Music Directors
Daniel Zugale
Music Director, 2022–Present
Assistant Music Director, 2021–2022
As a Rutgers alumni, Dan is thrilled to begin his tenure as the musical director for the Rutgers University Alumni Wind Symphony. He graduated from Mason Gross School of the Arts in 2000 with his Bachelor of Music Education degree with percussion as his primary instrument. He went on to earn a Masters in Wind Band Conducting from Mason Gross in 2008, where he was fortunate to have Dr. William Berz and Darryl Bott as mentors. He has been the band director at Ridge High School in Basking Ridge, NJ since 2009. Prior to that, he taught middle school band in Westfield. His ensembles have earned numerous awards including Gold ratings at the Central Jersey Music Educators Association (CJMEA) band festival, and performances at the New Jersey Band Association (NJBA) All-State Band Gala, New Jersey Music Educators Association (NJMEA) conference, and National Association for Music Education (NAfME) All-Eastern Conference.
Dan is truly passionate about teaching and conducting so he is thankful for the support of the RUAWS board for the opportunity to share his passion with the RUAWS membership and audience. He is also grateful for the support and encouragement of his wife Lauren, who he met at Rutgers, and his two children, Kevin and Caroline.
Philip Muratore
Assistant Music Director, 2024–Present
Phil graduated from Mason Gross School of the Arts in 2018 with his Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education with clarinet as his primary instrument. During his time at Rutgers, Phil was a part of the Rutgers Symphony Band, Symphonic Winds, Wind Ensemble, and the Marching Scarlet Knights! Phil is also a Brother of Mu Beta Psi, the National Honorary Musical Fraternity. Phil has been teaching instrumental music at Delaware Township School since 2021. Phil teaches elementary and middle school band and orchestra, middle school jazz band, and is co-advisor for the middle school Student Council. During his time at Delaware Township School, Phil has led the middle school ensembles in many successful Music in the Parks competitions, earning superior ratings and first place wins.
Phil is very excited to begin his journey as the assistant music director for the Rutgers University Alumni Wind Symphony. He is ready to share his passion of teaching and music to help create a fun and musical environment for the RUAWS membership and audience!