Duane Otani

Duane Otani has served as Director of Bands at Rancho Bernardo High School in San Diego, California, since 2010. Under his leadership, the Rancho Bernardo High School band program has maintained a longstanding tradition of musical excellence. The school's four concert bands consistently earn unanimous superior ratings at concert band festivals, and students are regularly selected for regional and state honor ensembles. The Rancho Bernardo Royal Regiment is a perennial medalist at the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) 6A Marching Band Championships and a five-time gold medalist. On campus, Otani serves as Chair of the Performing Arts Department.

Throughout his career, Otani has led ensembles in performances at prestigious venues, including the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, four appearances at Carnegie Hall, as well as on international tours across Europe. His dedication to music education has earned numerous honors, including the SCSBOA Gold Award (2019), the California Music Educators Association (CMEA) Byron Hoyt/Don Schmeer Band Educator Award for both the Southern Border Section (2018) and the State of California (2020), and the John Philip Sousa Foundation Legion of Honor Award (2026). In addition, he serves as a clinician, conference presenter, and honor band conductor throughout California. Most recently, he was elected to conduct the 2027 California All-State Junior High Concert Band.

Committed to advancing music education, Otani has served as an active member of the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) Executive Board for more than a decade and currently serves as President-Elect, supporting more than 1,000 music educators across Southern California. In addition, he has held executive leadership roles with other professional organizations, including the California Music Educators Association (CMEA) and Western Band Association (WBA).

Otani earned both a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education and a Master of Arts in Instrumental Conducting from California State University, Fresno. During his time at Fresno State, he served as drum major and graduate assistant for the Fresno State Bulldog Marching Band. Born and raised on Maui, Hawaii, Otani is a proud graduate of Maui High School.