Dr. Paul R. Schilf is in his tenth year as Associate Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He presently conducts the College – Community Concert Band, The Northlander’s Jazz Ensemble, and the Augustana Brass Choir. Additionally, he teaches classes in brass pedagogy and music education. Prior to his appointment at Augustana College, Dr. Schilf was on the faculty at Concordia College in St. Paul, MN and Director of Musical activities and Fine Arts Department Chair at The Lutheran High School Association of Greater Minneapolis in Bloomington, MN. He holds the Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Concordia University in River Forest, IL, also the Master of Arts Degree, with an emphasis in conducting, the Doctorate of Philosophy Degree in Music Education both from the University of Iowa. Dr. Schilf has taught all levels of instrumental music. His performing high school ensembles consistently earned superior ratings in concert and jazz festivals throughout the Midwest.

Dr. Schilf’s research is in intergenerational instrumental music education. He has placed high school students, their parents and grandparents in concert bands and focused on the growth and changes that take place socially, emotionally, and musically because of their cooperative involvement. During the summer of 2002, Dr. Schilf took 50 students and their parents to Europe in an intergenerational concert band. They performed 9 concerts over their 17-day tour. June of 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2010 provided additional opportunities for similar international intergenerational band tours.

Dr. Schilf is an active adjudicator and clinician throughout the country. He is presently a South Dakota All-State Band. Dr. Schilf has performed trombone with numerous professional ensembles including the Chicago Jazz Ensemble. His trombone instructors include Mark McDunn, Audrey Morrison, John Hill, and Arnold Jacobs. His professional memberships include the Music Educators National Conference (MENC), South Dakota Bandmasters Association (SDBA), and The Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA). In 1992 Dr. Schilf was recognized as an outstanding Music Educator by the MENC and was presented a certificate as a Nationally Registered Music Educator.