Dr. James A. Long is currently the Director of Athletic Bands at California State University, Sacramento. Prior to his appointment at Sacramento State, James was the Director of Athletic Bands and Lecturer of Applied Tuba at Oakland University (MI).

In addition to his career as a band director, James is an active tuba and euphonium performer and pedagogue. James has distinguished himself as a soloist both nationally and internationally: having received 1st Prize at the North American Brass Band Association’s Low Brass Technical Solo Competition, as well as a featured soloist at the 2015 Butlins Mineworkers Brass Band Championships in the United Kingdom. In addition to his solo experience, James has performed with numerous orchestras and bands—such as the Erie Philharmonic, Akron Symphony, Oakland Symphony, Dayton Philharmonic, and the Toledo Symphony Concert Band. Furthermore, James’ applied students have gone on to distinguish themselves through attending prestigious institutions, performing in professional orchestras, and being fellows at summer festivals. These include the University of Michigan, the Bay View Music Festival, Pokorny Seminar, Brevard Festival, and the Oakland Symphony Orchestra. 

James received His Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Tuba Performance from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, his Master of Music degree in Euphonium Performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and his Bachelor of Music degree in Euphonium Performance from Oakland University (MI). His teachers and mentors include Fritz Kaenzig, Dr. Kenneth Kroesche, Dr. Robert Benton, Timothy Northcut, and David Zerkel. 

Adrian Izquierdo (he/him) is a highly accomplished tuba player with extensive experience in both teaching and orchestral performance. He holds two Master of Music degrees in Tuba Performance, one from the Conservatorio Claudio Monteverdi di Bolzano in Italy and another from the UTRGV School of Music. Additionally, Adrian earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Tuba Performance from the Universidad Veracruzana School of Music in Mexico.

In addition to his orchestral contributions, Adrian has been actively involved in music education at various festivals and institutions, including the International Music Festival Estado de Mexico and the Vientos de la Montaña Music Festival. Notable orchestral roles include serving as the Principal Tuba for the Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra and the Mexiquense Symphony Orchestra, with guest positions in France and Italy.

Adrian has showcased his soloist prowess with performances alongside the Chamber Orchestra of Mexico City, Chamber Orchestra of San Luis Potosi and the Mexiquense Philharmonic. His international presence extends to performances in Italy, Mexico, Sweden, Spain, France, Belgium, Austria and the United States, where he recently presented a recital titled “Mexican Women” at the International Tuba Euphonium Conference at Arizona State University.

Recognized for his outstanding contributions, Adrian has garnered several awards and honors, including Italian government fellowship for studies in Italy, Special Mention at the Merida International Brass Festival Professional Division, and the first prize at the 55th Youth European Music Festival in Belgium. His musical education has been shaped by notable teachers, including Alessandro Fossi, Tom Curry, Scott Roeder, and Eric Fritz.