Rob Halpner

Rob Halpner is a composer, arranger and sound designer, originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His unbridled passion for the marching arts began in 2016. Since that time, he has marched six seasons of Drum Corps with The Bluecoats, Santa Clara Vanguard, and The Academy, as well as four WGI seasons with Monarch Independent Percussion; all in the position of lead synth player.

Rob has the privilege of working professionally with The Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps as a member of the audio team. Additionally, he works with several high school marching bands including Avon High School in Avon, Indiana and Marcus High School in Flower Mound, Texas.

As an arranger, Rob has written percussion music and sound design for ensembles including Marcus High School, Manvel High School, Upper St. Clair High School and colleges including University of North Texas and University of Cincinnati. Rob also serves as a staff composer on the design team for Monarch Independent Percussion.

Rob earned his Bachelor’s Degree (’22) in Music Composition from the University of North Texas, where he studied composition in the studio of Dr. Sungji Hong and classical piano in the studio of Gustavo Romero. During his time at UNT, Rob was a member of numerous ensembles performing with the instrumental and vocal jazz bands, the concert band, the steel band, and the Green Brigade Marching Band.

Now living in Indianapolis, Rob is currently pursuing his Master’s Degree in Music Education at Butler University where he serves as the teaching assistant to Dr. Trae Blanco and the Wind Ensemble, performs as a member of the Butler University Percussion Ensemble, and studies percussion under the direction of Jon Crabiel.

Education and Experience

Piano Experience

Having studied piano both privately and at the University of North Texas, Rob has nearly 20 years of experience encompassing classical, jazz, and contemporary styles.

Percussion Experience

Participating in classical and world percussion ensembles, Rob has studied in the studios of Jack Kloecker and Tyree Hastings at the University of North Texas, and currently studies in the studio of Jon Crabiel at Butler University.

Audio Experience

Specializing in marching audio, Rob has experience as both a performer and staff member, working with scholastic and independent ensembles. His expertise includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Live Sound Software including MainStage 3 and Ableton Live

  • Wireless Systems including Shure Wireless products and Wireless Workbench 6

  • Audio Mixing Consoles including Yamaha, Allen & Heath, and PreSonus boards

Collegiate Ensemble Participation

Throughout his time at the University of North Texas and Butler University, Rob has been a member of:

  • Butler University Wind Ensemble

  • Butler University Percussion Ensemble

  • University of North Texas Concert Band

  • University of North Texas Eight O’Clock Jazz Lab Band

  • University of North Texas Avenue C Vocal Jazz Band

  • University of North Texas Eight O’Clock Steel Band

  • University of North Texas Green Brigade Marching Band

Competitive Marching Experience

Rob has had the privilege of working and performing with some of the most prestigious ensembles in this activity.

Staff

  • Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps

  • Monarch Independent Percussion

Performer

  • Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps

  • Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps

  • The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps

  • Monarch Independent Percussion

Awards

Competitive Undergraduate Piano Performance Scholarship

2020-2021 UNT College of Music Scholarship

First Place: DCI Individual & Ensemble Performers Showcase

2021 Solo Piano

2021 Mixed Ensemble

Vox Nouveau Party of Four Composition Competition

2017 First Place: Dance of the Hummingbirds, for flute quartet

Pennsylvania Music Educators Association Composition Competition

2017 First Place: Tarantella, for wind band

2014 First Place: If Only, for piano and trumpet

Listen to what Rob can do for you!