Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

June 17, 1910 in Odessa, MO

Death

:

January 6, 2014

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Band

 

 

Orchestral

 

Herbert Owen Reed was an American composer, conductor, and educator who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on June 24, 1910, in Joliet, Illinois, Reed showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. He later learned to play the clarinet and saxophone, which would become his primary instruments. Reed's musical education began at the Joliet Township High School, where he studied under the guidance of the school's music director, Frank Erickson. Erickson recognized Reed's talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. After graduating from high school, Reed attended the University of Illinois, where he studied composition with Leo Sowerby and conducting with Frederick Stock. In 1932, Reed graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Music degree. He then went on to earn a Master of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he studied composition with Howard Hanson. While at Eastman, Reed also studied conducting with Bernard Rogers and played in the school's orchestra and band. After completing his studies, Reed began his career as a music educator. He taught at several schools and universities, including the University of Michigan, the University of Miami, and the University of Southern California. In 1947, he became the director of bands at Michigan State University, a position he held until his retirement in 1971. Throughout his career, Reed remained active as a composer and conductor. He wrote numerous works for band, orchestra, and chamber ensembles, many of which have become staples of the classical repertoire. Some of his most famous works include "La Fiesta Mexicana," "El Camino Real," and "Russian Christmas Music." "La Fiesta Mexicana" is a three-movement work for symphonic band that was inspired by Reed's travels to Mexico. The piece features traditional Mexican folk songs and dances, as well as original material by Reed. It was first performed in 1949 and has since become one of the most popular works for band in the United States. "El Camino Real" is another work for symphonic band that was inspired by Reed's travels, this time to California. The piece is named after the historic El Camino Real, a road that connected the Spanish missions in California. The work features Spanish and Mexican folk melodies and has become a favorite of band directors and audiences alike. "Russian Christmas Music" is a four-movement work for symphonic band that was inspired by Russian Orthodox Christmas music. The piece features traditional Russian melodies and incorporates elements of Russian folk music and Orthodox liturgical music. It was first performed in 1944 and has since become a staple of the holiday repertoire. In addition to his compositions, Reed was also known for his conducting. He conducted numerous orchestras and bands throughout his career, including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the United States Marine Band. He was also a frequent guest conductor at music festivals and clinics throughout the United States. Reed's contributions to the world of classical music were recognized with numerous awards and honors. He was inducted into the American Bandmasters Association in 1953 and was awarded the ABA's Edwin Franko Goldman Memorial Citation in 1971.

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