet concerto, “The Traveling Bass Clarinetist,” premiered with the Oklahoma City University Wind Ensemble with Francis as soloist, and his chamber work “Morning Dew” was commissioned by the Eclipse Chamber Ensemble.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Dillan to EAC and to our band program,” said Dr. Geof DeSpain, EAC director of bands. “He is an exceptional musician whose talents extend well beyond the conductor’s podium. He is a gifted performer, composer and educator, and he brings an energy and breadth of experience that will be tremendous for our students. He has only been working with them for two weeks, and I’m already hearing from students who are exhilarated by what they’re learning and the energy he brings to the program. I can’t wait for our community to hear him perform and to see the impact he will have on the future of music at EAC.”
The Music Faculty Recital is a fall tradition at EAC, giving the professional musicians who teach and direct students throughout the year an opportunity to take the stage as performers themselves. This year’s program will feature Francis and other members of EAC’s accomplished music faculty.
For students, the recital offers an opportunity to experience their instructors as performing artists. For the community, this year’s performance also provides a chance to welcome Francis to EAC and get a first glimpse of the musician who will help lead the college’s band program.
The 2026 Music Faculty Recital begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, in EAC’s Lee Little Theater, 1020 N. Stadium Ave. in Thatcher. Admission is free and open to the public.
