Robert Franzblau

Robert Franzblau is Professor of Music and Director of Bands at Rhode Island College conducting the Wind Ensemble and Chamber Winds and teaching courses in conducting and music education. Under his direction, the Rhode Island College Wind Ensemble has performed for the College Band Directors National Association and the Music Educators National Conference. In 2004 he founded the Music Institute at Rhode Island College for talented high school musicians. He earned the Bachelor of Music Degree from the University of Iowa; Master of Music Degree from Northwestern University studying conducting with John P. Paynter and a Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Rob is a contributing author of GIA Publications, WASBE Journal and The Instrumentalist magazine. He produced and moderated a series of live/online “Town Hall Meetings” on the future of music and hosts the Rhode Island College Instrumental Conducting Symposium each January. In December 2008, he was named the third Music Director of the Rhode Island Wind Ensemble and has served as Assistant Conductor, Acting Artistic Director and Guest Conductor of the Boston-area Metropolitan Wind Symphony.

He is the founder/conductor of the Rhode Island Wind Orchestra, serves as past president of the New England College Band Association, is a board member of the Rhode Island Music Education Association and is active in CBDNA.  Rob is a frequent guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator throughout the country.