H. Robert Reynolds Death and Obituary – The University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, alongside the global music community, is mourning the passing of H. Robert Reynolds, a legendary conductor, educator, and wind ensemble pioneer. Reynolds passed away on January 30, 2026, at the age of 91, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy in American music education and performance.
Born in Canton, Ohio, Reynolds’ lifelong dedication to music shaped generations of performers, conductors, and educators. He was widely recognized for his visionary leadership, rigorous musical standards, and ability to inspire both students and professional musicians alike. His influence transformed wind ensemble performance, elevating the art form to national and international prominence.
Reynolds is best remembered for his transformative tenure at the University of Michigan, where he served as Director of Bands and Chair of the Conducting Department from 1975 to 2001. An alumnus of the university, he returned to Ann Arbor with a clear vision: to cultivate expressive, thoughtful musicians and raise the wind ensemble to its highest artistic potential. Under his guidance, Michigan’s band and conducting programs became models for excellence, drawing attention from across the United States and around the world.
Throughout his career, Reynolds was celebrated for his meticulous rehearsal techniques, insightful interpretations, and dedication to both traditional and contemporary wind repertoire. He actively championed new compositions, expanded programming possibilities, and demanded the highest level of musicianship from his ensembles. Colleagues and former students often describe him as a conductor who combined technical mastery with deep emotional insight, always emphasizing the artistic intent behind every performance.
Beyond his work on the podium, Reynolds was a devoted mentor and educator. Thousands of students benefited from his guidance, many of whom have gone on to distinguished careers as conductors, performers, and educators. His pedagogical influence reached far beyond Michigan, impacting music programs across the nation and internationally.
Later in his career, Reynolds continued to shape the next generation of conductors as the H. Robert Reynolds Professor of Wind Conducting at the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California. There, he reinforced his reputation as a visionary in wind ensemble education, leaving an enduring impression on students and colleagues alike. Even into his later years, Reynolds remained engaged with the music world, maintaining a sharp intellect and unwavering passion for teaching.
Reynolds’ life was marked not only by professional achievement but also by personal integrity, humility, and devotion to the arts. He was a tireless advocate for wind music, believing in its power to move, challenge, and unite performers and audiences.
As tributes pour in from former students, colleagues, and institutions worldwide, Reynolds’ legacy continues to resonate. The University of Michigan and the broader music community extend their deepest condolences to his family, friends, and students. H. Robert Reynolds’ contributions as a conductor, educator, and champion of wind ensemble music will endure for generations to come.