Dr. Troy Robertson has been named Tarleton’s new director of choirs and assistant professor of music. He will join the faculty of the College of Liberal and Fine Arts, effective Sept. 1. He replaces Dr. Charles Rives who retired in May after serving 29 years as director of choirs.

“I am very happy to be at Tarleton State University,” Robertson said. “Dr. Rives has built a reputation of excellence in choral music and I’m honored to be part of that. The enthusiasm of the students and faculty is readily apparent. I’m anxious for classes to begin and to start making music.”

Robertson comes to Tarleton from Ithaca College in New York where he served during the 2011-2012 academic year as assistant professor of music and directed the college’s choral ensemble, women’s chorale and the 175-member Ithaca College Chorus.

Prior to joining the Ithaca faculty, Robertson was choral director at East Gaston High School in Gastonia, N.C., from 2003-2008, and was associate conductor of the Oratorio Singers of Charlotte and the Charlotte Chamber Singers, from 2006-2008. Robertson also served as a graduate teaching assistant on several college campuses, including Florida State University and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

“We are confident that Dr. Robertson will be able to build upon the strong tradition of choral music that has developed at Tarleton,” said Dr. Teresa Davidian, fine arts department head. “He brings with him the experience, talent and enthusiasm required to inspire the students. We also know that important university performances, such as the annual Messiah concert, will be in good hands.”

Robertson earned his bachelor of music degree in music education from Furman University, his master’s of music in choral conducting from UNC-Greensboro and his doctorate in choral conducting and music education from Florida State in Tallahassee.

He is active in professional organizations including the American Choral Directors Association, National Association for Music Education, National Collegiate Choral Organization, Pi Kappa Lambda, Kappa Delta Pi and Omicron Delta Kappa.