Bio
Dr. Robert R. Bayless, a native of Ohio, received a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education, a Masters of Music Education degree and a Doctorate of Philosophy degree in Music Education from Kent State University. His doctoral dissertation studied the leadership qualities of high school large group ensemble directors.
Dr. Bayless has taught in both public schools and college music programs. His years of public school teaching have included several positions in Ohio. Prior to coming to the University of Arizona, Dr. Bayless' college teaching experiences have included appointments in Ohio, New York and Wisconsin.
Performing groups under Dr. Bayless' direction were always rated superior at district and state orchestra, band and choir music competitions during his Ohio public school teaching career. Among the performance honors received by groups conducted by Dr. Bayless include: the Anglo-American Bicentennial Festival, Royal Albert Hall, London, England; UNESCO-ISME Conference, Hanover, Germany; International Society of Music Educators, Montreaux, Switzerland; Mid-West Band and Orchestra Clinic, Chicago; Washington National Cathedral Easter Services, Washington, D.C.; Mid-East Band Clinic, Pittsburgh; Blossom Music Center International Festival, Cleveland; Bowling Green University Reading Clinic, Bowling Green, Ohio; Akron University Reading Clinic Akron, Ohio; American School Band Director's Ohio State Meeting; Ohio Music Education Association Fiftieth Anniversary Concert, Fostoria, Ohio; Indian Head Honors Festival, Eau Claire, Wisconsin; and Ohio Music Education State Meetings. Among the guest conductors of his groups have included Karel Husa, Arnald Gabriel, John Paynter, John Boyd, Robert Fleming, Fredrick Fennell, Mark Kelly and Paul Whear. Dr. Bayless has continually worked as a conductor, teacher, adjudicator and clinician for high school and junior high school bands and orchestras throughout Ohio, New York, Wisconsin, and now Arizona.
Dr. Bayless is a member of WASBE (World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles), NBA (National Band Association), ASBDA (American School Band Directors Association), Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity, Phi Beta Mu, MENC (The National Association for Music Education), AMEA (Arizona Music Education Association), and IHS (International Horn Society).
Currently Dr. Bayless is an Assistant Professor of Music Education at the University of Arizona, teaching conducting and music education courses. He is the director of the Symphonic Band and the Outreach Honor Band. Dr. Bayless is also the Editor of AMEA's Arizona Music News.
