Dr. John Darling retired as Chief Warrant Officer Three after a long and distinguished career in the U.S. Army where he served as a musician, instructor, and bandmaster. Following his time in the Army, he earned his doctoral degree in conducting from The Ohio State University. After serving two years at Rutgers University, he accepted the instrumental music position at Bismarck State College, where he retired as Professor of Music in 2023. An avid composer and arranger, he began his tenure with the West River Winds Community Band in 2011 as Associate Conductor. In 2016 he assumed his current position as Director.