Russell Gavin

Dr. Russell Gavin is a lifelong music educator, entrepreneur, and drum corps enthusiast. His professional experiences include teaching middle and high school band, serving on the music faculties of Stanford University and Baylor University, performing the role of Corps Director for the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps, and cofounding the music tech company JackTrip Labs. Dr. Gavin has demonstrated a commitment to understanding and utilizing the power of music to improve the lives of students and audiences alike, with a special focus on accessibility and trying new things.
In addition to his role as CEO of Vanguard Music and Performing Arts, Russ serves as the Dr. Arthur P. Barnes Director of Bands at Stanford University and maintains an active schedule as a researcher and clinician. He holds a Ph.D. in Music Education from Florida State University, a Master of Music in Euphonium Performance from the University of Notre Dame, and a Bachelor of Music Education from Auburn University. He has presented educational clinics at dozens of state, regional, national, and international conferences, and his publications have appeared in the Journal of Research in Music Education, the International Journal of Music Education, Psychology of Music, the Journal of Music Teacher Education, the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, Southwestern Musician, and the Florida Music Director.
Russ credits his role as a marching member of the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps for developing and shaping the person he is today. As a 5-year member of the Blue Stars (1994-97, 1999), he gained experiences as a musician, leader, and teammate that have allowed him to serve the music education community throughout his career. Russ lives in Saratoga, California with his wife Erin, and their four children, three cats, and two dogs.