Liberty Middle School Bands - Edwardsville, IL
Rob Campbell
Mr. Campbell is in his 11th year with District 7, his third year at Liberty Middle School. Previously, he has served as an elementary band director for Woodland and Columbus Elementary Schools, and a general music teacher for Woodland, Worden, Cassens, Nelson, and Harrisburg, IL's East Side Elementary. He has also served as a woodwind specialist with the EHS Marching Tigers for 9 years and regularly performs with the pit orchestra on the bass for the EHS Drama Club productions.
Mr. Campbell earned his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education at McKendree University under the direction of Mr. David Boggs and Dr. Phil Wilhelm. He was a member of the Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combos, Marching Bearcat Band, Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, and Percussion Ensemble. He's currently working towards a Masters of Arts in Music Education through Eastern Illinois University. He is a previous member of the Illinois Music Educator's Association, the National Association for Music Education, is a past president of the Madison County Band Director's Association, and a founding member and former officer for the Mu Alpha chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity.
Outside of school, he enjoys spending time with his family, including playing "Smoke on the Water" with his 7 year old son on the drums, reading books with and painting the nails of his 5 year old daughter, constantly chasing his 2.5 year old toddler, and snuggling his infant daughter. He and his wife of 13 years also maintain a photography and photo-booth business under the name of Souper Photography.
Philosophy Statement
Music is not an exclusive activity where only those that “make the cut” are able to participate. Students of all ages, abilities, genders, ethnicities, etc. have avenues to participate in music. We, as music educators, must be careful not to cater only to those students that demonstrate natural music abilities, as can often be the case. Music educators need to be cognizant of the strengths and weaknesses of all students in their care, and do what they can to support each one individually. This will lead to greater student success, better quality ensembles, and higher retention rates in programs. Overall, music teachers should strive to enable students to be able to perform at their highest potential.