Chip Birkner is the Assistant Director of Bands at the University of Florida where he serves as Associate Director of the Gator Marching Band, Director of Pep Bands, Conducts Concert Bands, as well as teaches courses in undergraduate conducting and percussion skills. He is also actively involved in supervising student teachers.
     Prior to his appointment at the University of Florida, Mr. Birkner held positions in the public schools as the Assistant Director of Bands at College Park H.S and Knox JH in The Woodlands, TX, as well as similar positions in Tomball, TX and La Porte, TX.
     He received his Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music in Percussion Performance degrees from the University of Florida where he studied under Dr. Kenneth Broadway, Dr. David Waybright, and Matt Sexton.
     His professional experience includes performances with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, Central Florida Symphony Orchestra, Gainesville Symphony Orchestra, and Trommel Percussion Ensemble. His professional affiliations include the Florida Music Educators Association, Florida Bandmasters Association, Percussive Arts Society, Phi Mu Alpha, and Kappa Kappa Psi (Honorary).
     Mr. Birkner is an Educational Endorser of Promark Sticks and Mallets. He remains an active clinician/performer across the United States.