My Musical Journey
Curriculum Vitae
I grew up in Santa Clarita, California and launched my instrumental journey on tenor saxophone at age 12. Rather than joining beginning band with my peers, I started by taking private lessons outside of school. A year later, I decided that music was my new passion, and I auditioned into the advanced band and later the district honor band. By age 15, at Canyon High School, I had switched to brass, playing sousaphone/tuba in marching/concert band and trombone in jazz band. At the end of my high school career, I had a total of four district honor band appearances, the director’s award, and the Louis Armstrong award.
I attended California State University (CSU), Chico and earned my undergraduate degrees in 2011 in both Trombone Performance, under the guidance of Dr. Lloyd Roby, and Music Industry/Technology. While there, I climbed to the ranks of principal trombonist of the Chico State Wind Ensemble, principal trombonist of the Chico Low Brass Choir, second trombone in the North State Symphony Orchestra, and lead trombone with the Chico State Jazz Express. Due to my academic achievements, I was awarded memberships to the Phi Kappa Phi and Gold Key Academic Honour Societies. After completing the degree programs at CSU, Chico, I eventually taught private trombone lessons and worked as a freelance trombonist throughout California. I secured positions as principal trombonist with the Paradise Symphony Orchestra and the Santa Clarita Philharmonic, second trombonist with the Apollo Orchestra and the Veridian Symphony Orchestra, and third trombonist with the Go Jazz Big Band and the Flight 584 Big Band. Perhaps my favorite role, I played in the pit orchestra for productions by CSU, Chico, Butte College, Inspire School of Arts and Sciences, and the Canyon Theatre Guild. Venturing into the rock/pop genre, I played with Jiving Board and The Couriers.
Upon completion of this project, I will be awarded with an MM in Music Education with a Specialization in Jazz Pedagogy from the University of Oregon. During my time at the university, I was fortunate to become the graduate employee with the Oregon Athletic Bands and Campus Band under the mentorship of Dr. Eric Wiltshire. I studied jazz privately with Professor Paul Krueger, performing with the Oregon Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Lab II, and the What’s Hamada You small jazz ensemble. Because I am never satisfied with my abilities, I continued to study trombone with Professor Henry Henniger. I was able to perform with the University of Oregon Trombone choir, offering mentorship to the undergraduates. Additionally, I credit most of my growth as an academic researcher with Dr. Jason Silveira. Without the guidance of all my undergraduate and graduate professors, I would not be where I am today.
Ultimately, this journey has led me to Colorado Springs, Colorado where I will begin the next chapter of this adventure as Director of Bands at Panorama Middle School in Harrison School District 2. Before stepping foot in my classroom, I can tell that Panorama feels like home, and with the support of my amazing colleagues and administration, I am excited to be working with the next generation of musicians in this extremely fast-growing city.
Go Ducks and Cougars Roar!
I could have never done it without my parents!
Daniel F. Galarneau 