Ross Amend is an acclaimed and award-winning conductor and educator hailing from Atlanta, Georgia. He is the esteemed Associate Director of Bands at Marietta High School in Marietta, Georgia. Under Mr. Amend’s guidance, the ensembles he directs consistently achieve superior ratings at Large Group Performance Evaluations, showcasing the exceptional musicality and precision fostered under his leadership. Moreover, the marching bands he leads regularly attain top honors in local and regional competitions, reflecting Mr. Amend’s ability to inspire excellence in his students. In 2016, Mr. Amend’s outstanding contributions to the field of music education were honored with the prestigious National Band Association Citation of Excellence, a testament to his unwavering commitment to artistic growth and achievement.
Prior to his role at Marietta High School, Mr. Amend served as the Director of Bands at River Ridge High School for an impressive six-year tenure. During this time, he curated a vibrant and diverse music program encompassing three concert bands, two winter guards, two jazz bands, a percussion ensemble, several chamber wind ensembles, and the highly regarded River Ridge Marching Band. In 2023, the River Ridge Wind Ensemble, under Mr. Amend’s direction, was selected as one of the distinguished eight ensembles to participate in the esteemed Southeastern Regional Music for All Concert Band Festival.
Before his tenure at River Ridge High School, Mr. Amend contributed his talents as the Associate Director of Bands at South Forsyth High School in Cumming, Georgia, for six impactful years. His transformative leadership played a pivotal role in expanding the program from 100 students upon his arrival to a thriving community of over 250 students during his tenure.
Mr. Amend’s distinguished educational background includes a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the esteemed Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University, as well as a Master of Music Education degree from the prestigious University of Georgia. As a conductor, he has had the privilege of participating in masterclasses led by revered figures in the field, such as Eugene Corporon, Steve Davis, Craig Kirchhoff, Jamie Nix, Kevin Sedatole, Mallory Thompson, and other esteemed leaders.
Alongside his dedication to music education, Mr. Amend maintains active memberships in esteemed professional associations, including the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA), Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity, and the Boy Scouts of America, where he proudly earned the esteemed rank of Eagle Scout. Still an active clarinetist, Mr. Amend often performs around metropolitan Atlanta and as a member of the nationally renowned Cobb Wind Symphony.
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