Assistant Professor, Director of Wind Bands, and Conductor of the California State University, Los Angeles Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band, Dr. Abel Ramirez holds the Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Wind Conducting from the University of California, Los Angeles. He also holds a M.M.E. from Texas A&M University-Kingsville and a B.M.E. from the University of Texas at San Antonio.Previous to his appointment at California State University, Los Angeles, Dr. Ramirez was the Director of Instrumental Music at Oliver Wendell Holmes High School in San Antonio, Texas, where his wind ensembles and marching bands were consistent U.I.L. sweepstakes recipients and festival grand champions throughout Texas and other parts of the country. In addition, his marching bands qualified for the 5A Texas State Marching Band Contest each year during his tenure.
Since his arrival at California State University, Los Angeles in 2002, Dr. Ramirez has raised the Wind Ensemble to a level of national prominence, receiving invitations to perform at nationally recognized music conferences. Dr. Ramirez has quickly become known for his creative programming, balancing both traditional and contemporary literature, as well as for his special interest in the commissioning of new music by American composers. In 2006-2007, CSULA participated in two consortia supporting the efforts of composers such as David Maslanka and John Mackey. Dr. Ramirez has also conducted performances of the CSULA Wind Ensemble at the Fresno State Wind Band Conference. His ensembles have consistently received rave reviews from some of our professions most accomplished and respected wind conductors for their artistic performances each year. This year, the CSULA Wind Ensemble has been invited to perform at the 2007 conference as a feature guest Wind Ensemble.
Dr. Ramirez is a highly sought after guest conductor and clinician for numerous concert and marching bands across the country. He also maintains an active schedule as a concert, marching, and jazz band adjudicator. Dr. Ramirez has served as a music consultant for Music America Productions and American Classic Music Festivals. In 2004 Dr. Ramirez was appointed to the board of directors for American Classis Music Festivals, which is based in San Antonio, Texas.
