When he went looking for a nominee to head the Royal Hawaiian Band, Mayor Peter Carlisle said he wanted someone with a pedigree in music and culture.

He found that person in Clarke K.L. Bright, band director at Kamehameha Schools’ Kapalama Campus since last year and, before that, director of its middle-school band for seven years.

Bright said the timing was right.

"I believe I can bring a spirit of unity to the group," he said yesterday at a news conference in Carlisle’s office. "And who would not want to be part of the Royal Hawaiian Band, in some form or another?

"If you’re going to enjoy music and direct a band in Hawaii — to be able to serve the community — there is no better place than the Royal Hawaiian Band."

Carlisle said Bright, whose nomination is subject to City Council approval, came highly recommended.

"Not only did Mr. Bright have all of the tools and all of the credentials and all of the ability," Carlisle said. "He also brings a certain degree of gravitas because of the significance of his family and the tradition of not only the band, but music and culture in Hawaii."

Bright is the son of Ron Bright, who spent 50 years as theater director at Castle High School and continues to direct productions at Windward Community College.

Bright takes over for Michael Nakasone, whose appointment in 2005 was met with some resistance by members loyal to longtime Bandmaster Aaron Mahi.

The band was founded in 1836 by King Kamehameha III and is the only band in the country with a royal legacy. It has come under scrutiny in recent years as city lawmakers looked for areas of the budget to trim.

Carlisle said the city would explore all avenues of funding to help pay for the band. The band’s operating budget this fiscal year is $1.9 million.