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Brendan Hagan (Calgary, Canada) is nationally recognized for his contributions to music education. Hagan has received both the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence and the Alberta Provincial Excellence in Teaching Award. These awards represent the highest honors available to educators in Canada, and Hagan is honored to share this distinction with the country’s finest educators.
In addition, Hagan has received the Loran Scholars Foundation’s Teachers Building Leaders Award, which honors his ability to foster transformational leadership while cultivating skills and talents in the next generation of leaders. He is a 2024 finalist for the Baillie Award for Excellence in Secondary School Teaching, recognizing his role as an outstanding educator who serves as a role model and mentor, instills a love of learning, inspires academic excellence, and encourages the pursuit of higher education.
As a conductor and clinician, Hagan has led the University of North Texas Symphonic Band in recording the acclaimed album “A Few Notes Between Friends: The Music of Julie Giroux.” His tenure as Associate Conductor of the National Academy Orchestra of Canada showcases his extensive experience and expertise, making him a highly sought-after guest conductor. Hagan’s collaborations with Disney Imagination Campus, particularly his role as a presenter at the prestigious Disney “Inspiring Excellence” Summit in California, underscore his significant influence in the field of music education. Additionally, he has served as Music Director for the Calgary Stampede Showband, a seven-time World Association of Marching Showbands Champion.
Hagan holds a bachelor’s degree in music with distinction, a bachelor’s degree in education with distinction, and a master’s degree in leadership from Gonzaga University in Washington. Hagan currently serves as the Department Chair for the Fine and Performing Arts and Director of Bands at Western Canada High School in Calgary, Canada.