Candidate Chandler Wilson

Stetson University
Director of Bands

Biographical Statement

I am Chandler L. Wilson, Director of Bands at Stetson University, and I am honored to submit my name for consideration as a candidate for Southern Division President of the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA). I currently serve as Florida State Chair for CBDNA, as a member of the HBCU Relations Committee, and as a contributor to both the divisional and national Social Media Committees.

My professional journey has taken me across secondary, collegiate, and university settings, each of which has shaped my perspective and commitment to music education. I previously served as Assistant Professor of Music, Director of Athletic Bands, and Associate Director of Bands at Eastern Michigan University, as well as Assistant Professor of Music Education and Assistant Director of Athletic Bands at Florida State University. Prior to my collegiate appointments, I spent eight years as a public-school music educator in Florida, where I built and sustained thriving instrumental music programs.

I am a Florida native and a proud graduate of Florida A&M University (FAMU), a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). My lived and professional experiences from Title I schools through public education and into higher education leadership have deeply informed my commitment to access, equity, and excellence in music education.

As Florida State Chair for CBDNA, I have focused on expanding engagement, participation, and visibility of intercollegiate and collegiate ensemble experiences throughout the state. In collaboration with the Florida Music Education Association, I have worked to support meaningful structural improvements, including revised performance scheduling and the establishment of dedicated performance opportunities for both collegiate and intercollegiate ensembles at the state conference. These efforts have helped strengthen visibility, access, and opportunity for programs across Florida.

My service within CBDNA continues to center on advocacy, communication, and meaningful engagement across our membership. I am committed to strengthening the connection between collegiate programs and secondary music education, recognizing that our profession thrives when these relationships are intentional, collaborative, and sustained.

My leadership philosophy is grounded in CBDNA’s vision of Artists, Leaders, and Educators. I believe in expanding opportunity for a wide range of collegiate ensembles and institutions, fostering collaboration across all levels of music education, and supporting initiatives that reflect the full diversity of our profession. I am also deeply committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within our field, informed by both my personal journey and professional experience.

I am grateful for the relationships, mentorship, and opportunities CBDNA has provided me, and I respectfully submit my name for consideration for Southern Division President, with a commitment to serve our organization with integrity, purpose, and a focus on strengthening our community and profession.

Vision for the Future of CBDNA

As an organization, CBDNA and its members have been an important part of my professional and artistic development, providing a community of colleagues committed to excellence, innovation, and service in wind band music. Our collective work as artists, leaders, and educators continues to expand the boundaries of our field through new repertoire, collaborative performance opportunities, and meaningful engagement with students and colleagues across all levels of music education. I firmly believe CBDNA is strongest when it elevates the work of its members while also building intentional and sustained connections to the broader music education community that supports our profession.

Within the Southern Division, I see a clear opportunity to strengthen and deepen the connection between CBDNA and our secondary music programs. These relationships are essential to the long-term health of collegiate band programs and to the future of music education. By intentionally engaging K–12 educators and programs, we reinforce the pipeline of future musicians and educators while fostering a shared professional purpose across all levels of instruction. My own career, rooted in Florida, shaped by public school teaching, and expanded through multiple roles in higher education has reinforced my belief that these connections must be intentional, reciprocal, and sustained.

I also believe the Southern Division must continue expanding access and visibility for a wide range of collegiate and intercollegiate programs. Ensuring that ensembles of varying sizes and institutional contexts are meaningfully represented in our conferences and professional spaces strengthens both the inclusivity and relevance of CBDNA. Efforts within Florida to provide dedicated performance opportunities for both collegiate and intercollegiate ensembles reflect meaningful progress and serve as a model for broader divisional consideration.

Collaboration remains central to my vision. CBDNA’s partnerships with organizations such as the National Band Association and state music education associations provide valuable opportunities to connect our work more closely with the needs of the profession. Expanding these collaborations through performance, dialogue, and professional development strengthens our shared understanding of current challenges in both secondary and collegiate music education, and ultimately enhances the experiences we provide for our students.

My commitment to CBDNA is fixed in deep gratitude for the relationships, mentorship, and artistic growth this organization has provided throughout my career. I have been fortunate to serve in multiple professional contexts across Florida, Michigan, and national organizations, each reinforcing my belief that CBDNA’s greatest strength is its community. I remain committed to contributing to that community through thoughtful leadership, sustained engagement, and a continued focus on access, connection, and artistic excellence.

It would be an extreme honor to be considered for service as Southern Division President, while remaining committed to advancing the mission and impact of CBDNA and its members.