A product of the Ann Arbor Public Schools, Sean has stayed devoted to education throughout his life. Early mentor Louis Smith, an Ann Arbor Public Schools band teacher, impressed the importance of a good education upon Sean at an early age. Sean is known in his community as a band director, drum teacher and positive influence for many.

In 1999 Sean was asked to become the director of the Ann Arbor Public Schools Summer Jazz Program. This program was designed to help educate and inspire young artist as they began their quest of learning jazz. In 1998, a year before Sean’s arrival, the program was in jeopardy of being cancelled due to low enrollment. In 2000, a year after Sean took over the reigns, the enrollment more than tripled and a year later, the group was featured on WEMU, a national jazz radio program.

As a father of three, Sean knows, understands, and accepts the challenge of continuing the art form through clinics, master classes, and concerts for up and coming musicians. Sean makes it a point of incorporating educational opportunities into all of his road trips. Currently, Sean is on faculty at the University Of Michigan, Oakland University and Wayne State University. He has served as the Artistic Director of Jazz Ensembles for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and is currently the Executive/Artistic Director for the Southeastern Music Academy.

SEAN DOBBINS AND THE MODERN JAZZ MESSENGERS

Sean Dobbins – Drums

Anthony Stanco – Trumpet

Peyton Miller – Vibes

Rick Roe – Piano

Rob Bickley – Bass