Thomas Bandiera was born in Cleveland, Ohio where he spent his primary and secondary years in school focused on music. His main focus was in concert band and trombone studies. This love of music is what drove him to pursue a career in music education.

Bandiera began working with the Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestra in 2021, working as the liaison between Allegro and the CSYO. Now, Mr. Bandiera is the CSYO Coordinator. As coordinator, he is responsible for enrollment, tuition, and all parent/student communications. His role includes coordinating rehearsal spaces and materials at Allegro for CSYO use.

Mr. Bandiera earned his Bachelor of Music degree in Education from Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania. Post-graduation (2016), Bandiera went on to earn his Masters of Music Degree in Education at Cleveland State University, where he studied trombone under Cleveland Orchestra Assistant Principal Trombonist, Shachar Israel. His most memorable performance experience was attending the many Cleveland Orchestra performances, but especially Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloe.

Mr. Bandiera moved to Charleston, SC in 2020, where he is the Director of Bands and Music Theory teacher at Allegro Charter School of Music in North Charleston. He has taught at Allegro Charter School for 4 years and previously taught PK-8 General Music in Ohio. Further, Bandiera is the co-sponsor of the Allegro Chapter of Tri-M Music Honor Society, which has won South Carolina Chapter of the year during both the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years.

When he is not working, Mr. Bandiera loves being at the pool, beach, and trying new restaurants around Charleston. He is extremely honored to work with the Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestra and enjoys working with the CSYO team and musicians.