The clamor of chairs and music stands and the chaos of nearly one hundred practicing Symphonic Band members was silenced when Michael Golemo walked to the podium.

Golemo, ISU director of bands, introduced Matthew Smith, the second of three candidates to conduct as part of the interview process for the associate director of bands position.

Smith communicated what he wanted from the band through robust arm movements accompanied with facial expressions, head nods and the sway of his body. He directed the band through the loud, regal sections and soft, slower sections of “Second Suite in F,” by Gustav Holst.

“I’ve conducted this piece before,” Smith said after the audition. “The students picked up pretty quickly considering is was only their second day on the piece.”

Smith said he was attracted to Iowa State in part because of the size of the band and the faculty’s reputation, and likes what he sees in the campus and concert facilities so far.

“The campus has very pretty areas, a mix of old and new areas,” he said. “I love the lake. The colors are very vibrant and refreshing.”

About 25 students had the opportunity to ask questions and talk with Smith over lunch.

Jeynae Thompson, junior in management information systems who attended the lunch, said Smith got along well with the students. “He was very comfortable talking with everyone,” she said.

Adam Byersdorfer, sophomore in management information systems and Symphonic Band member, said Smith was easy to follow. “He was very expressive and thorough with his explanations,” he said.

Mark Laycock, assistant professor of music and search committee member, said the finalists are all viable candidates.

“The visibility of the music program, its good reputation – particularly in the band area – the facilities and the city of Ames have brought out an excellent pool of candidates,” Laycock said.

Smith was one of three candidates chosen from a total of 25 applicants.

“Each of the members of the search committee brings a different perspective [to the interviewing process] but all were in agreement as to which applicants to bring to campus,” Laycock said.

The first candidate, Robert Foster, director of bands at the University of Kansas, conducted Monday.

The final candidate, George Brozak, graduate teaching assistant from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, will conduct the band Friday at 3 p.m. in 102 Music Hall.

A final decision should be announced next week.