The Dennis Rohrs Band Scholarship Endowment

Dennis K. Rohrs

Dennis K. Rohrs joined the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater faculty as director of bands in 1963.  He devoted 27 years to the UW-Whitewater community, five of which were spent as Chair of the Music Department.  As Chair, Dr. Rohrs played a key role in both the establishment of the Bachelor of Music degree and the accreditation of the UW-Whitewater Music Department by the National Association of Schools in Music.  As Director of bands, he did much to increase the visibility of the music department, including creating opportunities for the Warhawk Marching Band to perform during two half-time shows at professional football games.  He is also known for his life membership to both Music Educators National Conference and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, for which he served two terms as Governor of province 29.

In addition to activities connected to his academic post, Dr. Rohrs has always contributed to the musical life of his community.  He has served as choir director at First Methodist Church and been a director or member of various community bands and choruses.  Dr. Rohrs retired from UW-Whitewater in 1990. 

The Dennis Rohrs Band Schloarship Endowment was established in December 1999.  The Endowment provides an award each year for an outstanding Music Education major with an emphasis in wind or percussion instruments.