Sebastián Serrano-Ayala

Dr. Sebastian Serrano-Ayala is a Colombian-born conductor known for his inclusive collaboration, effortless conducting, and fresh and timely interpretations. He is currently the Director of Orchestral Studies at the University of New Mexico, where he conducts the Symphony Orchestra and teaches graduate courses in conducting.

Dr. Serrano-Ayala has held positions as Assistant Conductor with the Skagit Symphony and the Saratoga Orchestra and has been a Conducting Fellow at prestigious institutions such as the Cabrillo Festival, National Orchestral Institute, and the Allentown Symphony Orchestra. His recent engagements include leading the SJMEA Honor Orchestra and the Whatcom Wind Ensemble, as well as serving as cover conductor for the Yakima Symphony.

He has premiered new works with the American Modern Ensemble and conducted renowned ensembles like The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” and the Royal Military Chapel “Johan Willem Friso”. Dr. Serrano-Ayala was a semi-finalist at the World Music Contest (WMC) and a finalist in the International Conducting Competition hosted by the Denver Philharmonic.

A dedicated advocate for contemporary music, especially that influenced by Latin America, Dr. Serrano-Ayala has presented his research at international conferences, including a recent presentation in Prague. He holds a DMA in Wind-Orchestral Conducting from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), and an MM in Conducting from Andrews University, both earned with full scholarships and teaching assistantships.

Dr. Serrano-Ayala has studied with conductors Marin Alsop, Cristian Măcelaru, JoAnn Falletta, Mei-Ann Chen, Diane Wittry, Sarah Ioannides, Ankush Kumar Bahl, Mark Heron, Jan Cober, Mallory Thompson, and Michael Haithcock. His mentors include Anna Edwards, Terence Milligan, Kevin Holzman, and Aik Khai Pung.