Dr. Timothy Rhea

Dr. Timothy Rhea

Director of Bands & Music Activities
Texas A&M University

  Biography

Dr. Timothy B. Rhea is Director of Bands and Music Activities at Texas A&M University. As Director of Bands, he serves as the administrative head of the university band program (1000 students), serves as conductor of the University Wind Symphony, and coordinates the nationally famous “Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band.” As Director of Music Activities, he additionally oversees the activities of the jazz ensemble, orchestra, and choral programs. Dr. Rhea has been at Texas A&M University since 1993.

Dr. Rhea grew up in the music programs of the Texas public schools. He earned the Bachelor of Music Education with honors from the University of Arkansas where he was a private conducting student of Eldon A. Janzen. He earned the Master of Music in Conducting from Texas Tech University where he studied with the late James Sudduth. Dr. Rhea was awarded the Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting and Composition from the University of Houston. In July of 1999, he was awarded the Outstanding Young Bandmaster of the Year for the state of Texas from Phi Beta Mu. In December of 2000, Dr. Ray Bowen, former President of Texas A&M University, presented Dr. Rhea with the President’s Meritorious Service Award to Texas A&M University.

Dr. Rhea was named conductor of the TAMU Wind Symphony in 1995. During his tenure at Texas A&M University, Dr. Rhea has conducted the Wind Symphony for conventions of the Texas Music Educators Association (six times), the College Band Directors National Association (two times), the Midwest International Band & Orchestra Clinic, the Western International Band Clinic, and the American Bandmasters Association (2009 convention host), as well as in settings such as New York’s Carnegie Hall, the Meyerson Symphony Center of Dallas and the Wortham Center of Houston, and on tours which have taken the band throughout the state of Texas. On five European tours, Dr. Rhea has conducted the Wind Symphony during performances in Ireland, England, Austria, Germany, Italy, and the Czech Republic. Under his direction, the Wind Symphony has released several internationally popular compact discs, all with Mark Records in New York. In addition to conducting, Rhea maintains a very successful career as an arranger and composer. His output of compositions and arrangements numbers over 300, with over 50 publications.

Dr. Rhea maintains an internationally active schedule as conductor, clinician, and adjudicator. Currently President of the American Bandmasters Association, a member of the Board of Directors of The John Philip Sousa Foundation, and formerly on the Board of Directors of the National Band Association, Dr. Rhea additionally holds memberships in numerous professionally related organizations.

  Session Titles

Creating the Successful Rehearsal

Teacher

Successful rehearsals are one of the most important aspects of any performing ensemble. A meticulous plan provides a roadmap to success in all areas of the rehearsal process. Several items should be considered when developing goals and plans for your daily rehearsals.


March Interpretation

Teacher

To perform a march well, both the conductor and players must believe in this musical form. The medium is one of our most audience appealing, yet many conductors are reluctant to program these wonderful pieces. Is this in part due to an uneasiness involving proper interpretation and performance? As most components of march style have been handed down through an oral tradition, it is my hope that the following information will be of some benefit regarding proper performance of march style.


Programming & Identifying Quality Band Repertoire

Teacher

Choosing repertoire as conductor of an instrumental ensemble is our most important mission. This clinic identifies how to identify and select the highest quality repertoire, regardless of level, for your ensemble.


Things I Have Discovered and Stolen While in the Wind Band Profession

Teacher

I have gained much from others in our profession over the past twenty five years that have contributed to growth and success in my own career. Topics include inspiration, rehearsals, warm ups, intonation, interpretation, and several related issues.