Dr. Isaiah Odajima

Associate Professor of Ensembles
Associate Director of Bands

Bands

Dr. Isaiah Odajima is Associate Professor of Ensembles and Associate Director of Bands at Baylor University. He is the director of the Golden Wave Marching Band, oversees all Athletic Bands, and conducts the Symphonic Band. Dr. Odajima instructs courses in instrumental conducting, marching band methodology, and serves as an advisor in the Music Education area.

Dr. Odajima joined the Baylor University faculty in 2009. He returned to Baylor from Michigan State University, where for four years he served on the faculty as the Assistant Director of Bands and Associate Director of Athletic Bands. From 2001 to 2003, Dr. Odajima was Baylor's Assistant Director of Bands and Associate Director of the Golden Wave Marching Band. Before his university posts he taught in the Texas public school system. He holds the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Wind Conducting from Michigan State University, a Master of Music degree in Wind Conducting from Baylor University, and a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from Stephen F. Austin State University. His principal teachers have been John Whitwell, Michael Haithcock, and Kevin Sedatole.

In recent years, Dr. Odajima has appeared as a clinician, adjudicator, and guest conductor at dozens of events throughout Colorado, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, and Texas. He has served on the faculty of the Interlochen Summer Arts Camp as the conductor of the All-State High School Band. He is a professional drill designer of half-time and contest shows for collegiate and public school marching bands, with a clientele list that has included the University of Oklahoma, the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, the University of Minnesota, the University of Texas at Austin, Clemson University, Iowa State University, Baylor University, and many others. Dr. Odajima is a member of the College Band Directors National Association, the Texas Music Educators Association, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and an honorary member of the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association as well as Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma band service fraternities.