Director Profile: Duane Otani
Duane Otani is currently entering his eighth year of teaching and his first year on staff at Saratoga High School. Mr. Otani earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and Master’s Degree in Instrumental Conducting from Fresno State. During his undergraduate studies, Mr. Otani served as the drum major of the Fresno State Marching Band. While earning his graduate degree, Mr. Otani was a graduate assistant with the Fresno State Marching Band and co-director of the Fresno State Athletic Bands.
Prior to moving to Saratoga High School Mr. Otani taught at Aliso Niguel High School. During his tenure at Aliso Niguel the Wind Ensemble received unanimous superior ratings at every festival that they attended. In 2008 the Band performed at Carnegie Hall and earned a gold rating at the World Projects International Music Festival. The Aliso Niguel Marching Band was also the 2008 Western Band Association 3A State Marching Band Champion.
Mr. Otani began his career at Clovis East High School in Clovis, California, where he taught for four years. During that time the Clovis East Band Program earned numerous awards and superior ratings including a Winter Guard International Gold Medal and a performance at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC.
Mr. Otani is involved with several local and state music organizations including CBDA, MENC, SCSBOA and WBA. He annually attends state and national music conferences and was most recently a clinician at the fall ‘07 and winter ‘08 SCSBOA conferences. In the past, Mr. Otani was the circuit administrator of the San Joaquin Valley Color Guard and Percussion Review. He is currently the President Elect of the Western Band Association.
| go to Profiles |