ROBIN BUTLER Is a Music Educator, Composer, and Flutist from Central Illinois. in 2022, he graduated with University Honors from Western Illinois University (WIU) and earned his bachelor's degree in music composition.

As a COMPOSER, Butler's works have been recognized in competitions across the country since high school. He was a three-time finalist in the National Young Composers Challenge (2016-18). Also in 2018, he won the University of Missouri, St. Louis Composers Competition, high school orchestral division; his piece, Adagio: “A Silent Tear” was performed by the UMSL Symphony Orchestra in Fall 2018 at the Touhill Performing Arts Center on campus. In the spring of 2022, his piece, Sunset at Sea, was performed by the WIU Symphony Orchestra as a winning submission in their annual concerto competition. Also in 2022, he was selected as one of three finalists in the Alton Adams composition contest hosted by the US Navy Band. In 2023, his piece for Wind Ensemble, It’s time to say goodbye…, was performed by the WIU Wind Ensemble. He was also commissioned to write a piece for the University of Missouri Euphonium Ensemble which was performed in the spring of 2023. In 2024, he won the Heartland Symphony Orchestra’s (MN) Composition Competition with his piece, Wings of Freedom. Robin composes for a range of ensembles, but his main focus is on Orchestral and Concert Band works. Earlier on, Robin was mentored by cellist/conductor Michael Pecherek and has since taken composition lessons with WIU professors, Dr. James Romig and Dr. Hong-Da Chin. 

As a FLOUTIST, Butler occupied the principal chair of the Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra for the majority of his time at WIU as well as principal flute in their Concert Band during his first semester. Robin played with the Illinois Valley Youth Orchestra from 2015-19, the Illinois Valley Flute Ensemble from 2016-19, and with the Spring Valley Municipal Band in the summer of 2018. Also playing with the Macomb Municipal Band in the summer of 2022. Robin won the Illinois Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra concerto competition playing Concertino by Chaminade. In 2021, Robin won the WIU Concerto Competition with Hue's Fantaisie. Robin’s flute teachers include Dr. Suyeon Ko, Dr. Jeiran Hasan, and Sue Gillio.

As an EDUCATOR, Butler teaches K-5 General Music and Junior High Band in Central Illinois.

Robin has also created a few free to use sf2 soundfonts, so check those out too!