In spring 2022, the Capitol Pops Concert Band emerged from a two year covid shutdown, eager to resume rehearsals and schedule performances. Susan Hamre accepted the challenge of reorganizing the band and expanding its repertoire to include the full spectrum of concert band music. Now in 2023, Susan eagerly shares her artistic musical skill and limitless energy to present musical entertainment for audiences and suitably challenging musical experience for musicians.  

Since arriving in California with a BA degree from Augustana College, South Dakota, Susan earned an MA degree in conducting from CSU Northridge. She built a premier music program at La Canada High School that included international performances. For ten years, Susan was a professor in the music department of American River College, Sacramento. She directed the symphonic and concert bands and musical theatre ensembles; she taught history and fundamentals of music, and piano. Retiring from ARC in 2021 and directing the Capitol Pops, Susan is also director of the Capitol Horn Choir, church guest keyboardist and French horn player in other community groups.