EDUCATION
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in Wind Conducting | Messiah University | Mechanicsburg, PA (2017)
M.A. in Teaching (Instrumental Music Endorsement) | Concordia University | Portland, OR (2016)
B.A. in Music (Education & Composition) | Concordia University | Portland, OR (2012)
M.A. in Teaching (Instrumental Music Endorsement) | Concordia University | Portland, OR (2016)
B.A. in Music (Education & Composition) | Concordia University | Portland, OR (2012)
BIOGRAPHY
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Eben A. Fernando Heldreth is a Filipino-American composer, conductor, music educator, and recording engineer based in Portland, Oregon. He holds both Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Music Education and Composition from Concordia University. Additionally, Eben completed post-master's coursework, earning a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Wind Conducting (CAGS) from Messiah University. During his studies, he worked with esteemed faculty members, including Dr. Brad Genevro, Dr. Jack Stamp, and Dr. William Stowman. Eben has also received private composition instruction from distinguished composers such as Dr. Jim Colonna, Dr. Jack Stamp, and Alex Shapiro.
As a composer, Eben's works have been performed by various ensembles across the United States, ranging from middle school, high school, and collegiate groups. His compositions encompass a wide array of musical styles and genres, with a particular focus on wind ensemble, orchestral music, and music for the marching arts. Eben is committed to exploring a broad range of musical expression, drawing inspiration from diverse musical traditions, contemporary techniques, and both concert and film music. |
In addition to his work as a composer, Eben is an accomplished recording engineer. He has worked with numerous ensembles, capturing live performances and on-site recording sessions, focusing on achieving high-quality production with clarity and musical intent. His expertise extends to both the technical and artistic aspects of recording, where he combines his deep understanding of music with advanced recording techniques.
Currently, Eben serves as Director of Bands at Chemeketa Community College, where he oversees the college's band program and teaches composition and conducting. He is also a faculty member in the Master of Music Education Program at Longy School of Music of Bard College and a music instructor at Portland Community College and Mt. Hood Community College.
As an active composer, adjudicator, clinician, guest conductor, and private teacher, Eben has made significant contributions to the music community. He has also held numerous secondary education positions, including Assistant Band Director and Resident Composer at Skyview High School, Director of Instrumental Music at Yamhill Carlton School District (where he taught both band and orchestra), Music Director at the Washington State School for the Blind, and Jazz Director at Evergreen High School. With over 15 years of experience as a marching band instructor throughout the Pacific Northwest, he has worked with numerous middle school, high school, and collegiate programs and has also served as Operations Director for Shadow Marching Arts and Brass Co-Coordinator for Shadow Drum and Bugle Corps.
Currently, Eben serves as Director of Bands at Chemeketa Community College, where he oversees the college's band program and teaches composition and conducting. He is also a faculty member in the Master of Music Education Program at Longy School of Music of Bard College and a music instructor at Portland Community College and Mt. Hood Community College.
As an active composer, adjudicator, clinician, guest conductor, and private teacher, Eben has made significant contributions to the music community. He has also held numerous secondary education positions, including Assistant Band Director and Resident Composer at Skyview High School, Director of Instrumental Music at Yamhill Carlton School District (where he taught both band and orchestra), Music Director at the Washington State School for the Blind, and Jazz Director at Evergreen High School. With over 15 years of experience as a marching band instructor throughout the Pacific Northwest, he has worked with numerous middle school, high school, and collegiate programs and has also served as Operations Director for Shadow Marching Arts and Brass Co-Coordinator for Shadow Drum and Bugle Corps.
Visit the links below to learn more about Eben's career.
THANK YOU!
To the teachers and mentors who have contributed to my education, thank you. You have inspired me to be a life long learner and to continue to strive for musical excellence.
Conducting Teachers and Mentors:
Composition Instructors:
Teaching Mentors:
Trumpet Instructors:
Band Directors:
Choir Director:
Voice Instructor:
Conducting Teachers and Mentors:
- Dr. Bradley Genevro (Messiah University)
- Dr. Jack Stamp (Messiah University)
- Dr. William Stowman (Messiah University)
- Dr. William Kuhn (Concordia University)
- Kurt Berentsen (Concordia University)
Composition Instructors:
- Alex Shapiro (Concert & Media Music)
- Dr. Jack Stamp (Concert Music)
- Guy Michelmore (Media Music)
- Dr. Jim Colonna (Concert Music)
- Danny Orrantia (Concert and Marching Music)
- Dr. Duncan Neilson (Concordia University)
- Dr. David Mitchell (Jazz Composition)
Teaching Mentors:
- Phillip Scamahorn (Heritage High School & HeLa High School)
- Jennifer Ritenburgh (Hockinson Middle School)
- Steve Kuske (Evergreen High School)
- Danny Orrantia (Evergreen High School)
Trumpet Instructors:
- Scotty Barnhart
- Dr. David Mitchell
- James Smock
- Andy Fuller
- Steve Cannon
- Bruce Dunn
Band Directors:
- Dr. William Kuhn (Concordia University)
- Rich Inouye (Clark College)
- Steve Kuske (Evergreen High School)
- Danny Orrantia (Evergreen High School)
- Lewis Norfleet (Evergreen High School)
- Sam Ormson (Pacific MS)
- Bruce Dunn (Pacific MS)
- Herb Brodin (Pacific MS)
- Jean Kent (Frontier and Pacific MS)
- Cart Nelsen (Frontier MS)
Choir Director:
- Kurt Berentsen (Concordia University)
Voice Instructor:
- Konstantin Kvach (Concordia University)