John Maltester
John Maltester received his Bachelors and Masters of Arts degrees from Cal-State University at Hayward. He has been a music instructor for over forty-two years, the last thirty-seven as Professor of Music and Director of Bands at Los Medanos College in Pittsburg, CA. He is also the Music Director Emeritus of the Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra, the Artistic Director for the Diablo Wind Symphony and the director of the Saint Mary’s College Jazz Band.
Mr. Maltester brings a diversified background of abilities to the conductor’s podium. He directs bands, orchestras, jazz bands, and several chamber ensembles. Recognitions include the Lifetime Achievement Award from the California Parent Teacher Association, Outstanding Educator of the Year Award (1989-90) at Los Medanos College, the KABL Citizen of the Day award (1984), the President’s award for Lifetime Contribution to Education at Los Medanos College (1999), the Contra Costa County Regional Arts Council award for Outstanding Achievement in the Arts (1999), the “Outstanding Music Educator” award from the CMEA Bay Section (2007/8) and the Generations in Jazz Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award (2008) .
He has been listed in the “Who’s Who in Education” and He is involved in several community-oriented activities including the Contra Costa Arts Council as well as several advisory board positions. He is one of only two conductors to conduct both the California State Honor Band and Honor Jazz Band. His musical groups have performed at many local, regional, state, and national music conferences, as well as having performed at many international venues.
He was the Director of the Los Medanos Jazz Festival for 35 years. He has been active in many professional organizations including the California Music Educators Association Bay Section (President, Treasurer, Area Representative, Conference Host, Festival Host), International Association of Jazz Educators (California President and Western Division Coordinator), Music Association of California Community Colleges (Special Projects Coordinator), College Band Directors National Association (Community College Representative and Past-President of the Western Division), and formerly the Executive Director of the Pacific Basin Band Festival in Hawaii. He is also active as a trombonist, rehearsal techniques clinician, adjudicator, and guest conductor and lecturer throughout Australia, the Western United States, Hawaii, and Alaska..
He resides in Martinez, California with his wife and two daughters.