Giovanni Santos Ph.D.

Giovanni Santos joins the University of Redlands as Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Music, following a decade of leadership at La Sierra University in the same role. Under his direction, the La Sierra University Wind Ensemble achieved national and international acclaim — performing across the United States, making its Carnegie Hall debut, and touring the Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, and the Republic of San Marino. The ensemble also spearheaded numerous collaborations, leading to over 15 world and regional premieres of new works for wind ensemble.

A passionate advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI-B), he integrates these values into his compositions and educational work. His first symphony, Dolores, AmeriCan:

Symphony for Band, was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in Music by the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

In recognition of his artistic contributions, Dr. Santos received the Meritorious Achievement Award from the Minority Band Directors National Association for "exceptional contributions to the wind band repertoire with outstanding artistry and achievement." His music has been performed around the world, with recent highlights at Carnegie Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, and Seiji Ozawa Hall at Tanglewood, and by institutions such as the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, University of Illinois, University of Texas, Florida State University, Manhattan School of Music, and the University of Southern California, among many others.

Dr. Santos holds a Ph.D. in Music Education and Instrumental Conducting from Florida State University and a Master of Music from the University of Southern California.

• BMus. La Sierra University
• M. M., University of Southern California
• PhD., Florida State University, Music Education and Instrumental Conducting

• Director of Bands, La Sierra University
• Director of Bands, Loma Linda Academy (5-12)
• Director of Bands, Maywood Academy High School (LAUSD)

Over 20 compositions published through Murphy Music Press, LLC

• Pulitzer Prize in Music (nomination by the University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley)
• Citation from the Minority Band Director’s National Association for contributions in music education and composition