Dr. Carlin Truong 張希 (he/him) is the Director of Choral and Vocal Activities at Cabrillo College. Truong is an educator and conductor whose mission is to make music education more accessible to all. Since his early career, he was involved with pop a cappella ensembles, and is consequently known for programing nontraditional repertoire in addition to the beloved canon. He’s known for curating student-centered, innovative, and expressive concerts that engage people on both sides of the stage. As an advocate for social change through the arts, he has directed concerts that address LGBTQIA+ rights, mental health, women’s suffrage, criminal justice reform, and immigration policies.

Prior to his appointment at Cabrillo, Truong has directed ensembles at Clear Creek Middle and High School in Colorado, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Arkansas Tech University, University of Houston, Clovis East High School in California, Crystal Children’s Choir, and University of Ghana. He also served as an assistant conductor for the Moores Opera Center at the University of Houston and as a chorus preparer and co-chorus manager for the Houston Symphony Chorus.

Truong is a proud alumnus of Crystal Children’s Choir, San José State University, and University of Houston.