Dustin Barr

Dustin Barr is the Director of Wind Studies and Associate Professor of Music at California State University, Fullerton, where he leads the university's comprehensive band program. He conducts the acclaimed University Wind Symphony and University Band, oversees the graduate wind conducting program, and teaches courses in conducting and music education. Prior experiences include appointments as Assistant Director of Bands at Michigan State University, Director of Bands at Mt. San Antonio College, and Assistant Director of Bands at Esperanza High School in Anaheim, California.

A leading pedagogue in the field of conducting, Barr collaborated with theatre director Jerald Schwiebert to integrate performance theory with various movement disciplines, pioneering innovative approaches to conducting instruction. Their co-authored book, Expressive Conducting: Movement and Performance Theory for Conductors (Routledge, 2018), has become an essential resource for conductors worldwide. His work in movement theory has resulted in invitations to present masterclasses and lectures throughout the USA and in Spain. Moreover, his research on Scandinavian chamber wind ensemble music resulted in published editions of Asger Lund Christiansen’s Octet, Op. 43 and Svend Schultz’s Divertimento for Wind Octet.

Barr's accomplishments have garnered wide recognition, including winning Second Prize of the 2024 American Prize in Conducting and Second Prize of the 2024 American Prize in Collegiate Wind Band Performance. His leadership of the CSUF University Wind Symphony has resulted in prestigious performances at the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) conferences at both national (2019) and regional (2024) levels, as well as a headlining performance at the 2023 California All State Music Education Conference. The University Wind Symphony’s 2022 album, Effigy, is another noteworthy achievement. This album features the music of composer Brian Baumbusch and was the result of innovative musical practices and remote recording projects undertaken during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under Barr’s direction, the ensemble also received Third Prize in the 2021 American Prize Ernst Bacon Award for the Performance of American Music.

Barr has guest conducted prominent ensembles, including the United States Army Band "Pershing's Own" and the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West, in addition to numerous collegiate bands across the country. Additionally, he has appeared as guest conductor of leading municipal bands in Valencia and Almería, Spain. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in conducting from the University of Michigan, and both Master and Bachelor of Music degrees from California State University, Fullerton. His principal mentors include Michael Haithcock and Mitchell Fennell.