Monte Bairos is a graduate of Merced College, California State University, Stanislaus, and the University of Colorado, Boulder, where he received his Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Music, and Master of Music Degrees respectively.  During his career he has studied with some of the most recognized artist-conductors in the country including Edward Harris, Allan McMurray, Eugene Migliaro Corporon, Gary Hill and Richard Floyd.  Mr. Bairos has built strong, sustained programs in several areas of California’s Central Valley including the highly recognized Turlock High School Music Program.

Mr. Bairos has been an active musician for nearly thirty years.  While serving as principal timpanist, principal percussionist, and section trumpeter with the Merced Symphony, he also appeared as solo percussionist and trumpeter.  His freelance career includes performances with jazz ensembles, jazz combos, wind ensembles, bands, orchestras and brass ensembles as a trumpet player, bassist, percussionist, and conductor. 

The study and practice of conducting has been Mr. Bairos’ focus for nearly thirty years, including over 10 years as Director of Bands and Coordinator of Instrumental Music at Diablo Valley College.  He has conducted the Merced Pops Orchestra, California State University, Stanislaus Wind Ensemble, Modesto Junior College Band, Modesto Youth Symphony, and has been featured numerous times as an honor band conductor including four appearances as the Mt. Diablo Unified School District High School Honor Band Conductor.  He freely gives his time as an assistant and clinician throughout the Bay Area.  He is an active member of the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, College Band Director’s National Association, and California Music Educators Association.  During his long-time commitment to CMEA, and Bay Section, he has served as a board member, festival host, clinician and adjudicator.  Mr. Bairos also review textbooks for Cengage (Pearson) Publishing.