Dr. Peter Huerta | Director of Bands
Dr. Peter Huerta is an accomplished conductor, educator, and percussionist whose career spans more than fifteen years of music education and performance throughout Southern California. He currently serves as Director of Bands at Pasadena City College, where he conducts the Lancer Marching Band, Rose Parade Honor Band, and Lancer Concert Band, and teaches courses in music education.
Before his appointment at Pasadena City College, Dr. Huerta served for ten years as Director of Bands and Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair at Baldwin Park High School, where he directed multiple ensembles, coordinated district and regional festivals, and led the program to regional and state-level recognition. He previously served as Percussion Instructor and Arranger at Pasadena City College (2010–2015) and Director of Music at Vanguard Middle School, establishing a long record of student success and program development.
Dr. Huerta holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Instrumental Conducting from Claremont Graduate University, a Master of Arts in Music Education from the University of Southern California, and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance (Percussion) from the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach. His doctoral project, 21st Century Wind Band Music and the Evolution of the Wind Serenade, included a professional recording featuring works by David Maslanka, Eric Whitacre, Cait Nishimura, Katahj Copley, and Adam Schoenberg.
In addition to his academic and conducting pursuits, Dr. Huerta is an Innovative Percussion endorsed artist and an active member of the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association. His teaching philosophy centers on inclusivity, artistry, and student growth—fostering collaborative, high-achieving ensembles that reflect both musical excellence and community engagement.