Robert M. Botwinski is a conductor & educator located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, IL. He currently holds the position of Director of Orchestras at Kenyon Woods Middle School in South Elgin, IL where he has taught since August of 2016.

At Kenyon Woods, Robert currently teaches the 7th & 8th Grade Orchestras as well as small group lessons for 5th & 6th grade orchestra students at the elementary feeder schools. In addition to the curricular ensembles, Mr. Botwinski also started the Kenyon Woods Symphony Orchestra, providing middle school students the opportunity to experience symphonic repertoire as well as fostering collaboration between the KWMS band & orchestra students.

Robert graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education (B.M.E.) from Illinois State University in 2015. During his time at ISU, Robert was an active percussionist in many ensembles including the ISU Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, Symphonic Winds, and the Big Red Marching Machine Drumline. ISU is also where he began his formal conducting studies, being admitted to the graduate orchestral conducting course led by Dr. Glenn Block.

Robert then continued his studies at Colorado State University, where he earned his Master of Music Degree (M.M.) in Conducting in July of 2024. Under the guidance of Prof. Wes Kenney, Dr. Rebecca Phillips, and Dr. James Kim, Robert gained experience working with orchestras, bands, and choirs while focusing on all aspects of conducting including baton technique, score-study and preparation, rehearsal management, and leadership skills. For his final project, Robert conducted the pit orchestra in a staged production of the musical Bye, Bye, Birdie. To further his conducting studies, Mr. Botwinski regularly attends workshops including the Illinois State Conducting Symposium and the Chicago Conducting Masterclass and Workshop Series led by Prof. Donald Schleicher.

As a percussionist, Robert is a current member of the DuPage Symphony Orchestra in Naperville, IL. In addition to performing with the ensemble, Robert is also an active member of the DSO’s Educational Partnership & Community Engagement committee. The goal of this committee is to collaborate with students in area schools as well as connect patrons to the orchestra’s performances on a deeper level.

As he continues in his career, Mr. Botwinski is committed to inspiring youth and all community members through classical music, and ensuring accessibility to high quality musical performances.