Candidate Benjamin Lorenzo

Kent State University
Director of Bands

Biographical Information

The College Band Directors National Association has significantly impacted my career over the last 15 years. The professional relationships formed, the mentorship I have received, and countless profound musical experiences because of membership in this organization have helped shape me as an educator. I am beginning my third year as Director of Bands at Kent State University. Before this position, I spent seven years as Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands at the University of Arkansas. I have also held positions at Oklahoma State University and Texas Tech and began my teaching career in Miami-Dade County public schools.

My involvement with CBDNA began as a graduate student. Since then, I have attended conferences regularly and even assisted in organizing and hosting the national conference in Austin in 2009. Over the years, I have presented and participated in panel discussions at regional and national conferences, including the Athletic Band Symposium. In the area of athletic bands, my ensemble was selected for the 2017 CBDNA National Conference video showcase in Kansas City, MO. Additionally, I have guest conducted at a regional conference in Boulder, CO, with the University of Arkansas Wind Ensemble, and The Ohio State Symphonic Band at the 2024 North Central Division Conference, as part of the “Chosen Gems” session.

Currently, I serve CBDNA as chair of the diversity committee, a position held since 2019. Alongside the members of this committee, I have administered the Mike Moss Conducting Study Grant to award over 15 grants totaling $7,500 to summer symposia to members of underrepresented populations in our profession. In addition, the host symposiums donate upwards of $10,000 of tuition to participants. While the financial resources invested in the program have grown in the last several years, I am particularly proud of its impact on increasing diversity in our field. Graduate programs serve as the primary entry point for jobs in our profession. Many recipients of these grants have gone on to graduate assistantships and collegiate teaching positions, benefiting from the connections developed by the grant.

I also serve on the board of the William P. Foster Project. A partnership between Music For All, the College Band Directors Association, and the National Band Association, the collaborative supports bands in historically unserved and under-resourced communities focusing on three support areas: an awards program, mentorship, and best practice resources. We work together with these organizations and more to provide recognition, support, and resources to directors who need them. The size and support of this program have also grown to include significant contributions by the Midwest Clinic, Conn Selmer, Yamaha, and several other prominent organizations and companies. Further involvement in CBDNA included serving on the committee to revise the organization’s Statement of Purpose to create one more accurately representing who we are and want to be. This was an important project as the organization strives to remain strong in the future.

The last eight years have seen my work and service to the organization in building community through the Diversity Committee. It is an honor to serve our professional organization, and I am happy to give back to an organization from which I have benefited so much. While I remain committed to this work, I would welcome the opportunity to serve the organization in a new role.

Vision for the Future of CBDNA

The College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) supports and promotes college bands nationwide. As we look toward the future, CBDNA must build a supportive community where individuals feel valued and have ample opportunities to grow as artists and educators. By creating such a community, CBDNA will foster a healthy pool of members who will share their experiences, learn from each other, and collaborate on new projects.

To effectively serve its diverse membership, the organization must balance the needs of allcollegiate band programs, regardless of their size, type, or location. Furthermore, it is imperative to understand and support the work and challenges of athletic band directors, as they make up a significant portion of our members. Collaboration with composers is essential to promote the creation of quality repertoire for collegiate ensembles of all levels, while also encouraging diversity in programming and promoting composers from underrepresented populations to expand the canon.

As an organization, CBDNA should also focus on serving communities through performances and outreach efforts to increase the relevance of our work. We must prepare for challenges related to enrollment, advocacy, and funding, as these issues will impact our work. By prioritizing these areas, we can ensure the continued success and growth of CBDNA and its members.

Conferences should celebrate the artistic and scholarly achievements of the members and inspire them to grow further. We must recognize and honor traditions while responding to academic and artistic trends. Moreover, conferences should be integrated into the host communities to expand our impact and provide opportunities for student performers to showcase their talents. Our panels should include timely and topical discussions that serve our membership and encourage flexibility in performance.

The College Band Directors National Association is a passionate community devoted to serving our students and furthering the art form. As a member of this organization, I am honored to be a part of such a dedicated community and excited to contribute to its growth and success in any way I can.