Conductors

Music Director James O'Dell

James O'Dell became the third Music Director of the Concord Band in March, 2009, after the 50th Anniversary concert. He has been professionally active in instrumental music and music education for the past forty years. Mr. O'Dell holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Southern Oregon University and a Master of Music degree in Tuba, Euphonium, and Bass Trombone Performance from the University of Oregon. His graduate work also included residency in the DMA program at Arizona State University.

Mr. O’Dell is a distinguished and versatile educator, conductor, and musician. He recently retired as Associate Dean from Boston Conservatory at Berklee after serving 26 years, including twice as Dean and Chief Academic Officer ad interim, and Director of the Conservatory's Music Division. Mr. O'Dell was the Associate Conductor of MetWinds from 2002–2022, past Music Director of the Middlesex Concert Band, and Southeastern Massachusetts Community Concert Band. Mr. O'Dell has served as Director of Bands at Boston University and Mansfield University (PA). He is founder of the New England Collegiate Jazz Festival, Boston Tuba Christmas, and cofounder of the Boston Tuba Quartet and The Brass Consortium. 

Assistant Conductor Steven Barbas

Steven Barbas is a Music Specialist at Waltham High School, where he conducts the Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, and Pep Band. He also teaches Music Theory and Technology, Sound Recording, and directs the Middle School Honor Band. He received the Master of Music degree in conducting from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, where he studied with Mallory Thompson. He previously earned the Bachelor of Music degree summa cum laude in Music Education and Clarinet Performance from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell.

Prior to working in Waltham, Mr. Barbas was director of bands in Bedford, MA. Under his direction, the Bedford High School Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band consistently received Superior and Excellent ratings at festivals. He is director of the Belmont Parent/Teacher Band, is active as a freelance conductor and clarinetist, has appeared onstage in several community theatre productions, and sings in his church choir. Mr. Barbas has been a member of the Concord Band clarinet section since 2004, and has been Assistant Conductor since 2011.