New Orleans, La. — Tulane University has appointed Dr. Dylan Parrilla-Koester, a proud alumnus and former member of the Tulane University Marching Band, as its new Director of Bands, formalizing his leadership of one of the university’s most visible and culturally vital programs.
Dr. Parrilla-Koester has served as Interim Director of Bands, where he has overseen all aspects of the comprehensive band program, including directing the Tulane University Marching Band and providing artistic leadership for the Tulane Concert Band. His appointment marks the continuation of a deep relationship with the place where his identity as a musician, educator, and leader first took shape.
A graduate of Tulane, Parrilla-Koester earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in trumpet performance after initially studying political science and history. As a student, he immersed himself in every corner of the band program — from orchestra and brass band to pep band and marching band — ultimately serving in multiple leadership roles, including drum major and student conductor.
“Dr. Parrilla-Koester represents the very best of Tulane — academically rigorous, artistically ambitious, and deeply connected to New Orleans,” said Brian T. Edwards, Dean of the School of Liberal Arts. “His experience as both a former student and educator uniquely positions him to lead the program into its next chapter.”
Following his undergraduate studies, Parrilla-Koester pursued advanced training in music education and conducting earning a master’s degree from the University of Colorado Boulder and a PhD in music education from Teachers College, Columbia University. His research examines the intersection of music education, institutional leadership, and higher education policy. He has also built a distinguished career as an educator, previously directing award-winning instrumental programs in California and working with ensembles across the United States and Canada.
At Tulane, Parrilla-Koester has been instrumental in shaping the modern band program — teaching, arranging music, designing marching productions, and strengthening relationships with students, alumni, and supporters. His leadership reflects a philosophy that sees the band not only as a musical ensemble, but as a vital ambassador for the university.
“The band is both a classroom and a public voice,” Parrilla-Koester said. “We are teaching students at the highest level while also representing Tulane everywhere — from Yulman Stadium to the streets of New Orleans during Carnival season.”
Few institutions are as intertwined with their city as Tulane and nowhere is that connection more visible than in its band program. The Tulane University Marching Band performs at football games, major university events, and Mardi Gras parades, carrying forward a tradition that is both distinctly New Orleanian and uniquely Tulane.
For Parrilla-Koester, that tradition is personal.
As a student, he experienced firsthand the band’s role as the “soundtrack” of campus life — from convocation and admissions events to game days and community celebrations. He also witnessed the program’s modern rebirth in the post-Katrina era, when Tulane Bands re-emerged as a symbol of resilience and renewal.
Now, as Director of Bands, he sees his role as both steward and storyteller — preserving the traditions built by generations of students while continuing to evolve the program in ways that reflect the spirit of New Orleans.
“Our students don’t just learn music — they learn how to be part of this city,” he said. “From the moment they arrive, they’re immersed in traditions, in performance, in community. They become New Orleanian through the band.”
Under his leadership, Tulane Bands will continue to serve as one of the university’s most dynamic points of connection — uniting academics, athletics, and culture, and bringing the energy of New Orleans to audiences on campus and beyond.
Dr. Parrilla-Koester officially assumes the role of Director of Bands effective immediately.