RODNEY D.S. AMBAT
Assistant Professor
Conducting Choral Ensemble Department
College of Music, University of the Philippines
Diliman, Quezon City 1101

Telefax: College of Music, (+63-2) 929-6963

Rodney D.S. Ambat obtained his Diploma in Band Conducting in 1984, degree in Orchestra Conducting in 1996, degree in Trombone in 1999 and Master's degree in Trombone in 2004 at the University of the Philippines College of Music.

Mr. Ambat has conducted the Philippine Youth Symphonic Band and initiated the formation of the UP Symphonic Band in 1998 to be its Director/ Conductor until 2002. He also conducted the Manila Youth Symphony Orchestra for his graduation recital in 1996 and for accompanying piano recitalists. Graduating composition majors at the UP College of of Music has chosen Ambat to conduct their works as he premiered a number of operas and chamber pieces. Additionally, he served as administrative officer and assistant conductor of the Crosswave Symphony Orchestra with founding director Prof. Josefino Toledo. Later, he became the first conductor of the UP Orchestra which was launched in January 2005 at the CCP through the efforts of Dean Ramon Acoymo.

As a trombonist, Ambat's experience has been wide and varied serving as principal trombone of thre Philippine Youth Orchestra, Manila Youth Symhpony Orchestra, the UP Chamber Orchestra and UP Jazz Ensemble. He was a prize winner in 1995 NAMCYA competition and attended several clinics and master classes including the Second ASEAN Youth Symphonic Band Workshop in Petchaburi, Thailand. He was also the leader-representative of the Ambassador Brass Quintet and long time trombone player of PUT3SKA Band who made it to the commercial music scene in the country.

His pursuance of a post -graduate degree in trombone was made possible with the arrival of American professor Ron Nethercutt from Southeastern Louisiana University. While under his supervision, he continued as a freelance trombone player playing casual at the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra.

At present, he is a regular member of the San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra and continues to serve as Faculty of Conducting an Winds & Percussion Department at the UP College of Music.