Performer Details
Performer Bio Synopsis
The Allen Independent School District Band Program consists of a seven-year curriculum starting with beginning band in the 6th grade. The middle school programs have a staff of eight band directors in three clusters that all feed into the Lowery Freshman Center/Allen High School program. The high school band program (grades 9-12) has a staff of eight band directors, two dance directors, and studio teachers that are responsible for a 650-member marching band, drill team, 10 concert bands, two jazz ensembles, multiple percussion/chamber ensembles, a pep band, and three separate winter guard programs. Students also participate in a dynamic All-Region, All-State, and Solo & Ensemble preparation program. The Allen band program is fortunate to have performed in the Tournament of Roses parade (twice), UIL Region/Area/State Marching contests, and other national and international venues. The Wind Ensemble consistently earns UIL Concert & Sight-Reading Sweepstakes and is also consistently named a Mark of Excellence National Award Winner. The Allen Band received the Sudler Shield Award in 2005. The philosophy of inclusion and community involvement coupled with a relentless pursuit of excellence is what drives the curriculum, faculty, and students. DIRECTORS: Alexander Baczewski, Joshua Blankenship, Andrew Camp, Neil Hicks, Dr. Steven Knight, Miles Locke, Dr. Philip Obado, and Jeremy Rohr
Allen High School Wind Ensemble
Conductor's Bio
Dr. Philip A. Obado is currently the Director of Bands at the Allen Independent School District in Allen, Texas. Dr. Obado’s responsibilities include serving as director of bands at Allen High School where he oversees the Allen Eagle Escadrille and conducts the AHS Wind Ensemble. The Allen Band program consists of a 650-member marching band (Allen Eagle Escadrille), drill team, 10 concert bands, two jazz ensembles, multiple percussion/chamber ensembles, a pep band, and three separate winter guard programs under the co-direction of eight band directors and two dance directors. In addition to Dr. Obado’s teaching duties, he helps maintain a comprehensive and vertically aligned band curriculum in all aspects of the Allen ISD band programs (grades 6-12) with the help of the directors at Allen High School, Lowery Freshman Center, Curtis Middle School, Ereckson Middle School, and Ford Middle School. Dr. Obado was previously Assistant Director of Bands at the Baylor University School of Music. His responsibilities included serving as Associate Director of the Golden Wave Band, director of the Courtside Players, director of the Concert Band, and teaching courses in conducting. Prior to this appointment at Baylor, Dr. Obado was Associate Director of Bands at Illinois State University where he was the director of the Big Red Marching Machine, conducted the Symphonic Winds and Symphonic Band, and taught courses in conducting and marching band techniques. He has also enjoyed twelve years teaching in the Florida public schools most notably as the Director of Bands at East River High School (Orlando), University High School (Orlando), and South Fork High School (Stuart). Originally from Florida, Dr. Obado received the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in wind conducting from Michigan State University, a Master of Music Education degree from Florida State University, and a Bachelor of Music in Education and Performance from Ithaca College. His primary conducting teachers include Kevin Sedatole, Stephen Peterson, and James Croft. Dr. Obado’s professional affiliations have included the National Band Association, American School Band Directors Association, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, College Band Directors National Association, and is an honorary member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and Tau Beta Sigma.
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