Ferd W. Vollmar

Guest Conductor

Ferd Vollmar assumed his duties as Director of Bands and Professor of Music Education at the University of the Incarnate Word in the fall of 2009. His responsibilities include directing and coordinating all aspects of the UIW Cardinal Marching Band and conducting the Wind Ensemble. Professor Vollmar also serves the School of Music as Director of Instrumental Studies. Prior to his recent appointment at Incarnate Word, Mr. Vollmar served as the Director of Music Education for the North East Independent School District in San Antonio, Texas from 2001 to 2009. Mr. Vollmar duties included supervising band, choir, and orchestra programs at seven high schools, thirteen middle schools, forty-four elementary schools, and the district’s Fine Arts Magnet School. Mr. Vollmar also served successfully in the public schools as Director of Bands at Winston Churchill High School from 1987-2001, and at Santa Fe High School from 1977-1987. Under Mr. Vollmar’s direction, the Churchill and Santa Fe Bands were consistent TMEA Honor Band and UIL State Marching Band finalists. Also, the Churchill band has been a Bands of America Regional Champion five times and twice a finalist at the BOA Grand Nationals in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Mr. Vollmar holds a Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Sam Houston State University and a Master of Music Degree from the University of Houston. Mr. Vollmar is an active adjudicator and a clinician in Texas and throughout the South. He has served UIL and TMEA in many different positions, including Region 12 Band Division Chairman, representative on the UIL Music Advisory Committee, and contest host for UIL State Marching Band Contest since 2003. His professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Phi Beta Mu, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.