Renowed band director Robert Daniel dies at 82
|
Daniel grew up in Cannon County and got his first education experience at a two-teacher school in Cannon County with his brother, Urby Daniel, as principal. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Middle Tennessee State College, then did graduate study at Teachers College, Columbia University.
He came to McMinnville in 1948 as the first public school band and choral director at Central High School. Later he taught in Florida for five years, then returned to McMinnville Central, eventually moving to City High School when it opened to start its band program.
In 1964, Daniel left his job as band director to become supervisor of instruction, music and art, for the state of Tennessee where he remained until his retirement in 1981.
Daniel’s high school bands were recognized around the country and performed at many prestigious venues including being the lead band in a Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans, marching two years in the Memphis Cotton Carnival, and performing as the official band for the state of Tennessee in the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C.
Daniel also excelled as a singer, performing with the Fred Waring Choral group and touring the Western United States with the U.S. Army Choir and Band. He was a veteran of World War II and while stationed in the British Isles was featured as a soloist with the Bristol Civic Choir.
He was a noted craftsman and artisan with consummate skills as a potter and weaver in addition to his musical talents. He was known to shear live sheep in local schools and spin yarn from the wool as a graphic demonstration of the process for enraptured students.
As a weaver he represented the U.S. in an international arts conference in New York City where Lilly Mills, a manufacturer of yarns, set up a loom especially for his demonstration. He is also remembered for participating in the composition of the alma mater for the newly established City High School in 1957.
Daniel had a major influence on everyone who knew him, including some noted local citizens. Daniel’s son, Kenny, recalls Dottie West coming to his home for photos, referring to Robert as her first voice teacher. Rachel Killebrew, who performed in one of his high school bands, remembers him fondly.
“He was a wonderful instructor,” Killebrew said. “He encouraged everyone and he was just such a talented musician. He’s always been an inspiration to me and I’ve always respected and admired him.”
Elizabeth Womack, who worked with Daniel for many years in the local high schools, remembers him as a marvelous educator and a good friend.
“He was such a wonderful guy to work with,” Womack said. “I liked him as a person, too. He was really a very fine person.
Daniel was married to his wife, Lillian, for 55 years and they have two children, Kenny and Melody.
Complete obituary information for Mr. Daniel is available on this page.