robinhaffley.com

Bio...

Robin Haffley, an alumnus of the Philadelphia College of the Performing Arts (now University of the Arts) and Penn State University, is an Assistant Teaching Professor serving the students of Penn State Abington. During the 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 academic years, Robin was a quarterfinalist for the Grammy Teacher of the Year Award. In 1998, he was the recipient of the Von Allmen award for teaching excellence at LaSalle University where he taught for 30 years. Robin currently directs the Penn State Abington Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo and Chamber Orchestra, teaches the Evolution of Jazz (mus007), Film Music Appreciation (mus004), and applied saxophone, flute, and clarinet lessons.

As a professional woodwind doubler (i.e. Sax, Flute, and Clarinet performer), Robin’s training in classical music and jazz allow him the flexibility to perform in various ensembles ranging from jazz trios to big bands, classical duos to symphony orchestras, and show bands to theater orchestras. He has performed with Gene DiNovi (Jazz Pianist/Composer/Recording Artist for Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, and Lena Horne), Larry McKenna (Jazz Tenor Saxophonist/Recording Artist for the Woody Herman Big Band, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney, and Buddy DeFranco), Tim Hagans (Jazz Trumpet/Recording Artist), Mike Brignola (Baritone Saxophonist/Recording Artist for the Woody Herman Big Band & Miami Saxophone Quartet), Rick Stepton (Trombonist for the Buddy Rich Band), Brian Pastor (Trombonist/Leader of the Brian Pastor Big Band and Trombonist in the Philly Pops Orchestra), Buddy DeFranco (Jazz Clarinetist/Recording Artist), Richie Cole (Jazz Alto Saxophonist/Recording Artist), Bernadette Peters, and Bob Hope, as well as various members of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Robin has also recorded with world-renowned jazz clarinetist, Buddy DeFranco.

In late 1999, Robin released his debut CD as performer, composer, and producer. Compositions from Impressions received national airplay. In 2005, the composition, Bouncin’ On Berkshire, was used in a film entitled Van Vorst Park starring various cast members from The Sopranos and Sex and the City. Robin is a member of the Jazz Education Network, the American Federation of Musicians, and a voting member of The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (The Grammy Organization).