Dr. Archie “Chip” Birkner is Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Music at the University of Florida, where his responsibilities include serving as conductor of the UF Wind Symphony, guiding the graduate wind conducting program, and overseeing all aspects of the large and comprehensive band program. Prior to his appointment as Director of Bands, he served for two decades as Assistant Director of Bands – providing artistic and administrative leadership, conducting Concert Bands and the UF New Music Ensemble, and helped guide the university’s athletic band program.
As an ardent advocate for music education and the wind band tradition, Dr. Birkner is committed to innovative programming, collaborative artistry, and the development of the next generation of musicians and educators. He has collaborated with composers such as Luis Serrano Alarcón, Etienne Crausaz, Patrick Harlin, Michael Daugherty, and James Stephenson, and worked alongside internationally acclaimed artists such as Julian Bliss, Rex Richardson, and Mark Yancich. He has appeared as conductor of honor bands, honor orchestras, professional bands, professional orchestras, and chamber ensembles across the United States, Europe, and South America. As a clinician, Dr. Birkner has been invited to speak at national and international conferences including the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, Collegiate Band Directors Conferences, and numerous state music education conferences. Additionally, Dr. Birkner served as Creator/Program Director/Instructor for the 2018 Vienna Summer Music Festival’s Conducting Institute held in Vienna, Austria.
Dr. Birkner received his PhD in Music Education/Instrumental Conducting, Master of Music in Percussion Performance, and Bachelor of Music Education with Performer’s Certificate from the University of Florida. He holds professional memberships with the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, College Band Directors National Association, National Association for Music Education, Florida Music Educators Association, Florida Bandmasters Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Professional Music Fraternity. Dr. Birkner is also proud to hold honorary memberships in Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma.