Willis M. Rapp is a Professor of Music at Kutztown University where he serves as Chairperson of the Department of Music and Conductor of the University Orchestra.  He holds the Bachelor of Science and Master of Music Degrees in Music Education from West Chester University, the Diploma of Fine Arts in Wind Conducting and Literature from the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada, and the Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Instrumental Conducting from the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC.  Prior to his appointment at Kutztown University, Dr. Rapp served as director of marching band and percussion studies at Millersville University, Southeastern Louisiana University and Iowa State University. 

Dr. Rapp’s career as a published author includes over 300 publications in the area of percussion ensemble compositions and marching band arrangements through Jenson Publications and Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation, including their Essential Elements 2000 band method book.  His articles and reviews have appeared in the Percussive Notes, The Percussionist, Selmer Bandwagon, and Yamaha New Ways.  Dr. Rapp has served twice as President of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the Percussive Arts Society and as President of the Pennsylvania Collegiate Bandmasters Association.  He is conductor of the Reading Pennsylvania Pops Orchestra and is a percussion clinician and consultant for Yamaha and Sabian.  Dr. Rapp is currently working on a special project for Meredith Music Publications, developing the critical editions of Musser’s Music of the International Marimba Orchestra.  Dr. Rapp serves as an evaluator for the National Association of Schools of Music Commission for Accreditation.

Dr. Rapp has performed as a recitalist, guest conductor, and appeared as a clinician in twenty-four states and two provinces in Canada.