Jamal Duncan joined the faculty of Arizona State University in the Fall of 2020 as associate director of bands and assistant professor of instrumental conducting. His primary responsibilities are conducting the Wind Symphony and teaching classes in conducting. Duncan also serves assistant director of undergraduate music studies. Prior to his appointment at ASU, Duncan served as the assistant director of bands at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.
Duncan’s research interests include conducting pedagogy, wind literature, and re-defining the traditional concert experience. He has presented on these topics at various state and international conferences including the Midwest Clinic, The World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, and the College Band Directors National Association.
Duncan is a passionate advocate for expanding the repertoire of wind bands and chamber ensembles, actively commissioning new works from both established and emerging composers. His commitment extends to programming music that reflects the rich tapestry of different cultures, with a deliberate focus on highlighting the voices of diverse composers who bring these stories to life.
In 2024 the ASU Wind Symphony gave a featured performance at the College Band Directors National Association Western/Northwestern division conference. In addition, Duncan and ensembles under his leadership have worked with composers Steven Bryant, Viet Cuong, and Kevin Day.
A winner of the American Prize in Band/Wind Ensemble conducting, Duncan has also been a fellow at the Reynolds Conducting Institute held in conjunction with the Midwest Clinic. Duncan has conducted and adjudicated ensembles of all levels throughout the United States and internationally.
Duncan taught in the public schools of Lansing, Michigan for seven years where was director of bands at C.W. Otto Middle School then director of bands at Dwight Rich Middle School. For eleven seasons, Duncan was the music director and conductor of the Flint Youth Wind Ensemble, one of several youth ensembles in the Flint School of Performing Arts.
Proudly hailing from Flint, Michigan, Duncan received a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Wind Conducting and a Master of Music degree in Wind Conducting from Michigan State University, where he studied with Dr. Kevin L. Sedatole. Duncan received a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Michigan with a dual emphasis in Clarinet Performance and Music Education.
He is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity, The National Association for Music Education, The World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, and the College Band Directors National Association. He holds honorary memberships in Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma.
Upcoming events include guest conducting appearances with the 2025 Michigan All-State Middle School Band and the 2026 All-Virginia Concert Band