Robert Seebacher

BIOGRAPHY

Robert J. Seebacher joined Centre College in 2017. He is the Director of Instrumental Programs, Associate Professor of Music, and teaches applied Horn. 

Dr. Seebacher is Music Director and Conductor of the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra in Tennessee and Assistant Conductor of the National Chorale in New York. Previously, he was Director of Orchestras at the University of South Alabama and Music Director of the Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra. He has appeared with the Lexington Philharmonic, Youngstown Symphony, Warren Philharmonic, and Mobile Symphony Orchestras. He has held assistant conductor positions with the University of Kentucky Symphony Orchestra and Opera Theatre, Bowling Green Symphony, and the Youngstown Symphony Youth Orchestra.

Dr. Seebacher served on the faculty of the Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Arts until its elimination by the Department of Education. While in residence there, he conducted opera and taught conducting music theory, and history, as well as applied Horn.  He has conducted numerous All-State and Honors Orchestras and Bands in Kentucky, West Virginia, and Alabama. His guest artist collaborations have included those with Chee-Yun, Béla Fleck, Mark O’Connor, Midori, The Harlem String Quartet, The Canadian Brass, Arlo Guthrie, Lynn Harrell, Bella Hristova, David Ludwig, Joseph Schwantner, Valentina Lisitsa, Billy McLaughlin, Tessa Lark, Melissa White, and the Celtic ensemble, Mithril.

Since 2006, Dr. Seebacher has been Assistant Conductor for the University of Kentucky Opera Theatre’s summer production of “It’s a Grand Night for Singing,” which won two regional Emmy awards in 2019.

He holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree (cum laude) from Youngstown State University, a Master’s Degree in Orchestral Conducting from Bowling Green State University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Kentucky.

Dr. Seebacher has participated in training workshops at The Cleveland Institute of Music and The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance at the University of Michigan. He conducted the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra as part of their inaugural conducting symposium. His teachers include William B. Slocum, Stephen L. Gage, John Nardolillo, Emily Freeman Brown, and Gustav Meier.

COURSES TAUGHT

• Centre Symphony Orchestra
• Centre Chamber Music Ensembles
• Principles of Conducting
• Foundations and Worldviews of Music
• Musical Soundscapes: The Role of Music and Sound in Film