ROB BLANEY
AWARDS & NOMINATIONS
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Musical Theatre at University High School (Music Director/Conductor)
• DREAMLAND - MACY Awards - "2026 Orchestra of the Year" • GUYS & DOLLS - MACY Awards - "2025 Orchestra of the Year" & Orange County Cappies - "2025 Orchestra of the Year" • EVITA - MACY Awards - "2024 Orchestra of the Year" • URINETOWN - Orange County Cappies - "2023 Orchestra of the Year" • THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL - MACY Awards - "2022 Orchestra of the Year" Education Awards & Nominations • Distinguished Educator of the Year for Secondary Education - The Greater Irvine Chamber (2023) • Orange County Outstanding Arts Educators Award - Nominee - Orange County Music and Arts Administrators (2022) • Teacher of the Year - Woodbridge High School (2020) • Distinguished Alumni Award - University of Phoenix (2019) • National GRAMMY Signature School - Woodbridge High School (2016) - Director of Vocal Music • GRAMMY Educator of the Year - Quarterfinalist (2013) |
PHOTO CREDIT: JILL HUISKEN
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REVIEWS & RECOGNITION
Santa Ana College
"Musical Director Rob Blaney's confident band (highlighted by the fine keyboard work of Blaney...) sounds taped, even though it's live and offstage." - Robert Koehler, Los Angeles Times |
Rancho Santiago College
"This band, under your fabulous leadership, is the best I've heard in my 20 years at Rancho!" - Sheryl Donchey, Theatre Arts Chair |
The Curtis Theatre
"Even the bound ensemble has a dynamic energy, and Rob Blaney's musical direction is exciting, infusing Webber's pseudo-rock score with gutsy brawn." - T.H. McCulloh, Los Angeles Times |
The Chance Theater
"A fabulous trio backs them up... Rob Blaney directs from the piano, Kyle Cahill plays a mean guitar, and Jerry Motto underscores the beat on bass." - Shirley Gottlieb, Backstage "At the Chance Theater, the emotional tug created by this unusual dynamic is powerful, as director Oanh Nguyen and musical director Rob Blaney forge this compact, intermission-free one-act into something forceful and, ultimately, poignant... Performing from onstage, Blaney, on piano, Kyle Cahill on guitar and Jerry Motto on bass guitar provide subtle, unobtrusive support for the pair of actor-singers, giving the words they sing that much more impact." - Eric Marchese, OC Register |
"Not every great pianist is a great accompanist... Rob Blaney is both.
His instincts as an accompanist are spot-on and he can play anything in any style. I feel very secure performing with Rob at the piano." - Ivan Rutherford, Broadway Star |
"Rob Blaney is an incredible music director, performer, collaborator and artist. His Deep knowledge of music paired with his ability to connect with artists creates a safe and thriving environment for all. Mr. Blaney is an artist of intelligence, sensitivity, and fearless creativity. I firmly believe his talent and passion for storytelling makes him a great addition to any theatrical project or production team." - Oanh Nguyen, Executive Artistic Director |
"Rob Blaney is an extraordinarily talented musical director; he is also a very gifted musician and performer. Rob has served as the conductor and musical director for five musicals that I've directed, ranging from West Side Story to Songs for a New World. As a musician, Rob always strives for excellence; he plays and sings with both great expression and technical skill. He is also an inspiring and effective teacher and leader, who makes performers want to give their best and keep improving themselves throughout the rehearsal and performance process.
Finally, Rob's deep personal Christian faith informs everything he does. He holds himself to a high ethical standard, and his love for students and colleagues drives his passion for artistic excellence and continual growth -- in the rehearsal hall, in meetings and collaborations, in one-on-one interactions with students and performers.
Rob is a joy to work with, and I would jump at the chance to work with him again!"
- Dr. Peter Senkbeil, Professor of Theatre & Provost (Retired in 2025)
Finally, Rob's deep personal Christian faith informs everything he does. He holds himself to a high ethical standard, and his love for students and colleagues drives his passion for artistic excellence and continual growth -- in the rehearsal hall, in meetings and collaborations, in one-on-one interactions with students and performers.
Rob is a joy to work with, and I would jump at the chance to work with him again!"
- Dr. Peter Senkbeil, Professor of Theatre & Provost (Retired in 2025)