Meet the Directors

Conductor and Composer, Dr. Daniel Baldwin, Music Director of Canyon Winds, has led a multifaceted career. Conducting and composing for bands and orchestras from beginner to professional, community to university, symphony to big band, from for profit to nonprofit leadership, lecturer to artistic director, Dr. Baldwin has enjoyed success in each of the avenues in which he has pursued.

A frequent guest conductor, he has led bands and orchestras across the country premiering works by internationally renowned composers such as Philip Sparke, Scott McAllister, Brian Balmages, and Eric Ewazen at venues ranging from high school honors orchestras to International conventions.

He holds the degrees of Bachelor of Music in Education, Master of Music in Composition and Wind Band Conducting, DMA in Composition and Orchestral Conducting, and is currently completing a second masters degree program in Music Leadership from the prestigious Eastman School of Music. His primary composition teachers include Eric Richards and Craig Weston as well as additional studies with Max Ridgway, Eric Ewazen, and William Bolcom. His primary conducting teachers include Michael Knedler, Frank Tracz, and Tyler Goodrich White as well as additional studies with Keith Lockhart.

Ben Blessing serves as Assistant Director of Canyon Winds. A composer, conductor, and educator based in Nampa, Idaho, he is a former Marine and Idaho Army National Guard member, currently serving with the 25th Army Band in Boise.

He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Composition from Northwest Nazarene University and a Master’s in Music Education from the American Band College. His compositions include Symphony No. 4 and Grandma’s Coat (finalists for The American Prize in 2025) and have been published through GPG Music, Knightwind Music, and Randall Standridge Music. His work Standhope Peak won the 2022 NFMC Armed Forces Composition Competition.

Ben writes for concert band, orchestra, choir, and electronic mediums. He currently serves as Band Director for Baker School District in Baker City, Oregon. An avid ultramarathon runner, he previously served as Race Director for the Standhope Ultra Challenge. He lives with his wife, children, and dog Robie.