Dr. Timothy Rhea

Dr. Timothy B. Rhea is Director of Bands and Music Activities at Texas A&M University. As Director of Bands, he serves as the administrative head of the university band program (1000 students), serves as conductor of the University Wind Symphony, and coordinates the nationally famous “Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band.” As Director of Music Activities, he additionally oversees the activities of the jazz ensemble, orchestra, and choral programs. Dr. Rhea has been at Texas A&M University since 1993.

Dr. Rhea grew up in the music programs of the Texas public schools. He earned the Bachelor of Music Education with honors from the University of Arkansas where he was a private conducting student of Eldon A. Janzen. He earned the Master of Music in Conducting from Texas Tech University where he studied with the late James Sudduth. Dr. Rhea was awarded the Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting and Composition from the University of Houston. In July of 1999, he was awarded the Outstanding Young Bandmaster of the Year for the state of Texas from Phi Beta Mu. In December of 2000, Dr. Ray Bowen, former President of Texas A&M University, presented Dr. Rhea with the President’s Meritorious Service Award to Texas A&M University.

Dr. Rhea was named conductor of the TAMU Wind Symphony in 1995. During his tenure at Texas A&M University, Dr. Rhea has conducted the Wind Symphony for conventions of the Texas Music Educators Association (six times), the College Band Directors National Association (two times), the Midwest International Band & Orchestra Clinic, the Western International Band Clinic, and the American Bandmasters Association (2009 convention host), as well as in settings such as New York’s Carnegie Hall, the Meyerson Symphony Center of Dallas and the Wortham Center of Houston, and on tours which have taken the band throughout the state of Texas. On five European tours, Dr. Rhea has conducted the Wind Symphony during performances in Ireland, England, Austria, Germany, Italy, and the Czech Republic. Under his direction, the Wind Symphony has released several internationally popular compact discs, all with Mark Records in New York. In addition to conducting, Rhea maintains a very successful career as an arranger and composer. His output of compositions and arrangements numbers over 300, with over 50 publications.

Dr. Rhea maintains an internationally active schedule as conductor, clinician, and adjudicator. Currently President of the American Bandmasters Association, a member of the Board of Directors of The John Philip Sousa Foundation, and formerly on the Board of Directors of the National Band Association, Dr. Rhea additionally holds memberships in numerous professionally related organizations.