Biography
Vu Nguyen serves as an assistant professor of music and director of bands at the University of Indianapolis. He conducts the Wind Ensemble, directs the Pep Band and teaches courses in instrumental conducting and music education.
A native of the San Francisco Bay Area, he holds degrees in conducting from the University of Washington, the University of Oregon, and a Bachelor of Music in music education from the University of the Pacific. Prior to his appointment at the University of Indianapolis, Dr. Nguyen served on the faculty of Washington University in St. Louis and taught in the public schools of San Ramon, California.
Dr. Nguyen has conducted throughout the western United States and in Japan, and he maintains an active schedule as a clinician and guest conductor. His research interests focus on contemporary wind band literature, the music of Frank Zappa, conducting pedagogy, and the influence of culture on musical memory. His book chapter on composer Carter Pann was published in the fifth volume of A Composer's Insight: Thoughts, Analysis, and Commentary on Contemporary Masterpieces for Wind Band (Meredith Music Publications).
In addition to his academic career, Dr. Nguyen continues to serve as an officer in the Air National Guard (ANG) where he is the commander/conductor of the ANG Band of the West Coast, a 40-member unit stationed in California that is responsible for providing public concerts and military musical support throughout California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.