Clinician Detail

Robert Abend - Biographical Information

Robert Abend is in his third year as the Associate Director of Bands at the University of South Alabama. At USA, his responsibilities include; director of the Symphony Band, director of the Jaguar Marching Band and athletic bands, and teaching courses in conducting, music education, and marching band techniques. Prior to his appointment at USA, he completed his graduate studies at Michigan State University, where he earned his DMA in Wind Conducting. At MSU, he assisted and guest conducted with all concert bands, as well as assisted with athletic bands, marching band methods, and undergraduate conducting courses. His primary conducting teacher was Dr. Kevin L. Sedatole. Rob earned his Masters degree in wind conducting at Western Michigan University, where he studied with Dr. Scott Boerma. Upon graduation from WMU, Rob was recipient of the All-University Graduate Teaching Effectiveness Award, an honor given to only three masters teaching assistants across the entire university. Prior to his graduate studies, 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 from 2013 to 2018. Rob earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Eastern Michigan University, where he studied percussion with John Dorsey and conducting with John Zastoupil and Mary Schneider. His professional affiliations include American School Band Directors Association, College Band Directors National Association, Kappa Kappa Psi, and the National Association for Music Education.