Valapraiso University
Jeffrey Scott Doebler is director of music education and bands at Valparaiso University. His previous experience includes public school teaching in Emmetsburg, Iowa, and Shakopee, Minnesota, as well as graduate teaching assistantships at Valparaiso University and the University of Minnesota. Dr. Doebler holds music education degrees from Luther College (B.A.), Valparaiso University (M.M.), and the University of Minnesota (Ph.D.).
Dr. Doebler is Past President and 2004 Convention Chair of the Indiana Music Educators Association (IMEA).In past years he has served IMEA as a contributing editor for the state journal, convention future planning chair, professional development chair, and co-chair of the strategic planning steering committee. A leader in Indiana's teacher education reform project, Dr. Doebler served as chair of both the Fine Arts Advisory Group and the Licensure Committee of the Indiana Professional Standards Board. He has served Lutheran Summer Music, the national Lutheran high school music camp, as concert band conductor and guest conductor, handbell choir conductor (founder), summer program director, and faculty affairs coordinator.
Professor Doebler is active throughout the year as a guest conductor, consultant, and clinician. He has served as a community music conductor, church music director, and also as director of Royal Brass Ensembles for the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, the nation's largest such festival. As a high school teacher, Dr. Doebler earned a reputation for leading the transformation of struggling bands into model programs. He was also active in site-based management and district-wide strategic planning. At the university level, his interpretations, repertoire selection, conducting, leadership, and concert band recordings have been highly praised.
Dr. Doebler is founder and conductor of a professional concert band, Windiana, which debuted in 2001 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. Windiana performs regularly in the northwest Indiana and Chicago area, and is preparing for performances at national conventions of band and music education organizations.
Dr. Doebler was elected a member of Pi Kappa Lambda at the University of Minnesota in 1995. In 1999 he received a First Annual Students' Choice Teacher of the Year Award from Alpha Phi Omega and Mortar Board at Valparaiso University. He has been nominated twice for the VU Alumni Association Distinguished Teacher Award. He was included in the 2000 edition of Who's Who Among America's Teachers. In 2001 he received the Orpheus Award "for significant and lasting contributions to the cause of music in America," by the Valparaiso University Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. It is believed that this was the first Orpheus Award bestowed by the VU Chapter in its 40-year history.