Jason Chevalier is a Professor of Music and currently serves as the Department Chair at Mt. San Antonio College. Hired in August 2000, he was Director of Bands and served in that position until 2008. Mr. Chevalier earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with an emphasis in Music Education and a Master of Music degree in Instrumental Conducting from California State University, Fullerton, and is currently completing a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at Capella University.
Bands under Mr. Chevalier’s direction have received acclaim through their performances at Walt Disney Concert Hall, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Carnegie Hall, Sydney Opera House, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, and Orange County Performing Arts Center. Under his direction, the Instrumental Music Program at Mt. SAC more than tripled in size and distinguished itself as one of the leading collegiate band programs in the state, as evidenced by the Wind Ensemble’s performance at the College Band Director’s National Association Western/Northwestern Regional Conference in 2006 in Reno, Nevada. The Wind Ensemble took part in the commissioning of numerous new works, including Blue by Ran Galor, Journey’s End and The Mountaineer by Steven Mahpar, Phantasticke Spirites by Donald Grantham, Voice of the City by Richard Danielpour, Pandemonium by Roger Cichy, and Vintage Renaissance and Beyond by William Kraft. Prior to his role at Mt. SAC, Mr. Chevalier taught at Upland High School. The program he developed at UHS was highly regarded and highlighted by the Wind Ensemble’s performance at the National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Mr. Chevalier is a member of the College Band Director’s National Association, the Music Educators National Conference, and the College Music Society. He has served in elected offices on the Southern California School Band & Orchestra Association and the San Bernardino County Music Educators Association. Mr. Chevalier is also an active adjudicator for the SCSBOA and is sought out as a guest clinician and conductor. He has received the “Educator of Distinction” Award, presented by the Mt. SAC Associated Students, as well as a “Citation of Excellence” from the National Band Association.