Brian Walden

Captain Brian O. Walden is currently Director of Bands & Instrumental Studies and Interim Director of Music Education at Samford University in Birmingham, AL. He previously served as the Director of Bands and Director of Music Education at Marshall University where he was also the Coordinator of the Graduate Conducting Program. He has conducted international recording artists live and for television performances with Neil Patrick Harris, Jason Mraz, James Taylor, Colbie Caillat, Take 6, Phillip Phillips (American Idol winner), Isaac Slade of the rock band “The Fray,” Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Branford Marsalis (former Director of The Tonight Show Band with Jay Leno) and many other artists. He has conducted ensembles and performed as a trumpet instrumentalist on every continent except Antarctica. Brian holds a BA in Music/Religious Studies (Double Major) from Saint Leo University, FL, a MM in Wind Ensemble Conducting from the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, MA and has completed all coursework towards a PhD in Music Education from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. In 2012 he was awarded the Outstanding Alumni Award by the Alumni Council of the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston for his contributions to the field of wind band conducting. Upon retirement from active duty serving as the Commanding Officer/Conductor of the United States Navy Band Washington, DC, President Barack H. Obama awarded Captain Walden the distinguished Legion of Merit for his 35 years of service to the nation. He currently performs on trumpet with the Alabama Winds and maintains active studios in trumpet and conducting at Samford University. Captain Walden is an elected member of the American Bandmasters Association and an active member of CBDNA, NAfME, Alabama Music Educators Association (AMEA), Alabama Bandmasters Association and NBA.