Conducting

Dr. Drobnak has conducted wind ensembles and concert bands at the university level and in the public school levels. While teaching at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, he taught Basic Conducting and Concert Band Literature. In addition, he conducted the low brass ensemble.  The video at the right shows a performance of James Barnes Chance's Variations on a Korean Folk Song  by the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology Symphonic Band. This performance took place in the new (at the time) Music Center on the main campus in Rapid City, South Dakota.

The Northwestern Oklahoma State University Ranger Marching Band performs through the Oklahoma Panhandle and southern Kansas. The Band Program dates back to the late 1800s, having performed for dignitaries at the towns train station. The school's Homecoming Celebration gradually grew to a major event that drew national talent, such as Louis Armstrong, and over 20,000 guests, which included a homecoming parade competition for high school bands and the Cinderella Beauty Pageant.

While at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Dr. Drobnak started a new festival at the end of year called, "Tuba de Mayo." The concept was to showcase Latin music through solo and ensemble performances. Dr. Drobnak also conducted the Low Brass Ensemble at the University of South Dakota. Some of his favorite performances are listed to the right.

While at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Dr. Drobnak served as Director of Bands and conducted the Symphonic Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band and Pep Band. He assisted with the planning and execution of the annual Homecoming Celebration and Homecoming Parade. He also hosted the Red Carpet Honor Band, OKSAA High School Large Group Contest and Solo & Ensemble Festival. Students in the band program performed for thousands of audience members yearly.

Dr. Drobnak conducted the Jazz Bands at Northwestern Oklahoma State University and the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. The video at the left is of a Spring 2015 performance of "Fables of Faubus." This is a musical commentary on the Democrat Governor Faubus of Arkansas, who famously refused to comply with the 1954 Brown vs. Board of Education decision of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Favorite Low Brass Ensemble Recordings

Homage to the Navy Hymn, arr. Dibley. University of South Dakota Low Brass Ensemble. April 1, 2009.

Tuba de Mayo example

Shades of Purple (Barbara York). I. Shadows III. Mr./Ms. Right UTRGV Brownsville Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble. March 22, 2016. TSC Arts Center.

Mofonogo Relleno. UTRGV Brownsville Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble. March 22, 2016.

The performance on the left was given by the Marching Coyotes of the University of South Dakota at the Quad State Marching Band Festival. The band was under the direction of Dr. Rolf Olson, and Dr. Drobnak served as the assistant director. The Quad State Marching Band Competition attracts high school bands from Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota and South Dakota.