Isaiah Odajima
Clinician
Drum Major Clinic
Isaiah Odajima is Associate Professor of Ensembles and Associate Director of Bands at Baylor University. He conducts the Baylor Symphonic Band, directs the marching band (Golden Wave Band), oversees all the athletic bands. He also instructs courses in instrumental conducting and marching band pedagogy, assists with the graduate wind conducting program, and serves as an advisor in the music education area.
Dr. Odajima returned to the Baylor University faculty in 2009, having served as the Assistant Director of Bands from 2001 to 2003. Prior to his current role, he served as Assistant Director of Bands at Michigan State University. Before his university posts he taught in the Texas public school system at the middle school and high school levels. He holds the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in wind conducting from Michigan State University, a Master of Music degree in wind conducting from Baylor University, and a Bachelor of Music degree in music education from Stephen F. Austin State University.
Dr. Odajima has appeared as clinician, adjudicator, and guest conductor throughout the United States. He is a strong supporter of public school music education and community ensemble opportunities beyond the academic realm. His leadership of his ensembles have been nationally recognized with invitations for the Baylor Symphonic Band to perform at two Southwestern Division CBDNA Conferences, and with the Golden Wave Marching Band selected twice for presentation at National CBDNA Conferences.
He has conducted performances at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, College Band Directors National Association Conference, American Bandmasters Association Convention, Texas Music Educators Association Convention, Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association, and served as a conductor at the Interlochen Summer Music Camp.
Dr. Odajima has recently been elected to the American Bandmasters Association, is a member of the College Band Directors National Association, Texas Music Educators Association, and is an honorary member of the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association. Dr. Odajima is also a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma.