James W. Robinson Secondary School Symphonic Band

Performer Details

Performer Bio Synopsis

Since Robinson’s opening in 1972, the Symphonic Band has been recognized on the local, regional, state and national levels for its outstanding performances. The band program is a two-time recipient of the Sudler Flag of Honor and has been recognized as a “Thirty Year Virginia Honor Band”, earning a membership in the VBODA Hall of Fame. The Robinson Symphonic Band has appeared at five VMEA state conferences, one ASBDA convention, four National Concert Band Festivals and the Mid-West Band and Orchestra Clinic. The current program consists of three concert bands, three percussion ensembles, two jazz ensembles and numerous student-led small ensembles. The 130 member “Marching Rams” meets after school three times a week during the fall season and has received numerous accolades as a BOA Regional Finalist and VBODA Honor Band. Many students are enrolled in private study with military band members and other professional musicians in the community.

James W. Robinson Secondary School Symphonic Band

Conductor's Bio

Andrew E. Loft serves as Director of High School Bands for the James W. Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax, Virginia where he conducts concert bands and the award-winning Marching Rams. Prior to this assignment, Mr. Loft served as Director of Bands at Annandale High School from 2010 to 2012, and opened Colonial Forge High School in 1999, where he served as Director of Bands for eleven years. He has also served as Director of Bands at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia, and Assistant Director at Miami Coral Park Senior High School. Bands under his direction have consistently received accolades, superior ratings, and the distinction of Virginia Honor Band and the VMEA Blue Ribbon Award. In addition, bands have also participated in the National Band Association Symphonic Band Camp, Virginia Governors' Inaugural Parades, the Jamestown 400th Anniversary and performed at the Kennedy Center. Mr. Loft has also presented performances and clinics at the VMEA Music Educators Professional Development Conference, Bands of America National Concert Band Festival and NAI Grand National Concert Band Festival. Most recently, the James W. Robinson Symphonic Band has been selected as a featured band for the 2024 Music for All National Concert Band Festival. Originally from Munford, Tennessee, Mr. Loft holds a M.M. Degree from the University of Miami in Tuba Performance, studying tuba with John Olah and conducting with Gary Green. He also holds a B.M.M.E. Degree Cum Laude in Music Education from the University of Tennessee at Martin, studying with Michael Hernon, E.J. Eaton and Dr. Donald A. Anthony. Andrew Loft is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Phi Beta Mu and an Honorary member of Tau Beta Sigma. He was also selected Colonial Forge High School and Stafford County Teacher of the Year for 2006-07, a three-time recipient of the Merit for the Millennium Award and was named a Washington Post Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher. He served as the President of the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors' Association and is on the Executive Board of the Fairfax Wind Symphony. Mr. Loft is an active musician in the Fairfax Wind Symphony and has performed for President Clinton, four state governors and conducted in Europe with American Music Abroad. Mr. Loft resides in Burke, Virginia with his wife Bridget, son Ian and a hound named Charlie Mac.