Meet the
Musicians

Internationally acclaimed conductor Robert Moody is Music Director of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Arizona Musicfest, and Baltimore Chamber Orchestra. He has appeared with many of the world’s top orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony, Toronto Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Vienna Chamber Orchestra. Upcoming engagements include the Philadelphia Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, and Hong Kong Philharmonic. Moody has also conducted leading ensembles across the United States, Canada, South America, and South Africa. He previously served as Music Director for the Portland Symphony Orchestra and Winston-Salem Symphony. He holds degrees from Furman University and the Eastman School of Music.

Hailed by Patron magazine as “a musician for all seasons,” conductor and composer Jason Thomas Aylward has led performances with NYC’s CreArtBox Ensemble, the Texas Festival Orchestra, the Idyllwild Arts Festival, and the Twin Cities Orchestra. He has held artistic and conducting positions nationwide, including Artistic Director for Vintage Strings and Founder of the Chippewa River Chamber Orchestra, and is currently Director of Bands and Orchestra at Southeastern University. As a composer, his works premiered at the LA Shorts International Film Festival and with major orchestras and festivals, earning awards for orchestral and choral compositions. He holds a Doctorate from the Peabody Conservatory and master’s degrees from Central Michigan University.

Rob is Director of Winds & Percussion and Director of Jazz Studies at the Harrison School for the Arts in Lakeland, Florida, where he has taught since 1994. He conducts the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, Jazz Orchestra, Chamber Winds, and Percussion Ensemble, with ensembles performing at the Midwest Clinic, Festival des Anches d’Azur in France, and other prestigious events across the United States and abroad. Rob is also in his 14th season as conductor of the Sarasota Orchestra Youth Philharmonic. He holds degrees from the University of South Florida and Florida Southern College, NBPTS certification, and remains active as a highly sought-after guest conductor, clinician, adjudicator, and music educator throughout the state of Florida.