David Thornburg Robbins (August 14, 1923 – September 23, 2005) was an American–Canadian trombonist, composer, arranger, and teacher.

Early life and education

Born in Greensburg, Indiana, Robbins studied

music education Music education is a field of practice in which educators are trained for careers as primary education, elementary or secondary education, secondary music teachers, school or music conservatory ensemble directors. Music education is also a rese ...

Sam Houston State University Sam Houston State University (Sam Houston, SHSU or Sam) is a public research university in Huntsville, Texas, United States. Founded in 1879, it is the third-oldest public college or university in Texas. It is one of the first normal schools wes ...

and the

University of Southern California The University of Southern California (USC, SC, or Southern Cal) is a Private university, private research university in Los Angeles, California, United States. Founded in 1880 by Robert M. Widney, it is the oldest private research university in ...

Career

Robbins served in

United States Marine Corps The United States Marine Corps (USMC), also referred to as the United States Marines or simply the Marines, is the maritime land force service branch of the United States Department of Defense. It is responsible for conducting expeditionar ...

and was a sergeant stationed at the Marine Corps Base in San Diego, California, where he was on the Halls of Montezuma broadcast. When he was discharged, he worked as a trombonist in

symphony orchestra An orchestra (; ) is a large instrumental ensemble typical of classical music, which combines instruments from different families. There are typically four main sections of instruments: * String instruments, such as the violin, viola, cello, ...

s and in

Harry James Harry Haag James (March 15, 1916 – July 5, 1983) was an American musician who is best known as a trumpet-playing band leader who led a big band to great commercial success from 1939 to 1946. He broke up his band for a short period in 1947, but ...

' band (1948–1954). He moved to Vancouver in 1951 and became a Canadian citizen in 1965. From 1955 to 1970, Robbins was the principal trombonist with the

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) is a Canadian orchestra based in Vancouver, British Columbia. The VSO performs at the Orpheum, which has been the orchestra's permanent home since 1977. With an annual operating budget of $16 million, it is ...

and performed with other local orchestras. He organized and led show bands featured in Vancouver nightclubs, and led some of city's most popular big bands. In the 1960s, his big band was featured regularly on national radio programs. His original compositions included Jazz Impressions of the Middle East (1967). Robbins taught young musicians at

Vancouver Community College Vancouver Community College (VCC) is a public community college in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Founded in 1965, it is the oldest community college in British Columbia. VCC offers 79 certificate programs, 24 diploma programs, 9 award o ...

and the

University of British Columbia The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a Public university, public research university with campuses near University of British Columbia Vancouver, Vancouver and University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, in British Columbia, Canada ...

. His students included Herb Besson, Hugh Fraser, R&B saxophonist Gordie Bertram of the Powder Blues Band, and New Orleans–based saxophonist and jazz educator John Doheny.

References

External links

David Robbins
Navy Log entry at the United States Navy Memorial {{DEFAULTSORT:Robbins, Dave 1923 births 2005 deaths 20th-century Canadian composers 20th-century American male musicians 20th-century American jazz composers Musicians from Indiana Canadian jazz trombonists Canadian jazz composers Male jazz composers Musicians from Vancouver American emigrants to Canada People from Greensburg, Indiana United States Marine Corps non-commissioned officers United States military musicians 20th-century classical trombonists Players of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra 20th-century Canadian jazz composers