Ken Nakamoto

Ken Nakamoto is the Director of Instrumental Music at William C. Overfelt High School in San José, CA. In this role, Ken teaches the school’s string orchestra, two concert bands and serves as the Performing Arts Department Chair. Outside of his duties with Overfelt, Ken is serving as the Co-Solo and Ensemble Coordinator for the Bay Area section of the California Music Educators Association (CMEA). Ken received his Bachelor’s in Music Education & Euphonium Performance from San José State University and had the privilege of studying with Prof. Thomas Hornig and Dr. Matthew Tropman.

Ken’s involvement with the Vanguard organization goes all the way back to 2011 when he first joined the Vanguard Cadets. He spent the next two seasons with SCVC before moving up to SCV in 2013. After he aged out in 2016, Ken marched in the Rose Parade and Alumni Corps (with his dad!) in 2017. Currently, Ken is serving on the Vanguard Cadets brass staff as a Baritone and Mellophone Instructor

Being a part of VEL has been a very full circle experience for Ken. He is excited to be a voice for the future generation of VMAPA members & alumni.