Dr. Lee received his education from Drake University and the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. Later, he was the Assistant Director of the Drake University Marching Band and then came to Ohio University in 1971 to conduct the Marching 110.

Lee was also the founder and conductor of the Ohio University Wind Ensemble and received a research grant to develop an innovative approach to teach conducting.

In 1985, Lee became the director of the UCLA Wind Ensemble which he has raised to a level of national prominence.