We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Robin Owens a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Robin, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Every experience with the RCB has been meaningful, inspiring, providing growth. We rehearse every week, and perform 16 concerts a year, free of charge! I’ve been the conductor for 8 years, and it’s such a rewarding and meaningful experience!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have been a musician for over 50 years; indeed, it is my life. I am a performer, woodwinds, whenever I can: currently Dallas Winds, church gigs, free lance. I taught band in public education for 34 years in the Dallas area, grades 6-12. I still have connection with music ed in the area by judging, doing region clinics, and providing educational materials.
Since retiring in 2017 from public education, I have been the conductor of the Richardson Community Band. This group is very diverse, ages from 20 -92! I plan the programs and organize rehearsals. It is very busy, but very rewarding. I am always looking for folks to join, donate, solo with us, sponsor a concert, and most important, come to inspiring concerts. We perform 16 concerts a year, one of most active community groups in the area. All of the members are volunteers, as am I. The group has been established since 1970 and continues the tradition of inspiring free concerts. I am constantly humbled and rejuvenated as I work and perform with this group.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I will frequently get feedback from a member or an audience member after a concert/rehearsal that a piece of music “changed their life”. These occurrences continue to remind me about the awesome power of music.

From my own standpoint, whether I am practicing, performing, rehearsing, or conducting, I am always lifted up by music.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I have a very strong urge to create and share my music. When I pick programs and pieces, this desire helps to pick music that I think would benefit the audience as well as the members of the RCB.

Over the 8 years as conductor, I have learned from mistakes and successes and continue to hopefully target the audience and RCB member for a rewarding and inspiring journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://RichardsonCommunityBand.org
• Instagram: RichardsonCommunity Band
• Facebook: RichardsonCommunityBand
• Youtube: RichardsonCommunityBand
• Soundcloud: RichardsonCommunityBand