Norwalk High School's
Director of Instrumental Music
Director of Instrumental Music
Mr. Ramiro Castañeda brings over a decade of experience teaching and directing high-level music ensembles across Southern California. His background includes roles as an Assistant High School Band Director, University Athletic Music Director, Brass Caption Head, Visual and Brass Instructor, and Drum Major Technician. His leadership spans both the educational and performance sides of music instruction, combining artistry, logistics, and student mentorship.
A proud Los Angeles native, Mr. Castañeda earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where he performed with the concert band, wind ensemble, and orchestra. He studied trumpet under the late David Grasmick, a revered educator and musician known for his warmth and musical precision; French horn with Danielle Ondarza, a renowned Los Angeles freelance artist and studio musician; and music composition and arranging with award-winning composer and conductor Jennifer Amaya. These mentors helped shape his values of musical excellence, creative vision, and lifelong learning.
Currently serving as Director of Instrumental Music at Norwalk High School, Mr. Castañeda leads six ensembles: Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, String Orchestra, Drumline, and Pep Band. Since his arrival, he has worked to grow and modernize the program by implementing a leadership-driven culture grounded in L.A.N.C.E.R. values: Leadership, Artistry, Nobility, Commitment, Excellence, and Resilience.
He is also a Co-Director of the 605 All-Star Band, leading over 500 students from eight high schools across three districts in their historic appearance in the 2025 Rose Parade. In addition, he hosts regional music festivals such as SCSBOA Regionals and Trills & Thrills, manages concert production design, and mentors student tech and media teams to support performances across multiple platforms.
Mr. Castañeda is an active member of the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA), California Band Directors Association (CBDA), California Music Educators Association (CMEA), National Association for Music Education (NAfME), California Teachers Association (CTA), and the National Education Association (NEA).
He is honored to serve the Norwalk community and is committed to elevating the musical experience for all students—both in performance and in life.
A proud Los Angeles native, Mr. Castañeda earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where he performed with the concert band, wind ensemble, and orchestra. He studied trumpet under the late David Grasmick, a revered educator and musician known for his warmth and musical precision; French horn with Danielle Ondarza, a renowned Los Angeles freelance artist and studio musician; and music composition and arranging with award-winning composer and conductor Jennifer Amaya. These mentors helped shape his values of musical excellence, creative vision, and lifelong learning.
Currently serving as Director of Instrumental Music at Norwalk High School, Mr. Castañeda leads six ensembles: Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, String Orchestra, Drumline, and Pep Band. Since his arrival, he has worked to grow and modernize the program by implementing a leadership-driven culture grounded in L.A.N.C.E.R. values: Leadership, Artistry, Nobility, Commitment, Excellence, and Resilience.
He is also a Co-Director of the 605 All-Star Band, leading over 500 students from eight high schools across three districts in their historic appearance in the 2025 Rose Parade. In addition, he hosts regional music festivals such as SCSBOA Regionals and Trills & Thrills, manages concert production design, and mentors student tech and media teams to support performances across multiple platforms.
Mr. Castañeda is an active member of the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA), California Band Directors Association (CBDA), California Music Educators Association (CMEA), National Association for Music Education (NAfME), California Teachers Association (CTA), and the National Education Association (NEA).
He is honored to serve the Norwalk community and is committed to elevating the musical experience for all students—both in performance and in life.