Len Kawamoto has been serving as the assistant director of the Mustang Band since the fall of 1998. Born in New Hyde Park, N.Y., and raised in Torrance, Calif., he is an alumnus of Cal Poly and the Mustang Band. As a student, Kawamoto studied computer science while playing horn in the Mustang Band, Wind Orchestra, and the Chamber Orchestra. In addition, he participated in musical organizations such as the SLO County Band, SLO Chamber Orchestra and the Sacramento Freelancers Drum and Bugle Corps. His student leadership positions included equipment manager, executive officer, and Mustang Band president. Kawamoto is also a founding father of the Iota Pi chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity.
After earning his Bachelor of Science degree in computer science, Kawamoto accepted his current position as assistant director for the Mustang Band. Kawamoto is a member of the College Band Directors National Association, the International Horn Society, and the IEEE Computer Society. He also performs regularly with the San Luis Obispo Wind Orchestra, Core-tete, and Pacific Coast Brass Ensemble. He has previously performed with the Cuesta Wind Ensemble, the San Francisco Renegades Senior Drum and Bugle Corps, and the Renegades Mini-Corps.
In addition to his responsibilities with the Mustang Band, Kawamoto maintains his professional alter ego as a software engineer for a local engineering company.