Debbie Higbee Roberts

I began my teaching career in the Fall of 1991 teaching Band (grades 5-12) and Choir (grades 9-12) at Palmyra HS/MS in Palmyra, MO for 8 years. 

I came to Hannibal Bands in the Fall of 1999 joining Mr. Buck and Mr. North as an associate director.  I am currently the Beginning Band Lead Director, woodwind specialist (mainly clarinet, sax, flute), and formerly the Director of Bands.  I was selected as the Teacher of the Year for Middle School for 2021-22.  

I'm a graduate of Clark County HS, in Kahoka, MO; 2 years of Music Ed. at Truman State University in Kirksville, MO, and a graduate of Culver-Stockton College with a Bachelors of Music Ed.   I received my Masters in Elementary Administration from Northwest MO State University in Maryville, MO, in 2001. I've directed the Bethany Bell Choir at the First Christian Church in Hannibal, MO for the past 20+ years, where I get to spend time with adult musicians (and some student musicians) who love to play for the sake of playing and use their talent to the enjoyment of others!  I've also spent time adjudicating solos and ensembles mostly in the St. Louis area and was a guest conductor for the Tri-Rivers All-Conference Band in NE Missouri. I also serve as the treasurer for the Northeast MO Music Educators and serve on the exec. board.  I'm the coordinator of Hannibal Band Day and have been for the last several years (I've lost count :) I participated in this event as a student band member and many years as a director, so, I've grown up at Hannibal Band Day and have many great memories of the event!! It's a great way to see many bands in a non-competitive format.  Sometimes, it should just be about making music and sharing our talents! 

My philosophy for band is.....We > ME......together, we can accomplish MORE!! My wish for my students is a love for music that will take them well past their school days, into their lifetime, and a willingness to support, or even participate in, instrumental and all music and the arts in the areas they work and live in their adult life.  

Outside of the band world and events, I love to spend time travelling around the country working on the '50 States' with my awesome husband John, visiting various college and pro-sporting events, musical events when I can get them worked in, boating the various Lakes and rivers, and spending time with my dad, sisters, friends, and their families!  Every day is a gift, and I want to make the most of it!  "Music lasts a lifetime, not just a halftime".  

dhr 5-16-22