Robert Parker is the interim conductor and a founding member of the Wilmington Symphonic Winds. Since the ensemble’s beginning, he has been part of its story—first as a percussionist, then as its inaugural president, and now from the podium as interim conductor. For him, the connection is personal as well as professional: many of his former students now play in the group. Others have gone on to perform in U.S. military bands, or in regional and community ensembles across the Southeast. Seeing them continue to make music as adults is one of the things he values most about teaching.

Now in his 20th year as Director of Bands at Ashley High School, Mr. Parker leads a program that includes concert bands, percussion ensembles, and the Screaming Eagle Regiment marching band. His work extends beyond the classroom—he has taught at clinics and camps throughout North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina as a wind ensemble conductor, consultant, percussion instructor, and adjudicator. He has also judged marching band contests across the state in all captions: music, visual, and general effect.

Guest conducting and clinician appearances have included the NCBA Eastern All-District Band, numerous All-County Bands, the UNCW Symphonic Band, the UNCW Summer Band, and the OLLI New Horizons Band. These experiences give him the chance to work with musicians of every age, from students just beginning their journey to lifelong players returning to the stage.

Mr. Parker has also been deeply involved in the North Carolina Bandmasters Association (NCBA). He served as Eastern District President from 2020–2022, previously held the position of State Honors Band Treasurer, and has contributed as a member of the NCBA Percussion Committee. He is a long-standing member of the state Music Performance Adjudication (MPA) committee and currently chairs and hosts the South Site MPA.

As a performer, he continues to stay active as a percussionist with the Wilmington Symphony, Cape Fear Chorale, Wilmington Choral Society, City Ballet, and Tallis Chamber Orchestra, while also collaborating regularly with church and school ensembles.

Mr. Parker lives in Wilmington with his wife, Sarah, their daughter, Charlotte, and their dog, Toby.

Robert Parker, interim conductor