In addition to his duties as the Conductor of the Mobile Pops Band, Greg Gruner is the Director of Bands, a Professor of Music, and the Chair of the Department of Music at the University of South Alabama. He received a Bachelor of Music Education degree from New Mexico State University, a Master of Music Education degree from the Indiana University School of Music, and a Doctor of Arts in Music degree from the Ball State University School of Music. Prior to his appointment at the University of South Alabama in 1993, Dr. Gruner taught nine years in the public schools of Missouri and Kentucky and three years at Ball State University where he served as the Assistant Director of Bands. Dr. Gruner’s junior high, high school, and collegiate bands have been recognized consistently for their excellence of performance in all mediums at both the regional and national levels.

In addition to his duties at the university, Dr. Gruner maintains an active performance schedule as a trombonist along the Gulf Coast and is the Past-President of the Mobile Jazz Festival. He holds professional memberships in the Music Educators’ National Conference, the College Band Directors National Association, the National Band Association, the International Association of Jazz Educators, the National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors, Phi Beta Mu Honorary Band Director Fraternity, Kappa Kappa Psi, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Dr. Gruner is a popular guest conductor, adjudicator, clinician, consultant, and arranger/composer for concert bands, marching bands, and jazz bands having served in these capacities throughout the United States.