Wilker Augusto
Visiting Assistant Director of Bands
Education
- D.M.A., The University of Memphis
- MM, Azusa Pacific University
- Artist Certificate, Azusa Pacific University
- BM, Universidade Federal da Paraíba
Biography
Dr. Wilker Augusto, originally from João Pessoa, Brazil, brings a wealth of international experience to his role. He completed his bachelor of music in horn performance at the UFPB (Federal University of Paraíba), graduating with the prestigious Laurel of Academic Excellence Award. In Brazil, Dr. Augusto worked as band director for several middle and high schools for 14 years, winning first place during many state and regional championships and himself winning first place in conducting. He attended national and international music festivals for horn and conducting and received the "Young Orchestral Conductor" award during the 2012 International Music Festival Eleazar de Carvalho. Augusto also worked with social projects in Brazil, such as “Orquestra Criança Cidadã” (The Child Citizen Orchestra) as a horn teacher and “PRIMA” - Program of Inclusion through the Music and Arts as a horn teacher, assistant orchestra conductor, and artistic director.
In 2016, Augusto moved to the United States to continue his musical career. In California, at Azusa Pacific University, he completed his artist certificate in horn performance with the renowned professor James Thatcher and the master of music in instrumental conducting (Winds) under the tutelage of Dr. John Burdett. During this time, he worked as assistant band director with Glendora High School and Los Osos High School, as music director of the World Music Symphony Orchestra from the Azusa Conservatory, as horn teacher and brass instructor for many schools and organizations, and as a freelancer musician for many orchestras in Southern California. He also worked as a brass staff member for the Impulse Drum and Bugle Corps in 2018 and as tour assistant director for The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps in 2018 and 2019.
Augusto graduated in 2024 with a doctor of musical arts in wind conducting from the University of Memphis under the mentorship of Dr. Albert Nguyen. He has been participating in conducting symposiums around the country and recently received the Reynolds Conducting Institute Fellowship during the Midwest Clinic. Besides his academic life, Augusto is an active horn musician and private teacher who serves as a clinician and guest conductor for honor bands and schools around the Mid-South.
Dr. Augusto's influence in the global music community is further demonstrated by his recent appointment as the director of international relations of L.B.F. (Brazilian League of Bands). His leadership and influence, which he extends through his memberships with the International Horn Society, College Band Directors National Association, and College Music Society. He is also an honorary member of the national band fraternity Kappa Kappa Psi.