Gwen Nakamura

Gwen Nakamura serves as Assistant Director of Bands, Assistant Director of the Marching Band, and Director of the Concert Band at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. She holds a Bachelor of Education in Music and Master of Arts in Music Education from the same institution. Her roles include conducting the Marching Band, writing show compositions, and leading the Pep Bands. Additionally, she teaches applied music on the saxophone and has extensive experience with secondary students in saxophone and bassoon instruction.

Before joining UH Mānoa, Nakamura led successful band programs at Castle High School and Kahuku High School. She is an accomplished saxophonist and bassoonist, contributing to both educational and performance aspects of music. Her professional affiliations include the National Band Association, Music Educators National Conference, Hawaii Music Educators Association, and the College Band Directors National Association.

No personal scientific awards or academic publications are explicitly mentioned, though her department has received recognitions such as the 2025 NAfME Collegiate Chapter of Excellence award. Her work focuses on ensemble direction, music education, and instrumental performance training.