With a coffee cup in hand, Paly’s new concert and symphonic band director, Darin Ishimatsu, gestures and speaks enthusiastically about his passion — music.

Ishimatsu majored in music at UCLA and has a masters degree from Northwestern University in music.

Immediately after graduating, he joined the Eugene Oregon Symphony, and began giving private music lessons as well.

Now an experienced musician, he returned to the Bay Area to teach.

"Music is one of those things that keeps us in touch with immortality and greatness," Ishimatsu said.

A self-professed Oakland A’s fan, he also enjoys playing golf, fly fishing, and watching ESPN. His goal for this year is to develop students’ passion and enthusiasm for music.