Death of a commissioning professor
RIPEric Rombach-Kendall, Director of Bands at the University of New Mexico since 1993 and a constant source of support for comtemporary composers, has died after a heart attack.
He was President of the College Band Directors National Association from 2011-2013 and a regular guest conductor across North America.
A dear man with a wonderfully dry sense of humour, phenomenal ears, and myriad gifts as a teacher, who will be missed very much indeed.
He will be sorely missed by all whose lives he touched. Both you and your family are in my prayers .
Thank you for covering this man’s death as well as mentioning the commissioning of new works for wind-band. This is an area which is often overlooked in the classical music world but is nonetheless a substantial source of new music. May he rest in peace.
He was my sons’ teacher and friend. We know the family and send our condolences. This is a huge loss of a wonderful person. May his memory be for a blessing.
I had the honor of sharing the stage with Eric and Sam Pilafian at the Midwest Clinic several years ago. We discussed the benefits and challenges of doing recording projects with your school ensemble. So sad to know they both are gone, but they have each left a mighty legacy.
I was very fortunate to work closely with Eric on several recording projects. I cannot say how much I’ll miss this fine person. Wonderful human being and such a great inspirational conductor to so many students. His close friend Sam Pilafian also left us early. One can hope they will be doing more projects together in Heaven. My heart goes to his wife Julie and her family and to all of his current and former students. R.I.P. Eric Rombach-Kendall you will be sorely missed