Meet Robert Abend
Rob Abend is in his second year as a graduate assistant at Western Michigan University, where he is pursuing his Master of Music degree in Wind Conducting. At WMU he assists and guest conducts with all concert bands, assists with the marching band, co-directs the basketball and hockey bands, and assists with basic conducting courses. His primary conducting teacher is Dr. Scott Boerma.
Prior to attending Western Michigan University, Rob taught instrumental music in Michigan for eight years. Most recently, he served as the Director of Bands at Dakota High School in Macomb, Michigan. The Dakota High School band program is made up of approximately 250 students and includes four concert bands, marching band, jazz band, winter drumline, and winterguard. In 2015, the Dakota High School Wind Ensemble was selected to perform at the Michigan Music Conference. Prior to his tenure at Dakota High School, Rob taught at Southgate (MI) Anderson High School and Elizabeth Ann Johnson High School in Mt. Morris, MI.
Rob earned his Bachelors of Music Education degree from Eastern Michigan University, where he studied percussion with John Dorsey and conducting with John Zastoupil. As a percussionist, Rob has performed with the Macomb Symphony Orchestra, the Motor City Brass Band (timpanist), and was featured as a soloist at the Michigan Day of Percussion. His professional affiliations include American School Band Directors Association, College Band Directors National Association, and Kappa Kappa Psi.
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