Biography
Known for his clear musical vision and grounded, expressive leadership, Bryen Warfield has built a growing career as an orchestral and wind band conductor whose work spans professional ensembles, festivals, and nationally recognized concert programs. Based in Indianapolis, Warfield has conducted orchestras across the United States and Canada, including the Windsor Symphony Orchestra, Yakima Symphony Orchestra, Circle City Orchestra, Philharmonic Orchestra of Indianapolis, Fort Wayne Philharmonic Players Association, and the Old Crown Brass Band.
Warfield’s artistic identity is closely tied to his advocacy for African American classical music and the work of historically underrepresented composers. His programming reflects a deliberate balance of core repertoire and rediscovered or contemporary voices, offering performances that are both musically rigorous and culturally engaged. This focus has positioned him as a trusted collaborator with orchestras and institutions seeking thoughtful, relevant concert experiences.
Beyond the podium, Warfield’s career reflects sustained artistic engagement rather than short-term appearances. His résumé includes repeat regional orchestra invitations, festival and conference appearances, and long-term leadership roles that underscore his credibility as a conductor working across orchestral, wind band, and brass traditions. His work is marked by careful preparation, strong ensemble relationships, and an ability to connect musical structure with expressive intent.
Warfield maintains an active national profile as a conductor and adjudicator in the pageantry arts, serving currently as Brass Caption Head of the Sacramento Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps. He has previously held leadership positions with the Bluecoats, Santa Clara Vanguard, Columbus Saints, and Cincinnati Tradition, experiences that continue to inform his rehearsal approach, ensemble sound concepts, and large-scale musical pacing in the concert hall.
Commitment to Education
Education has been a central pillar of Warfield’s career, shaping both his musical values and his approach to ensemble leadership. He has assisted and led highly successful band and orchestral programs in Indiana, including Whiteland Community High School, Homestead High School, and Shortridge High School, contributing to consistent artistic growth and national recognition.
At Homestead High School, Warfield guided the Symphony Orchestra to selection as a featured ensemble at the 2020 Indiana Music Educators Association Professional Development Conference. Under his leadership, the Homestead Wind Ensemble participated in major commissioning projects, including works by Brian Balmages, Timothy Mahr, and Parker Long, and presented at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. Ensembles under his direction were also invited to perform at the 2023 Music for All National Concert Festival.
Warfield is currently pursuing a Doctor of Arts in Wind Band Conducting and Music Education at Ball State University. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Tuba Performance from the University of Louisville and a Master of Music in Wind Band Conducting from The Ohio State University. His teachers include Jason King, Sharon “Susie” Jackson, John Jones, Darryl Johnson, Kimcherie Lloyd, Dr. Russell Mikkelson, and Dr. Scott A. Jones. He has also participated in master classes with conductors such as Esa-Pekka Salonen, Hugh Wolff, Donald Thulean, Kevin Sedatole, Kevin Noe, John Lynch, Robert Franz, and Robert Ambrose.
As a clinician and mentor, Warfield works regularly with students and educators across the country, emphasizing sound concept, ensemble awareness, and musical accountability. Across both his educational and professional work, he remains committed to developing musicians who think critically, listen deeply, and understand their role within a larger artistic tradition.