Our Directors: John Opina & Isaac Draculan
Director: John Opina
John Opina is the Director of Music & Gospel Arts for The Salvation Army Northwest Division, serving Washington, northern Idaho, and western Montana. For the past 15 years, he has been in charge of resourcing and leading the music and arts programs at Salvation Army centers, which are provided free of charge to the community.
He grew up playing the cornet in The Salvation Army brass bands. He has performed with some of the best brass bands in the world, including the New York Staff Band, Black Dyke Band, Cory Band, and the Western Territory Staff Band. He has played principal trumpet with the Civic Youth Orchestra, San Francisco Civic Orchestra, M2M Orchestra, and the all-collegiate orchestra of Kentucky.
He is currently the lead director of The Salvation Army’s Hālau Hula Ka Ho’onani iā Ke Akua, NW Chorus, Youth P&W, Youth Band, and conducts the NW Brass and Youth Chorus. During the summer, he runs three music camps, including a musical theater camp, and serves as staff at the Western Music Institute. He has taught and conducted groups throughout the United States and around the world, including the UK, Puerto Rico, Johannesburg, and Mexico.
Locally, Mr. Opina plays in Brass Band NW and has played with Puget Brass and the Mulkiteo Community Orchestra. In the spring of 2026, he created the Cascadia Brass Band, a North Sound community brass band aimed at giving brass players more playing opportunities.
Mr. Opina is a graduate of Asbury University ('11) with a B.S. in Music Education, and Boston University ('24) with a Master of Music, where he studied the impact and importance of community music. He and his wife have two children, four dogs, and live in the Everett area. He endeavors to make music accessible and relevant, and, with the Marysville Community Band, engage the community through uplifting, fun, and thought-provoking performances.
Assistant Director: Isaac Draculan
Isaac Draculan (he/him) began his musical journey in fourth grade as a violinist. Throughout high school, he was actively involved in orchestra, concert band, and drumline, earning several leadership roles, including Music ASB President, Concertmaster of the Symphonic Orchestra, and Drumline Captain/Cymbals Section Leader.
While serving in these ensembles, Isaac also worked as a student director for the music program, where he discovered his passion for conducting and began developing his skills as an ensemble leader.
Beyond his school music program, Isaac performed with the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra, Wintergrass Youth Orchestra, and the South End Pep Band. During the summer, he participated in the Seattle All-City Marching Band and the Sonic Pop Northwest Orchestra, further broadening his musical experience.
Isaac graduated from Cleveland High School in 2024 and completed his first year at Central Washington University during the 2024–2025 academic year.
In the spring of 2026, Isaac joined the Marysville Community Band as a percussionist, working closely with the percussion section. He now serves as Assistant Director and is excited to contribute to the organization's continued growth while supporting its musicians and fostering a welcoming, engaging musical community.