Robert Baxter - Conductor

Robert graduated with a BA from the RSAMD after studying trumpet. He works extensively with BBC SSO and Scottish Ballet Orchestra.  He also works regularly with the RSNO, SCO and Scottish Opera, and has worked with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Tenerife Symphony Orchestra, the New London Consort and the Goldberg Ensemble.

From the late 1990s, Robert has developed the conducting aspects of his career, working for a short time with brass bands before focusing on community wind bands and orchestras. In this time he has performed over 300 wind band scores and around 50 orchestral works.

Since 2004, Robert has been conductor of the Helensburgh Orchestral Society. Two years ago the Orchestra celebrated its fiftieth anniversary by recording a CD at the RSAMD which featured the work Thyme by Mike Norris, a piece premiered by the Orchestra the previous month at their anniversary concert. He enjoys performing a varied repertoire and working with a number of soloists at the orchestras concerts.

Robert has been musical director of the Dunbartonshire Concert Band since 2000, during which time the band has performed at the Victoria International Arts Festival in Gozo and Malta and at the World Wind Band Festival in Schladming, Austria. Under his baton, the band has recorded numerous CDs and has won a gold award at the NCBF and attended the national final in Manchester. In addition, they perform regularly throughout Scotland and have premiered a number of works. He also enjoys working with young people as musical director of the Dunbartonshire Wind Ensemble and is delighted it has seen a considerable revival over recent years.

Robert is currently the brass instructor at Hamilton College after holding the same position for many years at Glenalmond College. He has also taught at St Mary's Music School in Edinburgh and is presently trumpet specialist at the Music School of Douglas Academy. He works regularly for NYOS, NCOS and WOSIS and has adjudicated numerous school music competitions, in addition he has also adjudicated the final of the 2010 Scottish Concert Band Festival.