Dr. Eric Hammer was an inspirational band director who touched the life of everyone he encountered. He is a dear friend of Capitol Section, as he guest conducted for our honor bands, gave clinics to our students, and worked at our camps. His passion for music was matched only by his compassion for others. He was an incredible teacher, conductor and friend. He will be missed dearly but never forgotten.

Written by Meredith Mellin

Dr. Eric Hammer is serving his 24th year as Director of Bands and Professor of Music Education at the University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music in Stockton, California. He holds a Bachelors of Music in Education from University of the Pacific, a Master of Music in conducting from University of Oregon, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from University of Oregon. At Pacific, Eric leads the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and University Concert Band as well as teaching courses in Brass Pedagogy, Conducting/Score Analysis, Rehearsal Techniques and Band Development. He also hosts the Pacific Western Concert Band Festival, advises the Pacific Pep Band, supervises student teachers, and serves on the Conservatory Planning and Priorities Committee. Additionally, Dr. Hammer maintains an active calendar of guest conducting, clinics, and adjudication throughout the nation.

Eric's background includes an Iowa upbringing and sixteen years of public school teaching experience. He is past President of the Western Division College Band Directors National Association and has also held leadership positions with California Music Educators Bay Section, Pacific Music Camp, the California Unit of the International Association of Jazz Educators, and the Yuba County Arts Council. Eric is a member of the College Band Directors National Association, the National Association for Music Education, Phi Kappa Phi, California Band Directors Association, National Band Association, Pi Kappa Lambda, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles.

He has twice been honored as the Conservatory's most Inspirational Professor and was the original recipient of the University "Golden Apple" Mentor award for his positive influence on the lives of his students and the University.