Candidate Shanti Simon

University of Colorado Boulder
Director of Bands

Biographical Statement

I am Director of Bands and Professor of Conducting at the University of Colorado Boulder and serve as Associate Conductor of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic. As an active member of CBDNA, I have contributed to the organization through conference presentations and leadership. I hosted the 2020 CBDNA Southwestern Division Conference at the University of Oklahoma. I have presented research at CBDNA conferences, including my session “Completing the Circle.” Through my work as a conductor, educator, and mentor, I remain committed to advancing the collegiate wind band profession through teaching, creative activity, and service.

As I continue my professional journey, I am eager to deepen my service to CBDNA through board leadership as a member-at-large. Throughout my career, I have worked to build connections among students, educators, composers, and audiences while fostering innovation and excellence within the wind band profession. I believe my experiences as a university band director, professional conductor, and conference host have prepared me to contribute meaningfully to the organization’s strategic initiatives. Service on the CBDNA Board would provide an opportunity to support the association’s mission, represent the diverse perspectives of our membership, and help shape a vibrant and inclusive future for collegiate bands.

Vision for the Future of CBDNA

As higher education, technology, and the performing arts continue to evolve, CBDNA must lead with purpose, innovation, and a commitment to artistic excellence. Our future depends on honoring the rich traditions of the wind band while actively shaping what the next generation of musicians, educators, and audiences will become.

CBDNA should serve as the leading voice for collegiate bands and wind music, advocating for the transformative power of our art form while fostering collaboration, inclusion, and innovation. We must continue to champion the highest standards of performance and scholarship while expanding access to meaningful musical experiences for students and communities.

The future of CBDNA lies in preparing musicians for an evolving profession. Beyond artistic mastery, students need skills in leadership, communication, technology, entrepreneurship, and audience engagement. CBDNA should be a catalyst for sharing best practices that help educators prepare graduates for success in diverse musical careers.

Innovation must remain central to our mission. Creative programming, interdisciplinary collaboration, digital media, and emerging technologies provide powerful opportunities to engage audiences and expand the reach of wind music. CBDNA can lead these conversations by creating platforms for educators to share ideas, research, and successful models for the future.

We must also continue to advocate for music that reflects the diversity of our society. By supporting composers, performers, and scholars from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives, we strengthen the vitality and relevance of the wind band medium.

Ultimately, the future of CBDNA is not simply about sustaining tradition. It is about leading the evolution of our art form. By embracing excellence, innovation, inclusion, and service, CBDNA can ensure that wind bands remain among the most dynamic and impactful artistic forces in higher education and beyond.