Ramon W. Key Jr.

Ramon W. Key Jr. is the Director of Bands at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. As Director of Bands he conducts the Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Marching Band, and Pep Band. In the Department of Fine and Performing Arts he serves as Assistant Professor of Music and teaches courses in conducting, wind band literature, and instrumental arranging. After completing his studies at Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois, Mr. Key continued his studies as a graduate student at VanderCook College of Music, Chicago, Illinois. Before completing his degree at Augustana College he served as student director of Pep Bands. Mr. Key has over 17 years of teaching experience in Chicago Public Schools, and has written articles for various publications. His bands have won awards in city, state, regional, and national competitions in both concert and marching band festivals. Mr. Key has also served as Director of the Chicago Public Schools Marching Band Camps for the past eight years. In Illinois he has served on various city and state advisory committees for music education and has been instrumental in developing and presenting seminars and workshops for aspiring instrumental music educators. Mr. Key is a member of the National Band Association , The College Band Directors National Association, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America, and The National Association for Music Education.

EDUCATION

• Received a Master of Music Education Degree at VanderCook College of Music, Chicago, Illinois in 1993.

• Received a Bachelor of Music Education Degree at Augustana College, Rock Island Illinois in 1990

• Graduated from Kenwood Academy, Chicago, Illinois in 1985