US symphonist dies after heart surgery, 64
RIPThe death has been announced of Robert W Smith, composer of 600 mostly published works, including three symphonies.
He had been recovering from heart surgery in Alabama.
Smith, who worked for Warner Music, was coordinator of the Music Industry program at Troy University.
Probably one of the most played composers in the American wind ensemble genre. He wrote well for young and veteran performers alike. Also wrote the alma mater for Augusta University in GA a few years ago.
RIP
If you were a band kid in the US, you’ve heard of Robert W. Smith. He was also important to the drum and bugle corps activity as a brass arranger. A legend gone too soon.
What a terrible loss to the wind ensemble world. He wrote so many enjoyable works that community/amateur groups can play and never gave in to modern ugliness. His work with marching bands is well-known; he was the expert. And one heck of a trumpet player! RIP
An incalculable loss to the music world. Robert was an incredibly kind person and his music is ubiquitous in the wind symphony world.