Rob Cairns is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario Faculty of Music where he received both his Honours Bachelor and Masters degrees, and Althouse College where he completed his Education degree. Prior to that he attended Ryerson Polytechnical Institute, graduating in Technical Theatre. Rob taught for 34 years, 29 of which was at Lester B. Pearson School for the Arts where he specialized in Vocal Music and Drama. Rob also conducts the St. Thomas Youth Choir and the St. Thomas Children's Choir. In the handbell world, Rob is the director of handbells at Metropolitan United Church. The main handbell group there is the Jubilate Bells. As well, Rob is a Past-President of the Ontario Guild of English Handbell Ringers, and is the current chair of the festival committee. The nest festival will take place in June of 2027 at Fanshawe College attracting about 300 handbell ringers from across the province.