Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Rob Slowik studied music at Eastern Michigan University. His eclectic career as a trumpet player includes work with the Detroit Symphony, the Metropolitan Detroit Concert Band, and with the Jupiter Symphony Orchestra at Lincoln Center; tours with Harry Connick, Jr., Ray Charles, Paul Anka, Chuck Mangione, Kenny Rogers, The Spinners, Tito Puente, and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, and with several Broadway productions. He has also been Musical Supervisor and Music Director for Carnival Cruise Lines. Rob joined the Big Apple Circus Band in 1998, became its conductor the following season, and became the circus’ Musical Director in 2000—a position he has held ever since.