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David Lesser (Clovis, California) has been the Director of Bands at the Clovis North Educational Center in Fresno, California since its opening in 2007. He started his 24th year of teaching in the fall of 2024. He administers all aspects of CNEC Instrumental Music grades 7-12, conducts the Wind Ensemble, and directs the Bronco Marching Band and Color Guard. Lesser is the Secondary Instrumental Resource Teacher for the CUSD Visual and Performing Arts Department. Prior to the opening of Clovis North, Lesser held Director positions at Clovis West High School from 2001-2006.
The Bronco Marching Band and Color Guard performed at the 2022 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and has been named Western Band Association (WBA) class or grand champions in 2010, 2011, 2013, 2019, and 2021. The Clovis North Wind Ensemble was featured at the 71st annual Midwest Clinic, the 2017 California All State Music Educators Conference, the 2016 Music for All National Concert Band Festival, and the 2024 California Music Educators Association All State Festival.
Lesser was honored in 2020 by the John Philip Sousa Foundation as a Legion of Honor Laureate. In 2006, Lesser was recognized as one of the “50 Directors Who Make a Difference” by School Band and Orchestra (SBO) magazine. He was the Fresno Madera Counties Music Educator Association Jazz Educator of the Year in 2005. Lesser served as an Associate Director of the Music for All National Honor Band in the Rose Parade® in 2017 and 2022. He has adjudicated marching, concert, and jazz band festivals; guest conducted honor bands; and presented educational clinics across the United States.
Lesser has served in numerous capacities for NAfME, The Midwest Clinic, WBA, FMCMEA, CMEA Central Section, and the San Joaquin Valley Color Guard and Percussion Review. He founded the San Joaquin Valley Concert Band Invitational, a Music for All Affiliate Regional Music Festival, celebrating its 15th year in April 2025.