During a recent spring community band concert, Central Arizona College officially dedicated room 149 in the Don P. Pence Center for Visual & Performing Arts at the Signal Peak Campus in Coolidge as the Rick Moore Music Rehearsal Room.

A press release stated that Moore, a former CAC professor, also was awarded the Ron Bowen Award, an award he created to honor a past band director who continues to play in the band.

During his time at CAC, Moore was an advocate for the arts. He worked closely with local band directors, traveling to schools throughout the area to provide clinics for band students. As a result of his work with the schools he implemented the CAC high school and middle school honor band. These yearly festivals allowed young musicians to experience high-quality music instruction while also forging a connection to CAC.

During his tenure, Moore oversaw the CAC Jazz Band and the CAC Concert Band. He was also instrumental in the establishment of the Entertainment Industry Technology (EIT) Program in 2010. The EIT program provides CAC students with four accredited associate degrees in Recording Engineering, Live Audio & Concert Lighting, Artist & Venue Management, and Popular Music Performance, plus four certificate programs that mirror the degrees.

“Professor Moore’s curriculum ushered in a new era of music education by providing access for students who desired to learn how to become a rock star, music producer, recording engineer, music business manager, concert lighting designer, live sound engineer, and countless other positions within the music industry,” stated Dan Bush, EIT program coordinator in the release. “Today, the EIT program boasts three world-class recording studios, a Digital Audio Workstation Mac Lab, and has graduated dozens of students who have embarked upon their newfound careers making music for a living.”

In 2018, Moore retired from CAC as the school’s long-serving band director and music professor.

“Rick’s legacy as a music educator is immense. Students of his have gone on to become band directors and music teachers,” stated Stacey Seaman, Pence director, in the release. “Many play in other groups around the state and country. Others have pursued careers in music-related careers such as theater and arts-advocacy. Additionally, thousands of community members lives have been enriched through their participation in the CAC band and jazz band program.”

Dr. Mary Kay Gilliland, academic vice president added that during his 17-year tenure at CAC, Moore’s “service was both distinguished and significant. He was a dedicated instructor and director, a visionary and creator of the Entertainment Industry Technology Program, connected alumni and retired faculty with CAC, and engaged Pinal County residents of all ages to share and enjoy musical experiences.”