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.
Tad Carpenter | ASST. BAND DIRECTOR & PErcussion Director
A past Vice President of the California chapter of PAS, Tad Carpenter has built a distinguished career in marching bands and drum & bugle corps.
Tad earned his undergraduate music degree and teaching credentials at California State University Northridge. He followed with a Masters in Percussion Performance, earning honors status at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music.
Tad has been involved in marching virtually since he could carry a drum. At age 11, he was playing with Santa Clara Vanguard. At 14, Tad got his first taste of success, winning the High Drum Caption with SVC in 1975. Over the years, he has instructed winning corps and marching bands including the Sacramento Freelancers, Glassmen, Velvet Knights Drum & Bugle Corps. Tad has also marched with the Disneyland Magic Kingdom Korps.
His horizons expanding, Carpenter led and composed percussion for the 1984 Olympic Band, the 1991 Olympic Sports Festival, the 1994 World Cup Opening Ceremonies in Los Angeles, and the Spirit of Tanjong in Singapore.
Tad instructs the Lancer Marching Band, Tournament of Roses Honor Band, PCC Percussion Ensemble and the University of Southern California Trojan Marching Band Drumline.
Tad is an endorsee for Innovative Percussion, Zildjian Cymbals and a Musician's Advisory Board member for EVANS Drumheads.
Email Mr. Carpenter - cmcarpenter@pasadena.edu