Candidate Albert Nguyen

University of Memphis
Director of Bands

Biographical Information

My involvement with CBDNA began in 2005 when I attended my first national conference in New York City as a graduate assistant at the University of Texas. At Carnegie Hall, the University of Texas Wind Ensemble gave the world premiere of John Corigliano’s Circus Maximus. That performance offered me a powerful glimpse into the historical significance of this organization. Many of our medium’s most important works have been premiered at CBDNA conferences, and the organization’s commitment to new music, student achievement, and artistic excellence continues to inspire me.

My official service to CBDNA began with an appointment to the Diversity Committee, where I have served for approximately eight years and continue to serve today. Through this committee, we have helped underrepresented conductors attend summer and weekend conducting symposia, developed a mentorship program, and continued to seek new ways to expand access for individuals who may not otherwise have the means or pathway to participate in conferences and other formative professional experiences.

I am also grateful that the University of Memphis Wind Ensemble has been featured three times at the CBDNA Southern Division Conference—twice as a selected ensemble and once as the host ensemble. Under the leadership of Division President Robert Ambrose, the 2024 Southern Division CBDNA/NBA Conference was hosted at the University of Memphis.

Through my service on the Diversity Committee, continued participation in CBDNA conferences, and involvement in organizing the 2024 Southern Division Conference, I have developed a strong desire to serve the organization on a larger scale. I believe that serving as an At-Large Member of the National Board represents a meaningful and appropriate next step in my commitment to CBDNA.

Vision for the Future of CBDNA

The vision of CBDNA can be clearly seen through the events, initiatives, and actions the organization supports. The expressed ideals of artistry, leadership, and education are evident throughout the annual activities in which we participate. To name only a few, these include the many commissioned projects we see each year, the recognition of artistic achievement and research through a juried selection process, the plethora of Conducting Workshops, the support of underrepresented conductors through the Mike Moss Conducting Study Grants, the creation of the Athletic Band Directors Symposium, and the sharing of information through the CBDNA Report.

One area I would like to further explore is education/mentorship. Specifically, I am interested in strengthening engagement among new college directors, graduate students, and undergraduate music majors. In considering this opportunity, I ask myself the following questions:

• How can we strengthen connections between experienced college directors and those who are new to the profession?
• At each conference, we have five to six college bands composed largely of graduate and undergraduate students. How might we better engage these students and encourage sustained involvement that supports both their learning and professional growth?
• In a rapidly changing world, what are the needs of new directors, graduate students, and undergraduate students, and how can CBDNA respond in meaningful and effective ways?

My vision for CBDNA is to continue the important work we already do while also bringing renewed energy to mentoring, engagement, and involvement among new colleagues, graduate students, and undergraduates.