FOREST CITY – Brett Robison has joined Waldorf College as the new Director of Choral Activities. Robison, originally from Puyallup, Washington, graduated from Luther College as an undergraduate in Music before pursuing his Master of Music degree in conducting from the University of New Mexico. He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Arizona.
As a public school educator for almost ten years, Brett taught in the public schools of Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, and Arizona where his ensembles consistently received superior ratings. Brett has taught general music and choral music to grades K-12.
“Having worked in music and having connections in northern Iowa, I understand the high school all-state process and other things that are useful in recruitment.” Robison said. “And I am extremely grateful for the work Dr. Luebke and Travis Beck have put into this program. I get to reap the benefits from their tenure – the choir is up in numbers and full of great kids.”
Fortunate for Robison, the kids approve of him, too! The Waldorf Choir members met with Robison for approximately 40 minutes prior to his interview, and choir president, Karly Ankarlo, even got to sit in on Robison’s interview as part of the hiring committee. “I had a 40-minute connection with the choir where they asked me questions as part of the search,” Robison said. “My interview process was great, but when I met the students – I was sold on Waldorf College!”
After his first full week of classes, rehearsals and getting to know the people of Waldorf College, Robison has a positive outlook for himself and the future of the Waldorf Choir and overall music program. “I am extremely grateful and exited for this opportunity,” he said. “There is a lot of pride in this choir. They are a family in the way they support each other, and that is a director’s highest hope for an ensemble such as this!”
Before starting at Waldorf College, Robison held the position of Director of Music and Arts Ministries at Paradise Valley United Methodist Church in Paradise Valley, Arizona, where he directed several music ensembles as well as supervised all other areas of the Music and Arts Ministries. In addition, he co-founded a nonprofit music organization with his wife, Jennaya, and was the assistant conductor of the internationally renowned Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus.
