Ross Bader begins his fourth year as orchestra director at Dobyns-Bennett High School and his second at Ross N. Robinson Middle School. He graduated from Milligan College with a degree in Music Education. During his time at Milligan, he was the accompanist for the Milligan College Concert Choir and also participated in Chamber Singers, Jazz Band, and the ETSU marching and concert bands. In 2003, Milligan’s annual choir award was renamed the Ross Bader Concert Choir Award in his honor, and he was also the recipient of the award that same year.

During Mr. Bader’s time at Dobyns-Bennett, the orchestra has received consecutive superior ratings at local concert festivals. This is the orchestra’s second appearance at the Tennessee Music Educator’s Association State Concert Festival. In the past, the orchestra has performed at many events including two appearances at the Music Educator’s National Conference Regional Convention as well as the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic. They have also performed locally with Kingsport’s own Symphony of the Mountains.

Mr. Bader’s teaching responsibilities include directing the 9th grade orchestra, upperclassman orchestra and symphony orchestra at Dobyns-Bennett. He also directs the beginning string classes and the 7th & 8th grade orchestra at Ross N. Robinson. He is also an active piano performer in the Tri-Cities area. He has served as rehearsal accompanist and pianist for Milligan College’s performances of Footloose and Oklahoma as well as the Intercity Ballet’s annual performance of the Nutcracker. Under his most recent appointment, Mr. Bader will conduct the Symphony of the Mountains Youth Orchestra for their 2007-08 season.