Mr. Hannigan hails from Trail, B.C., and has been making music since he was thirteen — proving that some habits stick, even the noisy ones. After high school, he trom-boned his way to Douglas College in New Westminster, where he discovered his true passion: teaching music and occasionally confusing teenagers with musical terminology (don’t worry — "forte" does not mean “yell at your neighbour”).

     He earned his Bachelor of Music from UBC, in 2007, a Bachelor of Education from UBC in 2008, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from VIU in 2022 — because one piece of paper is hardly enough to capture all this talent.

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     Robert has performed in ensembles spanning classical, jazz, funk, ska, and rock — basically any genre that makes people want to dance, snap their fingers, or at least tap their pencil to the beat. He’s played with the UBC Symphony, Vancouver Academy Orchestra, Vancouver Youth Orchestra, and has been a regular performer with the Prince George Symphony Orchestra. He also rocks the Big Enuff Big Band (since 2008?) and has conducted the Prince George Community Band since 2014 — because some bands just refuse to take a day off, even if you plead with them!

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     For over two decades, Mr. Hannigan has shared his love of music with students of all ages, teaching them to find their rhythm, hit the right notes, and survive the occasional trombone joke. While in Vancouver, he participated in the VSO Connects Program, bringing the magnificent and diverse world of symphonic music to students — because everyone deserves to be dazzled by a timpani at least once in their life!

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     When he’s not making music, Robert tinkers around with tech: 3D printing, Coding, Graphic Design, and even Robotics — because every great conductor needs a side gig in science fiction!

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     Whether he’s conducting, performing, or explaining that fortissimo doesn't actually mean “really, really loud,” Mr. Hannigan’s mission is clear: make music fun, inspiring, and occasionally a little offbeat — like a Bass Trombone Star-Wars solo in the middle of a silent library! (may or may not have actually happened... oops.)

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