Jeff Held is the founding music director of the Concordia Orchestras, comprising the Concordia Wind Orchestra, Concordia Symphony Orchestra, and the Concordia Sinfonietta. He is an assistant dean in the College of Arts and Sciences, a leader of the performing arts. Dr. Held joined the faculty of Concordia University in 2005.
Dr. Held received the Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Education from Boston University, a master's degree from The American Band College at Southern Oregon University and an undergraduate degree in music from Valparaiso University. In addition, he completed the Lutheran Teaching Colloquy from Concordia University Irvine.
At Concordia, Held has established a reputation of excellence for his innovative programming of orchestral sacred music, clever family pops concerts, and artistically-striving performances of the very best repertoire composed for wind bands, symphony orchestras and church music instrumental ensembles. He has also appeared as director of the Houston Area Lutheran High School Honor Band four times and was conductor of the Irvine Unified Honor Orchestra and Choir/Orchestra finale at Segerstrom Concert Hall in 2023.
Dr. Held is grateful for his musical education in the Lutheran Church. Mentored by his father, the minister of music at Faith Lutheran Church in Fair Oaks, CA and at Trinity Lutheran in downtown Houston, he gained immeasurable experience as a boy soprano singing cantor roles, a young trumpeter playing next to professionals in festive worship services, a handbell ringer in an accomplished church ensemble, and numerous children’s choirs. He continues to advocate for strong music programs in Lutheran schools through mentorship of his graduates, interactions with the Concordia orchestras in educational and faith-based concerts, and his long association with Lutheran Summer Music Academy, including 9 years of service on the Board of Directors.
