Board Of Directors

Robert Garbarz is a violinist and conductor from Apex, North Carolina. He began learning the violin in the 6th grade and has since participated in several musical endeavors. His primary teachers include Dana Friedli and Richard Luby. He has played with the Triangle Youth Symphony and Philharmonic, the Garner Sinfonia, and took part in Eastern Regional and All-State orchestra events, among others. Currently, he studies at UNC Chapel Hill and plays in the UNC Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Tonu Kalam. Also an avid chamber musician, Robert has played in multiple string quartets, piano quintets, and piano trios. In high school, he discovered the Baroque Violin and began performing and studying early music extensively, now playing with the UNC Baroque Ensemble directed by Brent Wissick. However, in addition to his interest in Baroque music, he also performs new music written by contemporary composers whenever he has the opportunity. In 2012, he premiered a Violin Concerto written by Michael Grimes at the inaugural performance of the Raleigh Festival Orchestra.

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As a conductor, Robert studies with Maestro Kalam. He enjoys conducting works of all eras, with a specific interest in the symphonies of Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and Dvorak. He, alongside Mr. Grimes, assembles and conducts the RFO each year, and also researches works to compile a program that will challenge and inspire both the musicians and the audience.

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Robert Garbarz

Head of Programing/ Conductor in Residence

Michael Grimes is a conductor and horn player from Apex, North Carolina.  He began his musical experience by learning trumpet in 4th grade, but then soon switching to horn in 6th grade.  He has been playing horn for over 9 years has performed in the Central District Bands as well as NC State Band for public schools.  He has also performed in the Eastern Regional Orchestra as well as other orchestras.  He is currently studying Music Education at Appalachian State University where he is studying horn under Dr. Karen Robertson.  He has played in many ensembles at Appalachian State including the Wind Ensemble under Dr. John Ross, the Symphonic Band under Dr. Kevin Richardson, the Brass Choir under Dr. James Stokes, the Appalachian State Marching Mountaineers under Dr. Kevin Richardson, the Appalachian Symphony under Dr. Chung Park, and the Appalachian Philharmonia under Dr. Cornelia Laemmi Orth.  He has also performed in small chamber groups such as brass quintets, horn quartets, wind quintets, and small trio chamber music.  He has also recently involved himself in vocal ensembles including the Appalachian State Glee Club and Voicemale, and all male a capella group on campus.  He is currently studying conducting under Dr. Chung Park and Dr. John Ross.  He is also a cofounder, performer, and conductor of the Raleigh Festival Orchestra. 



Michael loves to perform but specializes in teaching and conducting and is planning to teach at either the public school level or collegiate level in music.  He loves to study famous works of classical composers such as Dvorak, Mendelssohn, Beethoven, Strauss, and Mozart.  He, alongside Mr. Garbarz, organize and conduct the RFO  from classic works to less known ones that they have studied extensively.  

Michael Grimes

Head of Recruitment/ Conductor in Residence

Mitchell Franklin

Head of Finance and Advertising