Dr. James “Ike” Nail is the Band and Orchestra Director at Western Oregon University in Monmouth, Oregon. Under his direction, the Western Wind Ensemble and Western Oregon Symphony have seen significant growth both in personnel and repertoire. Dr. Nail earned the Doctorate in Symphonic Conducting from the University of Texas, Austin.  He has been co-recipient of two Grammy Awards including the 2000 National Grammy Gold Award recognizing the most outstanding secondary music program in the country. Dr. Nail is Past President of the Oregon Band Directors Association, and is a permanent member of the Oregon Band and Orchestra Adjudication Committee. He was named 2009 Music Educator of the Year by the Oregon Symphony Association in Salem.