Faculty Bio: Robert Bridge

Robert Bridge is a Professor of Music at Onondaga Community College where he has been honored with many awards: he is a 2023 inductee into the New York State Percussion Circuit Hall of Fame; 2018 Civic Morning Musicals Ruth Edson Award for outstanding contributions to the Syracuse musical community; 2014 Ralph R. Whitney Jr. Award from the OCC board of trustees; 2014 the National Society of Leadership and Success's Excellence in Teaching Award; 2013 International Center of Syracuse's International Educator Award. In 2012, he was honored with the State University of New York’s "Chancellor’s Award for Scholarship and Creative Activities."  In the fall of 2010, he performed a solo recital and taught at the Shenyang International Percussion Festival in Shenyang, China. In 2009, he earned the Ann Felton Multicultural Leadership Award.  He received Trustee Recognition awards for “Excellence in Teaching” in both 2007 and 2005.  He is also a 2005 recipient of the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development "Excellence Award." In addition to his duties at OCC, Robert also teaches percussion at Lemoyne College; and he serves as a percussion arranger and instructor for the Syracuse University Marching Band.

Robert has degrees from the University of North Texas (B.M.E.), Southern Methodist University (M.M.), and the Eastman School of Music (D. M. A.).   In 1995 he was awarded the Eastman School’s “Performer’s Certificate”.  He has performed concertos with the Eastman Kilbourn Orchestra and the Southern Methodist University Symphony Orchestra.  In both 1985 &1986, Robert won first place at the Percussive Arts Society’s “Marching Percussion Forum” Individual Marimba Competition.

Robert currently serves as President of the American Federation of Musicians Local 78; and, as Secretary for the NY State chapter of the Percussive Arts Society. He is the immediate Past-President of the Society for New Music.  He is also a Past-President of the New York State Percussion Circuit. He serves as an Elder and Trustee at Park Central Presbyterian Church in Syracuse.

Robert has twice been selected to present his research at the Percussive Arts Society's International Convention - "Traditional Performance Practices in the Timpani Parts of Beethoven's Symphonies" (1999) and "An Overview of Steve Reich’s Sextet” (2002.)  Robert has performed as a solo marimbist in many venues including "Days of Percussion" in Virginia, Long Island, and Kingston, Ontario.  Robert also performs regularly in the Syracuse area including performances with the Society for New Music and the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra and can be heard on commercial recordings of both groups.  His compositions for percussion are published by Warner Brothers and Kendor.  He is an artist endorser for Yamaha Percussion, Sabian Cymbals, and Innovative Percussion mallets and sticks.