Episode 133 - Danny Mesa

Everything Band Podcast

Danny Mesa is an Army musician, conductor, and drum major for the 25th Infantry Division Band in Hawai’i.

Topics:

• Danny’s background growing up in Miami and some early teachers that helped him get his start and the lessons that they taught him.
• His first teaching job out of college and the decision to join the Army after just two years as a teacher.
• Danny’s role at the Army Music School and the nature of that program and how military musicians are recruited and trained.
• The Army bands, the musical activities of Danny’s unit, and his personal responsibilities as an Army musician.

Links:

• United States Army Bands
• Maslanka: Child Garden of Dreams
• Hindemeth: Symphonic Metamorphosis

Biography:

A native of Miami, Danny is completing his 12th year of active duty service in the US Army. Currently stationed with the 25th Infantry Division Band, Army Music Hawaii, his roles and responsibilities include: performing as a trombonist, conductor, drum major, group leader and head of the training department. Prior to his assignment in Hawaii, Danny served on the faculty at the U.S. Army School of Music in Virginia Beach, VA where he taught and directed: the Ceremonial band, chamber ensembles as well as concert band for the Advanced Individual Training Music Course. While at the school of music, Danny trained over 1200 Soldier Musicians, was named Cadre of the Quarter and earned the Senior Instructor Badge. Enlisting in February of 2008 as a trombone player, other assignments include: The Fort Lee Army Band, and the Army Ground Forces Band where he has served as a musical ambassador traveling around the country performing for spectators, students, Veterans, members of Congress and the 44th President of the United States. Danny earned a Bachelor degree in Music Education from Florida International University in Miami, FL where he was the a founding drum major of the “Golden Panther Marching Band,” studied trombone with Mark Hetzler of “Empire Brass” and conducting with Dr. Roby George and M. Gregory Martin. Danny also earned a Master of Music in Music Education from Boston University. Prior to enlisting, Danny taught High School Band. Danny is married to Nikki and is a proud father of two boys: Robbie, 3 and Oliver, 5 months. Twitter @dmesa_conductor | facebook.com/dmesaconductor