Our Associate Conductor
Dr. Robert Ouren
Our associate conductor is Dr. Robert Ouren, who also happens to be a member of our trumpet section. Dr. Ouren earned his undergraduate degree in Music Education from Winona State College, and his Masters and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Minnesota. He taught for four decades in Minnesota, ending his public school career in Edina, a suburb of Minneapolis. Bob ended his teaching career at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN as an Assistant Professor of Music Education. He retired from there in 2019.
Dr. Ouren is the co-founder of the Minnesota Junior Winds, served as a Masters Thesis/Project Reviewer for St. Thomas University (St. Paul), and served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant with the University of MN Bands. While in the Edina School system, Bob served as Teaching and Learning Specialist for the Arts and helped design and implement the Band/Music program and curriculum for the FAIR (Fine Arts Interdisciplinary Resource) school as part of a multi-district experiment.
Foremost, Bob was a teacher, conductor, clinician and mentor in the field of instrumental music/band. In addition to teaching Bob was very active as a judge, clinician, mentor, and guest conductor throughout Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and Colorado. For many years Bob served as a sectional coach and guest conductor for the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies in the Twin Cities area. He also served as an Arts Learning Grant panelist for the Minnesota Arts Board. Most recently, Bob has served as a working consultant with the Harmony Bridge project.
Dr. Ouren was very active in the Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA). He served as a Regional representative and as the Advocacy Chair for many years. MMEA All-State Band Bob also enjoys membership in the American School Band Directors Association (elected), Phi Beta Mu music fraternity (elected), the Minnesota Band Directors Association and the National Association for Music Education.
Dr. Ouren received the Outstanding Band Director in Minnesota ASBDA/Stanbury Award in the High School Division, and the Ashland Oil achievement Award. In 2011, Bob received the Educator of the Year Award from MMEA. While Department Head of the Edina Schools music program, the district received a Grammy Signature School Award in both 2005 and 2007. As a member of the FAIR School arts staff, the school received the 2002-2003 Creative Ticket National School of Distinction Award from the Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network.
In 2020, Bob and Karen bought a home here in the valley to come to during the Minnesota winters. He currently plays in the West Valley Wind Ensemble, the Desert Brass (in which he also serves as assistant director), and the Arizona Winds.