Candidate Phil Vallejo

Marshall University
Director of Bands

Biographical Statement

With more than twenty years of experience in public school and higher education music programs, Phil Vallejo is a passionate music educator and conductor dedicated to serving students, communities, and the continued advancement of music education. Currently serving as Director of Bands at Marshall University, Phil believes deeply in the power of music to inspire curiosity, creativity, lifelong learning, and meaningful human connection. His teaching philosophy centers on empowering students through mentorship, collaboration, and the pursuit of artistic excellence while fostering environments where students feel valued, challenged, and supported.

Although Phil’s experience as a collegiate band director spans the last five years, the principles that guide his teaching, leadership, and service have remained consistent throughout his career and closely align with the values of CBDNA. He believes strongly in student-centered teaching, cultivating inclusive and collaborative musical communities, and embracing both the traditions and evolving future of the wind band profession.

Throughout his career, Phil has embraced a wide variety of musical experiences and educational settings, ranging from public school band, orchestra, jazz, athletic band, and color guard programs to collegiate conducting and leadership roles. These experiences have strengthened his commitment to creating transformative musical opportunities that encourage growth not only as performers, but also as people. Whether teaching beginning students, mentoring future educators, or conducting advanced ensembles, Phil strives to foster curiosity, creativity, accountability, and connection through music-making.

Phil is equally committed to the evolution of the wind band repertoire and the promotion of new music. He has participated in numerous commissioning consortiums and collaborative projects with both emerging and established composers, supporting works that reflect diverse voices, perspectives, and musical languages. Through these efforts, he seeks to expand the artistic and educational experiences available to students while contributing to a vibrant and continually evolving future for the wind band profession.

In addition to his work on the podium, Phil has dedicated significant service to the music education community through leadership, mentorship, adjudication, clinician work, and conference presentations. As former President of the California Band Directors Association, he focused on expanding access to professional development opportunities and creating meaningful resources for younger generations of music educators. Prior to serving as President, Phil spent six years as coordinator for the California All State Music Educators Conference (CASMEC), where he oversaw all aspects of conference operations, including city and hotel contracts, event logistics, housing and coordination for more than 1,000 student participants, and the management of a volunteer staff of more than 200 educators and community members. His work reflects a belief that strong, supportive communities of educators can profoundly impact students, schools, and the future of the profession.

Phil’s professional experiences include service at Marshall University, Oklahoma State University, Arizona State University as a graduate student, James C. Enochs High School, and Clovis East High School. Throughout every stage of his career, Phil has remained committed to empowering students, advocating for meaningful musical experiences, supporting the creation of new music, and serving the broader music education community with humility, curiosity, and purpose.

Vision for the Future of CBDNA

As music educators and conductors, we are entrusted not only with preserving the traditions and artistry of the wind band medium, but also with preparing the next generation of leaders, advocates, and teachers who will shape the future of music education. I believe the future of CBDNA lies in its ability to continue serving as a dynamic and inclusive community that connects individuals to ideas, resources, and one another while empowering collegiate programs to develop students who are prepared to lead in an ever-changing world.

CBDNA has long been devoted to the teaching, performance, study, and cultivation of music through meaningful dialogue and collaboration across diverse philosophies and professional practices. Moving forward, I believe our organization has an opportunity to further strengthen its role as a national leader in advocacy for music education and the arts. As higher education continues to evolve, collegiate band programs must not only prepare exceptional performers and conductors, but also equip students with the skills necessary to advocate for the value of music in schools, universities, and communities across the country.

The future of music education depends on educators who understand how to build meaningful connections, foster inclusive and student-centered environments, embrace evolving repertoire and musical perspectives, and articulate the lifelong impact of music study. CBDNA can continue to lead this work by supporting mentorship, collaboration, innovative programming, and professional development opportunities that prepare students and educators alike to navigate the challenges and opportunities facing our profession.

I envision a CBDNA that continues to celebrate artistic excellence while also championing accessibility, service, creativity, and community engagement. By investing in the development of future music educators, conductors, and advocates, we strengthen not only the wind band profession, but also the broader cultural and educational landscape. Through collaboration, curiosity, and a shared commitment to serving students, CBDNA can help ensure a vibrant and sustainable future for music education for generations to come.