C O N D U C T O R

JEFF  KRONER

Mr. Jeff Kroner has been a Western Pennsylvania native all of his life. He graduated from Seneca Valley High School in 1985 and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Slippery Rock University in the spring of 1991. Jeff credits Robert Matchett Jr., Terry Steele, and Blasé Scarnati as his three biggest influences in his musical preparation. Jeff Kroner was employed by Slippery Rock Area School District in the fall of 1992, teaching at Slippery Rock Area and Harmer Elementary Schools. His responsibilities included beginning instrumental music, general classroom music, and elementary band and choir. In the fall of 1993, Jeff joined the Butler Area School District as a full time elementary instrumental music teacher. In 1998, he was hired as an assistant for the Golden Tornado Marching Band. In 2001 Jeff would move on to the Butler Intermediate High School. In 2011, Jeff became the head director of the Golden Tornado Marching Band as well as adding the Senior High Building to his daily schedule. His daily teaching responsibilities include; guitar class, Intermediate High School Symphonic Band, Senior High Symphonic Band, Senior High String Orchestra, and Intermediate String Orchestra. Jeff has been the music department chairman of the Butler Area School District music department for the last 12 years. In the spring of 2004, Jeff originated the Tornado Big Band, which provides students in grades 9 – 12 from Butler Area’s Music Department with the opportunity to perform live music for a Big Band Dance. Students that perform in this group are selected through an audition process. In addition to the Annual Dance, the Tornado Big Band has been invited to play for several community affairs, including the Butler Community College Summer Series, BCCC Jazz Series, “Ring in the Arts” New Years Eve Celebration, and Butler Scholastic Foundation Benefit Concerts. Jeff has been the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 5 Secretary since 2004. In 2013-2014, Jeff was honored with the Citation of Excellence Award for High School Educators. This is one of the highest PMEA awards given. Mr. Kroner has performed with many local bands, including the Anthony James Band, James Cunningham Orchestra, Jack Bowmen Orchestra, Mercer County Band, Butler Symphony, Trinity Jazz Orchestra, and Musicians Concert Band. He has been a member of the Musicians Concert Band since its creation in 1986 and has had many different roles in the band, including principal saxophone, saxophone soloist, and guest conductor. Jeff assumed the position of director/conductor of the Musicians’ Concert Band in 2006. Currently residing in Connoquenessing, PA, Jeff shares his free time with his wife, Amy, a son, Zachary, and a daughter, Lauren.

Share your questions & comments with Mr. Kroner.