Mr. Ladd is in his third year with the San Jose Youth Symphony. He has been a professional musician, band-leader, and recording artist for the past three decades. He has released 3 CDs as a leader that feature his flute and saxophone playing. His flute playing can be heard on records with Rosemary Clooney, Cal Tjader, Norton Buffalo, Ray Brown, Warren Vache, Pat Ireland, and many others. He is currently the music director for Buchser Middle School in Santa Clara, which just was awarded "The Hoffman Award" as being the best music department in Santa Clara County. Mr. Ladd is also the founder and camp director of "Jazz Goes to College", a summer jazz camp at San Jose State University that is sponsored by the San Jose Jazz Society. Mr. Ladd earned his Masters degree in music composition at San Jose State University and his teaching credential from Santa Clara University.