Rochester, New York – Donald Hunsberger, a revered conductor and influential figure in the world of music, passed away on Sunday, November 5th, at the age of 91. Hunsberger, known for his groundbreaking work with the Eastman Wind Ensemble, leaves behind a lasting legacy that has inspired generations of musicians worldwide.
Born on August 2, 1932, in Souderton, Pennsylvania, Donald Hunsberger played a pivotal role in the development of contemporary wind ensembles during the twentieth century. His illustrious career spanned from 1965 to 2002, during which he served as the conductor of the Eastman Wind Ensemble and as a conducting professor at the Eastman School of Music.
Hunsberger’s leadership and innovative approach to music brought about a redefinition of wind music’s beauty, sparking a new body of repertoire. Under his guidance, the Eastman Wind Ensemble flourished, reaching new heights through innovative recordings and international tours that spread enthusiasm for the wind ensemble globally.
Mark Davis Scatterday, a former student and colleague of Hunsberger, reminisced about the impact the conductor had on him. “The thing that I learned most from him is professionalism and integrity in the field of teaching and performing,” Scatterday shared, emphasizing Hunsberger’s role as a consummate professional with great integrity.
The Eastman Wind Ensemble’s 2023-2024 season will be dedicated to honoring Donald Hunsberger’s memory, showcasing the lasting impact he had on the world of music.
Hunsberger’s contributions extended beyond conducting, encompassing orchestral transcriptions for concert bands and compositions. He served as the president of the College Band Directors National Association from 1985 to 1987 and co-authored “The Art of Conducting” with Roy Ernst. Hunsberger’s dedication to the wind ensemble concept and his numerous writings solidify his place as a titan in the world of music.
In a statement, Eastman School Dean Jamal Rossi expressed the profound impact Hunsberger had, noting that he and his wife, Polly, remained actively involved in the school even after his retirement 20 years ago. Donald Hunsberger’s passing is mourned not only by the musical community but by friends, colleagues, and former students who remember him as a mentor and friend.
Eastman Wind Ensemble said, “The following is from Dr. Mark Scatterday: I knew Donald Hunsberger for over half my life. We first met soon after he had finished the ‘Carnaval’ recording with Wynton Marsalis, and there was quite a buzz about it. Every time the Eastman Wind Ensemble came out with a new recording or did a big tour, it never went unnoticed – it was exciting news not only in the wind world, but also the music world.”
“Don created this excitement because of the way he ‘conducted’ his life and career – the most professional person I have ever met. He was given the keys to the EWE in 1965, and could have, for the next 37 years, been just a caretaker of the Ensemble, trying to maintain a standard and not mess things up. Instead, he put the pedal to the metal and took the EWE to new heights all the way through his career, raising the bar higher and higher.
“Though Frederick Fennell created the EWE, I believe Don really made the EWE what it is today: innovative and thought provoking. He really altered the way we look at the wind world. Thirty-five years ago, this is what I knew I wanted to be a part of – an environment with a standard that doesn’t just get recreated each year, but grows, improves, evolves, takes chances, embraces change, and seeks out new ideas.
“I cannot say enough about the man who handed me the keys to the EWE in 2002 and said, ‘Run with it, man!’ (a lot of other people would say, “Don’t mess it up!”). He was a class act in every way: a friend, a mentor, and a role model. I can only hope some day that I can even approach what he has done for the EWE and wind music. He set the standard very high for all of us, and we should just thank God we had Donald Hunsberger in our lives every day.”
Eastman School of Music shared on facebook, “With great sadness we share that Donald Hunsberger, director of the Eastman Wind Ensemble from 1965 to 2002, passed away on Sunday, November 5, 2023. He was 91 years old.”
“While Don was a titan in the world of wind ensembles and conducting, he was always a good friend to his colleagues and students. To say that Eastman was in Don’s blood is an understatement – not only did he remain closely involved with the school following his retirement, but prior to his employment, he earned three degrees from Eastman: ‘54E, ‘59E (MM), ‘63E (DMA). He will be truly missed.”
United States Marine Band shared, “Rest in peace, Donald Hunsberger, former Marine Band member and respected conductor.”
CBDNA pour tribute and wrote on facebook, “Dear Colleagues, It is with a heavy heart that I write to you today to let you all know that Donald Hunsberger passed away peacefully last night in Rochester, NY – he was 91 years young. Though he struggled physically the past few years, he still stayed musically active. In fact, he conducted the entire Gran Partita on the EWE 70th celebration this past January.”
“Conductor of the Eastman Wind Ensemble for 37 years (1965-2002) and Conductor Emeritus since his retirement, Don was one of the great leaders of our field and we owe him so much for his undying commitment, professionalism, vision, and integrity. A life-long member and advocate, Don was president of CBDNA from 1985-87 — amazingly at the same time when he recorded Carnaval with Wynton Marsalis.
“He was truly an ICON in the wind ensemble world, taking what Frederick Fennell had created and developed nationally, into international prominence. His tireless work for our profession has made it possible for us to teach and perform in an ever-growing, seriously respected musical genre. Certainly, he has left us “ever better,” just like the Eastman motto “Meliora”.
“Please keep your thoughts and prayers with his family right now as they morn his passing. As details emerge, I will follow up with you about the plans for celebrating this great man’s life. Until then, much peace and respect. Mark Scatterday”
Categories: News
Source: vothisaucamau.edu.vn
