Dr. Leo Sakomoto is Associate Professor of Music and Director of Instrumental Studies at California
State University, Bakersfield, where he conducts the Concert Band, Symphonic Band,
and Bakersfield College/CSUB Orchestra, directs the Pep Band, and teaches courses
in music education and conducting. He is also founder of the CSUB High School Honor
Orchestra and the CSUB Band Clinic Festival. Under his leadership, CSUB’s instrumental
program has earned several honors, including recognition from the College Band Directors
National Association.
Dr. Sakomoto also serves as Conductor of the Bakersfield Youth Symphony and previously
served as Assistant Conductor of the Inland Valley Symphony Orchestra. He has appeared
as a guest conductor with the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, leading its Young People’s
Concerts and Family Matinee concert.
An active guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator, Dr. Sakomoto works with bands and orchestras across the United States and internationally. His guest conducting engagements have taken him to California, Texas, South Carolina, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Ecuador, most recently for an appearance with the Orquesta Filarmónica Municipal de Guayaquil. He has also been an invited participant in conducting competitions in Finland and Poland.
As a conference presenter, Dr. Sakomoto lectures on repertoire, conducting, and rehearsal
efficiency. His contributions to music education have been recognized by the Kern
County Music Educators Association with its Outstanding College/University Music Educator
and Music Educator of the Year awards.
Dr. Sakomoto earned his Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music degrees in Conducting from UCLA and his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from California State University, Los Angeles. He also holds certification in Kodály Methodology through the Organization of American Kodály Educators.