Robert Strong is a percussionist, composer, and adjudicator based out of Reno, NV. Robert studied music performance under Dr. Matthew Darling at California State University, Fresno. During his time at Fresno State, Mr. Strong was featured as a soloist in several ensembles, including the Fresno State Wind Orchestra, Chamber Singers, and Percussion Ensemble. In November 2014 and April 2015, Robert was featured as a guest artist with the Phoenix Symphony performing Avner Dorman’s duo concerto Uzu and Muzu from Kakaruzu. In 2018, Robert was a section percussionist with the Clovis Wind Symphony, which was the featured adult band at the Midwest Clinic. Passionate about chamber music, Robert has commissioned and performed over a dozen new works as a member of the Impetus Percussion Quartet and Orphic Percussion Group. Currently, Robert is part of the Reno based percussion duo Penguin Box, which is dedicated to crafting unique musical experiences for the lovely people of Northern Nevada.
From 2014-2017, Mr. Strong served as the Director of Percussion Studies at the Regan Educational Center in Clovis, CA Under his direction, the Clovis East Percussion Ensemble received unanimous superiors at Percussive Arts Society festivals, was the featured percussion ensemble for the California Music Educators Association - Music for All festival in Sacramento, CA, and won 3rd place at the California Chapter Percussive Arts Society State Competition in 2017. Robert was also the front ensemble coordinator and designer for the marching percussion units at REC, which were the winners of the Western Band Association's 3A and 1-3A Grand Championship percussion captions in 2015.
Since moving to Nevada in 2018, Robert has spent his time smoking meat, performing with the Sierra Highlanders Pipe Band, climbing mountains with his wife, Hannah, drinking Scotch, and hanging out with his adorable kitties, Pickle and Mr. Lumpy.