San Jose Wind Symphony

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Music & Artistic Director,
Edward C. Harris

After an extensive national search in 2002, Dr. Edward C. Harris was appointed the conductor and artistic director for the San Jose Wind Symphony. The San Jose Wind Symphony has distinguished itself as one of California’s premiere concert bands, with performances at the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles Conference and the California Music Educators Association Conference, as well as international and regional concert tours. Dr. Harris serves as only the second conductor in the group’s 53-year history.

Dr Harris currently serves as the Director of the School of Music & Dance and the 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 at 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 brings to his position a broad knowledge of both traditional and contemporary wind band literature. His ensembles have gained wide recognition for their diverse and creative programs. Dr. Harris also 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.

As a professional clarinetist, Dr. Harris has performed with the Greeley Philharmonic in Colorado, the Pacific Symphony in California and the Modesto Symphony. His primary teachers include Robert McGinnis, formerly of the New York Philharmonic, Donald Carroll of the San Francisco Symphony and Dorrace Stalvey of Los Angeles.