ABOUT
IT START WITH
Rob Nordan CCO Executive/Music Director
Dr. Rob Nordan serves as the Executive and Music Director of the Columbia County Orchestra in Appling,
Georgia. He has resided in the CSRA since 1996, actively serving in church music and in music education. He
received his Bachelor of Music in 1978, his Master of Music in 1982, his Doctor of Education in 2023.
Rob’s first private music instruction was through his father, Clarence Nordan, Jr., who played in the CCO for
several years. His other private instructors have included: long-time Navy Band soloist Homer Phillips, retired
Professor of Music Emerson Head, and former Principal trumpet of the National Symphony Orchestra in
Washington, D.C., Chuck Gallagher.
Rob has been active professionally in church music, conducting, and music
teaching since 1974. He has also studied conducting with the late Robert Burton, and Maestros Donald
Portnoy and Florin Totan.
Maestro Nordan is committed to conducting orchestral music and remaining active in the lives of musicians
for many years. He has a tremendous vision to make the live performance of music a vital element for the
entire community. His drive, zeal, and vision encapsulate what he believes music is all about. Johann
Sebastian Bach penned the letters “SDG” on many of his compositions. These letters stand for “Soli Deo
Gloria”, which means “to God alone be the glory”. This philosophy is Maestro Nordan’s personal motto, and
consequently that of the CCO. You will find “SDG” on many of the CCO printed programs.
When not conducting, Rob enjoys the company of his wife, Elizabeth, and spending time with their extended
family.
SDG
Soli Deo Gloria
