Portrait of Vu Nguyen

Vu Nguyen

Vu Nguyen is Professor of Music and Director of Bands at the Conservatory of Music at University of the Pacific, where he conducts the Pacific Wind Bands and teaches courses in conducting and music education.

Nguyen is an active guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator, working with military and university ensembles as well as honor bands at state, regional, and local levels across the country. Ensembles under his direction have performed at the Midwest Clinic, the College Band Directors National Association Conference, and state music educator conferences. Among his recent projects is the Pacific Wind Bands’ commercial recording From a Deep Blue Sky, featuring music by Viet Cuong, Kevin Day, Alex Shapiro, and Brian Bùi.

In addition to his academic career, Nguyen retired as an officer in the Air National Guard, where he served as commander/conductor of the ANG Band of the West Coast. In that position, he was responsible for all activities of the 40-member squadron, including ceremonies, parades, concerts, and other public performances throughout an eight-state region: California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

A native of the San Francisco Bay Area, Nguyen began his career as a music educator in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District. He holds degrees in conducting from the University of Washington and the University of Oregon, and a Bachelor of Music in music education from University of the Pacific. Before returning to Pacific, he held similar positions at the University of Connecticut, University of Indianapolis, and Washington University in St. Louis.

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