Brian D. Langdon

Director, Jazz Ensemble, UC Tonight Modern Band, Department Publicity Manager
he/him/his

Mr. Brian D. Langdon is the Jazz Band Director at Ursinus College while also overseeing the publicity of the music department through print and social media. Mr. Langdon is also a music educator in the Boyertown School District where he directs the BASD Elementary Band program while also teaching various general music classes at the middle school level. Previously, Mr. Langdon was the Director of Bands at Boyertown Area Senior High School (BASH) for 11 years where he directed the BASH Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Percussion Ensemble, Mega-Band, the BASH Big Band and Boyertown Marching Unit. He also oversaw the BASH Winter Guard, BASH Jazz Ensemble and various chamber ensembles at Boyertown Senior High School. Under his direction since 2012, Boyertown Senior High School saw growth in students involved, curricular offerings for both performing and non-performing classes, and performance opportunities for students including 3 international tours to Prague, Vienna, Salzburg, Spain, and England. Prior to coming to Boyertown School District in 2012, he taught in the Pottstown School District and led the elementary band program.

Mr. Langdon’s groups have received various honors and accolades at the festivals and adjudications they have attended during his tenure. He is also an active arranger and composer for jazz and marching bands for both Middle and High School programs. Mr. Langdon received his B.S. of Music Education, cum laude, from West Chester University and his Masters of Education degree at Lehigh University. He recently completed his second master’s degree in Instrumental Conducting at West Chester University where he studied with Dr. Andrew Yozviak in May of 2024. 

In 2016, Brian Langdon was selected as one of 20 Music Educators from around the nation by the National Association of Music Educators in association with 21st Century Fox and the Give A Note Foundation as a Music Ed Idol. He has also been nominated for the GRAMMY Foundation’s Music Educator Award as well the “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.” As a performer, Mr. Langdon has had the pleasure of playing trombone and euphonium in both classical and jazz settings. He has played with world famous musicians including Alan Vizzutti, Bobby Shew, Randy Brecker, Matthew Niess, Bob Curnow, Brian MacDonald and Matt Gallagher.

Beyond the band world, Brian loves to spend time at home with his wife (Mandi), two children Ben and Nora, as well as travel as a family.

Department

Music

Degrees

  • B.S. West Chester University (Music Education)
  • M.Ed Lehigh University (Instructional Leadership)
  • M.M. in Performance West Chester University (Instrumental Conducting)

Teaching

Ursinus College Jazz Ensemble (Director)

UC Tonight Modern Band (Director)

Professional Experience

Selected Performing Groups

  • The Director’s Big Band
  • High Street Jazz Combo
  • Jump City Jazz
  • Rob Stonebeck Jazz Band
  • Chico’s Vibe
  • Boyertown Alumni Band
  • Facetime Community Theatre Pit Orchestra
  • Various chamber and large ensembles in the Tri-State area

Clinician for various Middle, High School, and Collegiate band programs in the Tri-State area.

Associate Producer: West Chester University Wind Ensemble (2023, 2024)

Clinician: “Give ‘Em The Keys: Developing a Student-Centered Leadership Model, PMEA Annual Inservice Conference

Research Interests

Music Pedagogy

Music Education

Jazz Education

Leadership 

Student Centered Learning

Recent Work

  • PMEA News: The Official Publication of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association
    • “Too Many Percussionists? Never!” A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Meaningful Curricular Ensemble for Percussion Fall 2021
    • Keep That 2020 Vision: Don’t Throw Away Everything from Last Year! Spring 2022
    • Jazz Beyond the Classroom: Community Performance as Educational Tools Spring 2024

Years of Service to Ursinus

2022-Present

Related News

Ursinus Jazz performs at Trouble's End Brewing in Collegeville on October 9, 2024.
Ursinus College Jazz Ensemble to Light Up Lenfest Theater

On November 9th at 7:30 p.m., the Ursinus College Jazz Ensemble will bring their high-energy sound to the Lenfest Theater for what promises to be an electrifying and entertaining performance. 

Rachel Hart performing with UC Jazz Ensemble at Troubles End Brewing
Wind Ensemble Wonders Takes Center Stage with Senior Trumpeter Rachel Hart

Senior Spotlight: Rachel Hart and the Sounds of a College Journey

Ursinus College Wind Ensemble – “Wind Ensemble Wonders”

Friday, April 11 | 7:30 PM | Bomberger Hall

Ursinus College Singers Fall Concert 2024
Ursinus College Singers Set for Inaugural Tour to New Orleans

The Ursinus College Singers are preparing for an unforgettable journey as they embark on their first-ever choir tour to New Orleans, a city rich in music, culture, and history. Under the direction of Professor Nicole Snodgrass, the ensemble will not only perform in historic venues but also immerse themselves in the vibrant traditions of the Crescent City.