Robert B. Anderson, founder and Conductor Emeritus of the Edmonds-based Cascade Symphony Orchestra, died on May 11, and the orchestra has a lovely tribute to Anderson on its website:
‘He was a dear friend, teacher and mentor to many of us in the symphony. His life was devoted to music and education, and he leaves a lasting legacy that will be enjoyed for generations to come.”
Last Monday night’s final concert of the season was dedicated to Anderson, 94. “As the Sno-King Community Chorale joins their voices to the Cascade Symphony in the presentation of Beethoven’s monumental Ninth Symphony, the phrase “Joyful, Joyful” will take on new and special meaning as we celebrate the memory of a life well lived,” the website said.
A memorial concert is being planned this fall to honor Anderson, who joined the Edmonds School District as a music teacher starting in 1952. He later became the district’s music coordinator and the driving force behind ensuring that music education was a top priority in district schools. He founded the Cascade Symphony Orchestra in 1962 and served as its conductor for 30 years.
My gosh. I remember him so well. Great man. He got me started playing the Oboe in 1960, and that is when I really got into classical music. Wonderful, great music teacher! He and Mr Phil Ager were great team. I graduated from Edmonds in 1962.
Mr Anderson died 3 weeks shy of my 50th graduation. Orchestra played for the ceremony.
Mr. Anderson was my Orchestra teacher in high school. He was a wonderful man and an excellent teacher. He taught me that you can be the best musician ever, but if you don’t show up, it is of no value. Orchestra is the one class that I truly miss. I will never forget him.