In Memory of A. CLYDE ROLLER

The Eastman community was saddened to learn of the recent death of A. Clyde Roller.

Born in Oklahoma in 1914, Dr. Roller began his career as Principal Oboist with the Tulsa Philharmonic Orchestra, later joining the Oklahoma City Symphony. He attended the Eastman School of Music, graduating in 1941; in 1963, he returned to Eastman to accept an appointment as Professor of Ensemble, directing of the Eastman Wind Ensemble from 1964 until 1966. He led the EWE in a recording of symphonies by Alan Hovhaness and Vittorio Giannini that was named one of the best recordings of the year by High Fidelity. Dr. Roller’s subsequent appointments included Resident Conductor of the Houston Symphony Orchestra, and Conductor and Professor of Music at the University of Texas at Austin. In addition, he guest conducted many orchestras internationally, from Alaska to New Zealand.

Dr. Roller received many honors, including the Amarillo “Man of the Year” Award, Texas Orchestra Director of the Year (1979), Sigma Alpha Iota’s National Artist Affiliate Award (1979), and the Outstanding Educator of America Award. In the summer of 1998, he was presented with the Edwin Franko Goldman Memorial Citation by the American Bandmasters Association, “In Recognition of Distinguished Contributions in the interests of Bands and Band Music in America.” This ceremony took place at Interlochen, where he was a faculty member for more than 50 years.

In February 1981, Clyde Roller was honored with the Eastman School’s Alumni Achievement Award, which read in part: “Equally in home in front of an ensemble of seasoned professionals or aspiring student musicians, Dr. Roller is able to elicit an uncommon unanimity of purpose, inspiring the highest musical standards…because of [his] uncompromising musical integrity and unceasing dedication, the nation and world are considerably enriched.”

In February 2002, A. Clyde Roller returned to Eastman for the 50th Anniversary Concert of the Eastman Wind Ensemble, where he shared conducting duties with his predecessor, the late Frederick Fennell, former EWE director Donald Hunsberger, and present director Mark Davis Scatterday. Dr. Roller’s leadership of “Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral” from Wagner’s Lohengrin was described by the Democrat & Chronicle as “in every way a rewarding performance…[with] charm, simplicity, and bucolic warmth.”