Candidate Andrew Yozviak
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Director of Bands
Biographical Statement
My first experience with CBDNA was accompanying a talented student participating in the Intercollegiate Band to the 2005 national conference in New York City. Since then, the organization has provided a model of leadership that has helped shape my college teaching career through its standards, mentorship, and opportunities.
As my career developed, I sought opportunities for greater involvement in CBDNA. As Pennsylvania State Chair, I have served CBDNA connecting directors in the Commonwealth with the broader Eastern Division community. In 2010, I had the privilege of hosting the CBDNA Eastern Division Conference at West Chester University. This event was among the first CBDNA conferences to live stream its sessions in an effort to connect with a broader base of band directors and students. It also featured a performance by the West Point Band that included premieres of Roshanne Etezady’s Points of Departure and John Mackey’s Harvesttrombone concerto, with Joe Alessi as soloist. Hosting this conference was an early lesson in organization and communication that revealed the support, artistry, and vision embraced by the CBDNA membership.
Regular attendance at CBDNA conference offered a portal to the outstanding artistry and creative programming cultivated by performing ensembles. These experiences have not only had a lasting impact on my teaching and development of the West Chester University Wind Ensemble but have raised the performance level of ensembles across our school of music. I am proud of the WCU Wind Ensemble performances at multiple Eastern Division conferences and the 2019 CBDNA National Conference at Arizona State University.
Sponsoring Mike Moss Conducting Study Grants for participants in the West Chester University Summer conducting Symposiums has fostered connection with a diverse body of talented conducting students. It has been extremely rewarding to see how the recipients of these grants have gone on to thrive within the field!
My engagement with CBDNA extends beyond the concert hall. As a director of college athletic bands for thirteen years at two different institutions, I have experienced the full spectrum of collegiate band activities. The West Chester University Incomparable Golden Rams Marching Band has distinguished itself as model of excellence in the marching band community. As the 2019 Sudler Trophy Award Recipient, it has been featured in Athletic Band Video Presentation Sessions at three national CBDNA conferences, two Eastern Division conferences, and an Athletic Band Conference.
Most recently, I collaborated with CBDNA and NBA leadership to launch the inaugural CBDNA-NBA Eastern Division Conference at the University of Massachusetts in the spring of 2026. This effort highlights the kind of cross-organizational partnerships that can strengthen communication within the profession. I am proud to have helped bring that vision to life, and I am eager to build on it.
I have also participated in research projects led by CBDNA as a contributor to a chapter in the 2022 A CBDNA Guidebook for the Small College Band Program, addressing resource development and institutional advocacy for small college bands. Collaborating with the leaders of this effort revealed the vitality and creativity found in small college band programs.
Activities and interests outside of CBDNA have been guided by the example of mentors and motivated by needs within the field. Scholarly efforts are highlighted by the recent publication of Expanding the Canon, co-authored with Chris DeVona and published by Murphy Music Press. This collection of conducting excerpts incorporates works by contemporary and historic composers who have not been significantly represented in our programing and study.
As a composer, I have accepted commissions to compose and arrange music in a variety of genres including works for winds, chorus, jazz ensemble, and chamber ensembles. My work as an arranger has yielded arrangements for high school and university bands, drum and bugle corps and arrangements for NFL Films. Compositions and arrangements are published by Hal Leonard, Wingert-Jones Music, and Center X Productions. It is difficult to consider an area of my professional life that has not been impacted by my involvement in CBDNA. I am so very grateful for the friendships I have made and opportunities I have been extended.
Vision for the Future of CBDNA
As you can tell, membership in CBDNA has been an integral part of my professional life. Conference attendance has afforded me opportunities to connect with colleagues, soak in inspiring performances, and consider creative repertoire and programing options. Assuming leadership positions within CBDNA and supporting its initiatives has allowed me to help shape the trajectory of the organization. Should I have the privilege to serve as Eastern Division President, I will work to promote national goals while cultivating initiatives within the division. Two specific areas important to me are exploring ways to strengthen CBDNA through collaboration with other organizations and continuing to celebrate the importance of small college programs.
Seeking opportunities for collaboration, CBDNA made a commitment this spring to cultivate a partnership with the National Band Association. The collaboration between the two organizations established joint conferences in all six divisions. It was thrilling to be involved in this project in my position as Eastern Division Chair of NBA and witness the excitement with which leaders of both organizations embraced the possibilities this opportunity provided. During the 2026 Eastern Division Conference, juried performance opportunities were extended to three high school bands. These ensembles enjoyed the honor of performing at a significant regional conference, students were able to hear performances by college ensembles, and directors had the opportunity to engage with colleagues across levels. The reception from all stakeholders was extremely positive and a huge step in promoting communication within the wind band community. Building off these inaugural events will help connect directors across levels and promote collaboration that can only strengthen both organizations.
Fostering greater connection with our colleagues in small colleges and universities is another important initiative to me. Small college directors play a unique role, wearing multiple hats, and serving students across a wide variety of disciplines and levels of engagement. The creation of the CBDNA Guidebook for the Small College Band Program and experimentation hosting remote conferences were positive initiatives I see as a starting point for greater exploration into how to support our colleagues at small colleges. Many of the most prominent researchers in this area reside in our division, and leadership initiatives have consistently been sponsored by the Eastern Division. I look forward to continued conversations that help inform us of the unique needs of small college directors and working through ways we can provide support. I welcome the opportunity to represent the membership of CBDNA as Eastern Division President. I believe the breadth of my experiences and record of service in the profession have uniquely prepared me for the challenges of the position.