Major Vu Q. Nguyen is the Commander of the Air National Guard Band of the West Coast, Channel Islands Air National Guard Station, Port Hueneme, CA. In this position he is responsible for all activities of this 40-member squadron, including organizing, training and equipping Airmen to communicate senior leader messages through participation in ceremonies, parades, recruiting efforts, concerts and other public performances. The Band of the West Coast is one of five ANG Bands in the United States and covers an eight-state area of responsibility that includes California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
Major Nguyen received his commission and assumed command upon completion of schooling at the Academy of Military Science in April, 2005. Prior to his commission, Major Nguyen served as an enlisted trumpet player, performing as a member of the Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Brass Quintet. During this time he also had the opportunity to conduct the Concert Band and led performances for distinguished guests, including President George W. Bush. In 2009 he led an ensemble that deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
A native of the San Francisco Bay Area, Major Nguyen is currently an associate professor of music and director of bands at University of the Pacific where he conducts the Wind Ensemble and Concert Band, directs the Pep Band, and teaches courses in instrumental conducting and music education. He holds degrees in conducting from the University of Washington, the University of Oregon, and a Bachelor of Music in music education from the University of the Pacific. Prior to his appointment at Pacific, Major Nguyen served on the faculties of the University of Connecticut, University of Indianapolis, Washington University in St. Louis and taught in the public schools of San Ramon, California.
Major Nguyen has conducted throughout the western United States and in Japan. He maintains an active schedule as a clinician and has served as guest conductor with the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West as well as regional honor bands in northern California, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana. Ensembles under his direction have been invited to perform at state music educator conferences in California and Indiana, and most recently, at the 2020 College Band Directors National Association Eastern Division Conference. He is a past recipient of the California Music Educators Association's Gilbert T. Freitas Award for Achievement in Music Education.
EDUCATION
2000 - Bachelor of Music, Music Education, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA
2005 - Distinguished Graduate, Academy of Military Science, McGhee Tyson ANG Base, Knoxville, TN
2008 - Master of Music, Instrumental Conducting, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR
2012 - Doctor of Musical Arts, Instrumental Conducting, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
ASSIGNMENTS
August 2001- March 2005, Regional bandsman, ANG Band of the West Coast, Moffett ANGB, Mountain View, CA
April 2005 - October 2013, Commander, ANG Band of the West Coast, Moffett ANGB, Mountain View, CA
October 2013 - Present, Commander, ANG Band of the West Coast, Channel Islands ANGS, Port Hueneme, CA
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air Force Commendation Medal
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal
Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 1 'M' Device
California Commendation Medal
Nevada Commendation Medal
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class August 10, 2001
Senior Airman March 1, 2003
Staff Sergeant March 11, 2005
Second Lieutenant April 21, 2005
First Lieutenant April 21, 2007
Captain April 21, 2009
Major April 21, 2016
(Current as of July 2020)