Warren Torns is a native of New York where he completed his undergraduate studies at Columbia University.  He holds a Masters Degree with Honors from Long Island University.  Mr. Torns was selected as a Mentor Teacher for the San Diego City Schools and in that capacity conducted the All City Honor Orchestra as well as the All Southern Honor Orchestra.  He served as the Music Director of the Civic Youth Orchestra from 1985-1994.  Mr. Torns taught Conducting and Orchestra at the University of San Diego and was recognized by CMEA for "honoring excellence in orchestra instruction and performance".  He has been a Board Member of the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association, served as Manager of the All State Band, and is an active clinician and adjudicator.  He studied trumpet under Paul Willemen and William Vacchiano and learned his conducting skills under Robert Dolan, Frederick Fennell, Lawrence Christianson and Thomas Lee.  Mr. Torns was recently awarded the Legion of Honor by the John Philip Sousa Foundation and was named as one of "50 Directors Who Make a Difference" by School Band and Orchestra Magazine.  Recent honors include being named a Class Nobel Educator of Distinction by the National Society of High School Scholars, recognized as and Outstanding Teacher by the University of California, San Diego and named the Music Educator of the Year by CMEA.  He is the founder of the North County Community Band.  His musicianship, constant demand for perfection, and dedication to his students makes him a highly respected teacher and conductor.