About R.O.M.E.
R.O.M.E. (Rome’s Own Musical Ensembles) is a non-profit corporation established in 2001 to administer the activities of its affiliate musical groups and other special events.The mission of R.O.M.E. is to help build a better community by providing quality, affordable, family-oriented musical programs; and to provide a performance outlet for area musicians.
The NW GA WINDS, founded in 1987, is a 60+ member, all-volunteer concert band. Its members come from a six-county area and include adults from all walks of life and students from area colleges and high schools. The WINDS are the backbone of the R.O.M.E. concert series, performing five concerts each year. Favorite themes have included Pirates of the Oostanaula, Creepy Classics, the History of Flight, My Big Fat Greek Concert, and Americans in Paris: A Musical Tour de France.
The Clock Tower Jazz Ensemble, founded in 1988, is an 18-member professional jazz big band. Its members are the area’s best jazz musicians and the band performs everything from swing era standards to Motown and Sinatra hits.
Artistic Director and Conductor
Dr. Sam Baltzer
Dr. Sam Baltzer is the founder of R.O.M.E. and its affiliate ensembles, and serves as its volunteer artistic director and conductor. Sam earned a Masters of Music Education from University of North Texas and a Doctorate in Music Education from Indiana University.
He retired in May, 2023 after a 44-year career of teaching music at middle school, high school, Indiana University, and three colleges in Rome, GA. He remains active as a performer, conductor, and composer/arranger.
A native of St. Louis, Sam and his wife Janet have lived in Rome since 1987.
