GUest Artists

SAN JOSE METROPOLITAN BAND

Ken Nakamoto, music director

Sunday, October 13, 2024, 3:00 PM
”BANDthology”
Hammer Theatre Center, San Jose

Founded in 1967, SJMB is a contemporary concert band that has been performing throughout the Santa Clara Valley of California for over 50 years. The band plays a mix of modern works, symphonic classics, seasonal music, big band charts, marches, show tunes, and more. Especially popular with audiences are the patriotic concert for Memorial Day, the Fourth of July performance, and the Holiday concert.

The band is made up of more than 50 members, ranging in age from teens through 80s.  Based in San Jose, the band provides an opportunity for Bay Area residents to participate in large ensemble playing while providing wholesome entertainment to the community.  From Mackey to marches, patriotic tunes to Bach, and new up-and-coming composers to specialty numbers, the band encourages interest in and appreciation for all types of music.

The band is supported by SVCreates, in partnership with the County of Santa Clara.

KEN NAKAMOTO is the Music Director for the San Jose Metropolitan Band. Ken received his Bachelor's of Music Education and Euphonium Performance from San Jose State University. During his time there, Ken had the privilege of studying with Dr. Matt Tropman and Prof. Thomas Hornig. At the core of his artistic vision, Ken seeks to reimagine the concert band for the modern stage. He is an advocate for contemporary music, has helped commission new works, and has led several premieres with his ensembles.

Currently, Ken serves as the Director of Bands at Los Gatos High School and oversees the entire program. At Los Gatos Ken is responsible for teaching the jazz band, the marching band, and all three concert bands. His professional affiliations include the California Music Educators Association (CMEA) and the California Orchestra Directors Association (CODA) where he serves as a board member.

Outside of his duties with the Metropolitan Band, he is an active musician in the Bay Area. Currently he is serving as Principal Baritone in the San Francisco Brass Band.

SAN FRANCISCO BRASS BAND

Dr. James A. Long; conductor

Sunday, October 13, 2025, 3:00 PM
”BANDthology”
Hammer Theatre Center, San Jose

Founded in 2019 and based in San Jose, the San Francisco Brass Band (SFBB) is the sole nationally competitive British-style brass band on the West Coast and the currently reigning brass band champion in the 1st section. Our mission is to deliver exceptional brass performances to the SF Bay Area, proudly represent our region in national and international competitions, and amplify the voices of traditionally underrepresented composers and musicians. Over the past two years SFBB has clinched 1st place finishes at the North American Brass Band Association (NABBA) Championships across progressively more challenging divisions. In April 2024, SFBB won 1st place in the 1st section with outstanding performances of The Cosmographic Mystery and St. James’s - A New Beginning.

DR. EDWARD C. HARRIS, Guest COnductor

Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 3:00 PM
"For Ed"
McAfee Performing Arts Center, Saratoga

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.