Fort Gratiot Director of Bands, Robert Krueger, earned his Master's Degree in Conducting from Oakland University ('24) and his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Eastern Michigan University ('18). Mr. Krueger's primary conducting teachers were Dr. Mary Schneider, Dr. Pam Klena, and Dr. Greg Cunningham.

​

Since being hired at Fort Gratiot, the bands have seen consistent growth in band enrollment, retention, and continuation into Port Huron Northern's Band Program. Recent performance highlights include performing The National Anthem at Comerica Park for a Detroit Tigers Game, and collaborating with living composer Erin Lilliefors to commission and give the world premiere of Afterglow Overture. In addition to his role at Fort Gratiot, Mr. Krueger is the Assistant Director/Percussion Caption Head for the Port Huron Northern High School Marching Band and the director of PHN's competitive indoor percussion group, Port Huron Northern Thunder.

​