PAST Conductors
Dr. Edward C. Harris
San Jose Wind Symphony Music and Artistic Director, 2002-2023
After an extensive national search in 2002, Dr. Edward C. Harris was appointed the conductor and artistic director for the San Jose Wind Symphony, becoming only the second conductor in the group’s long and storied history. Under his leadership, SJWS established itself as one of California’s premiere concert bands with performances at the 2009 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles Conference, the California Music Educators Association Conference, as well as international and regional concert tours.
Dr. Harris also served for many years as Director of Bands at San José State University. Born and educated in Santa Monica, Dr. Harris received his Bachelor of Music degree in music education and Master of Arts degree in clarinet performance from San Francisco State University. He received his Doctor of Arts degree in conducting and clarinet performance from the University of Northern Colorado, where he studied under Eugene Corporon. Before joining the San José faculty, Dr. Harris served in a similar capacity at California State University, Stanislaus; Humboldt State University; and the University of Wisconsin, Platteville. Preceding these appointments he served as Director of Instrumental Music at Sequoia High School in Redwood City, California, from 1971 to 1978.
Dr. Harris was well-known to the Bay Area music community for his broad knowledge of both traditional and contemporary wind band literature. His ensembles gained wide recognition for their diverse and creative programs. Even in retirement, Dr. Harris maintains an active schedule as guest conductor and lecturer throughout the United States. He has guest conducted honor groups and festivals in nine states and was selected to conduct the California Community College All-State Honor Band in 1983 and 2005, the California All-State Concert Band in 1988, the California All-State Symphonic Honor Band in 1996, and the CBDA California All-State Concert Band in 2004. In addition to his conducting duties, he has served as President of the Western Division of the College Band Directors’ National Association and has been on the Board of Directors for the California Band Directors Association and the California Music Educators Association. In 1995, Dr. Harris was honored to receive the “Stairway of the Stars” Award from the City of Santa Monica for distinguished contributions to the arts in California. In 2003, he was honored with the Gilbert T. Freitas Memorial Award for Music Education from the California Music Educators’ Association Bay Section and the CMEA Don Schmeer/Byron Hoyt Band Educator Award honoring excellence in instrumental instruction and performance. Dr. Harris received the 2006 CMEA John Swain College/University Educator Award for his progressive leadership at San Jose State University. In 2010, Dr. Harris was named the “Music Educator of the Year” by the Bay Section of the California Music Educators Association and received an Abby Award for distinguished arts leadership from the Silicon Valley Arts and Business Association. Dr. Harris was elected into the prestigious national organization the American Band Masters Association in 2011.
DArrell L. Johnston
San Jose Wind Symphony Founding Conductor, 1958-2002
Born in 1930 to native Californian parents in Sacramento, CA, Darrell Johnston’s musical talent was apparent at an early age. Darrell rose quickly in the ranks of local clarinetists and soon was soloing with various high-school orchestras and later professional jazz and orchestra big band dance bands. He joined the Sacramento Symphony while he was in the 9th grade.
Darrell graduated from California State University at Sacramento with a degree in music in 1952. He mailed an audition tape of his performing the Brahms “Sonata for Clarinet and Piano” to the famed Eastman School of Music at New York’s University of Rochester and was accepted. He earned his Master’s degree from the Eastman School in 1953.
Darrell credited his appreciation for chamber music to one of his professors at Eastman, the legendary Frederic Fennell. Professor Fennell later invited him to audition for the newly formed Eastman Wind Ensemble and Darrell became Principal First Clarinet, sparking a friendship that would last a lifetime.
After a two-year stint in the US Army Band, Darrell began his music teaching career in Woodland, CA. He was quickly recruited by San Jose City College (SJCC) as Professor of Music and Director of Bands. During his first year at SJCC in 1958, he founded the San Jose Symphonic Band, a renowned adult ensemble, which later became the San Jose Wind Symphony. He conducted the Wind Symphony for 44 years until he stepped down from the podium in 2002 as conductor emeritus. A tribute to his legacy, the San Jose Wind Symphony continues to thrive and perform today.
At San Jose City College, he was most proud of the highly successful chamber music program he developed, with up to 100 students performing per week. During his career, Darrell was an active judge and clinician with the World of Music Festivals band competitions and a clinician at chamber music festivals at California’s Humboldt and Chico State Universities and the University of Oregon at Medford. The San Jose City Symphonic band, the San Jose Wind Symphony’s predecessor, competed nationally and in numerous band festivals over many years. It hosted many renowned soloists and ensembles, including Julius Baker, New York Woodwind Quintet, Eastern Brass Quintet, Maynard Ferguson, Paul Horn, Don Ellis, Galen Lemmon, and many San Francisco Symphony principal players.
The Wind Symphony performed throughout California in major concert halls, including several times at Disneyland, as well as internationally. His jazz ensemble performed for His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden at the Swedish consulate residence in San Francisco during his US visit in 1976 (as the King was known to be particularly fond of jazz).
Darrell attributed the greatest gift he received as Professor of Music and Maestro to be his rapport with hundreds of students and musical colleagues. Many remained dear friends throughout his retirement. His passion for education and music inspired two generations of musicians throughout the Bay Area and beyond.
Darrell Johnston passed away peacefully on May 25, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. While we miss him dearly, we take great joy in the legacy of musical excellence and generosity that he has left to us.