Obituary: H. Robert Reynolds (1934 - 2026)

On the podium with the WASBE Youth Wind Orchestra

H. Robert Reynolds passed away peacefully at his home in Ann Arbor, Michigan on January 30, leaving a legacy that is unparalleled in the world of wind music.

After graduating from the University of Michigan, his long career began with public school teaching positions in Michigan and California before his series of groundbreaking appointments at Long Beach State University, the University of Wisconsin, the University of Michigan, and the University of Southern California, where he held the “H. Robert Reynolds Professorship” in conducting.

Of these, his 26 years in Michigan were the most notable for launching the careers of generations of conductors. It often occurred to me that a list of those who count him as their primary teacher should be made, but it would likely be shorter to list those prominent American conductors who were not directly students of Professor Reynolds.

H. Robert Reynolds and Glenn D. Price - teaching together at the Los Angeles Conducting Institute

I was never his official student, but I had the pleasure of working most closely with Bob Reynolds in Calgary, Northridge (CA), Cincinnati, and Los Angeles, over more than three decades. I consider this “unofficial” education with Professor Reynolds to have been as much of an influence as anything I have enjoyed in my conducting career.

While initially benefitting greatly from observing his work and listening to his uniquely succinct distillations of knowledge, and insights gleaned from a long career, our relationship gradually evolved into one of friendship and many memorable social meetings and conversations.

His connection with WASBE has been historic and substantial, with notable conducting appearances at the international conferences in Kerkrade (the Netherlands), Lucerne (Switzerland), and Cincinnati (USA). The last of these also served to produce an educational document of significance.

The “Three Icons” - H. Robert Reynolds, Frank Battisti, Donald Hunsberger (left to right)

During my WASBE Presidency and concurrent role as Artistic Director for the WASBE Youth Wind Orchestra, it was a pleasure to create the “Three Icons” project. The 2009 conference provided the opportunity to invite the three leading American wind conductors of the day - Frank Battisti, Donald Hunsberger, and H. Robert Reynolds, to conduct respectively, the two Holst Suites, Hindemith’s Symphony in B-flat, and Lincolnshire Posy by Percy Grainger with the WYWO. Highlights from a full week of rehearsal, plus interviews and the concert performance were published by GIA on DVD, in a document that will continue to be a source of pedagogical and musical enrichment for generations to come.

WASBE Youth Wind Orchestra - 2009 WASBE Conference, Cincinnati - Front Row (left to right): Mark Hopkins, Colleen Richardson, Angela Schroeder (WYWO Managers), Frank Battisti, Donald Hunsberger, H. Robert Reynolds (WYWO Conductors), Simon Tillier (WYWO Executive Manager), Glenn D. Price (WASBE President 2007-2009)

In addition to the WASBE contributions, other platforms featured his talents to new generations. Notable were his ongoing appearances at conducting workshops across the country, including the annual Midwest Clinic’s conductors’ workshop that bears his name.We are fortunate that Professor Reynolds was active as a conductor and teacher for his entire life, allowing his skills, insights and personality to make an indelible impression on several generations, who will nurture and carry on his legacy.

Glenn D. Price, WASBE Past-President