Kearney Symphony Orchestra: Conductor

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Conductor

Dr. Ron Crocker

Ronald Crocker, percussion, conductor: Kearney Symphony Orchestra (Professor) has been an active Nebraska music educator for over three decades. In addition, he is an active composer, director, performer, clinician, and, from 1994 to 2004, served as chair for the Department of Music & Performing Arts at U.N.K. In 1964, he received a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University and taught at Ceresco and Mead, Nebraska, before returning to the University of Iowa for graduate study. After receiving his master's degree, he joined the music faculty at U.N.K. as Assistant Director of Bands and Percussion Specialist. Three years later, he was appointed Director of Bands and remained in that position for twenty years. He received his doctorate from the University of Northern Colorado, and serves as Associate Dean for the College of Fine Arts and Humanities.

As a promoter of music education in Nebraska and throughout the country, Dr. Crocker has been guest clinician for over 300 concert band, jazz band and percussion clinics involving thousands of high school students. In addition, he has served as an adjudicator for hundreds of music contests.

Among the awards that Crocker has received for excellence in teaching and service are the Outstanding College Professor Award presented by Mu Epsilon Nu Professional Education Honorary, Outstanding Young Educator Award given to him twice by the Kearney Area Jaycees, the Distinguished Service Award presented by the UNK Council of Deans, the Pratt Heins Faculty Service Award and the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association Distinguished Service Award.