Robert Whipple has been a member of the Clinton Symphony for over 30 years, and is active as a performer and conductor with other area musical organizations as well. He maintains a music teaching studio of students from much of northwestern Illinois and the Clinton area. Many of his former students are now members of the Clinton Symphony and players and conductors with other orchestras throughout the country.

A native of Idaho, Whipple holds degrees from the University of Idaho, taught public school music in Idaho, and was named Outstanding Young Educator by his administrators and colleagues. He came to Illinois as conductor of the Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra in Ottawa, and served in that capacity for several seasons. In Sterling, he founded the Sterling Festival, and organized its orchestras and chamber music for 15 years. He is recipient of the Community Service Award from the Sterling Chamber of Commerce, and his biography appears in Who's Who in America and Who's Who in American Education.

Whipple has served the Clinton Symphony in many ways, including frequent rehearsal conductor, principal cellist, interim co-president of the board of directors, and presently as the executive director of the Association.

He is active in several professional organizations, having recently served as Illinois state president of the American String Teachers Association and National School Orchestra Association. He has served in a number of capacities with that state and national organization, and is recipient of their 2004 Distinguished Service Award.