Dr. Robert A. Fought '60
Outstanding Achievement in a Chosen Profession
While at MHS, Bob participated in vocal and instrumental organizations, and during his senior year served as president of both the Glee Club and Band. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in music education from Penn State University and a Master of Music degree from Northwestern University. Bob returned to Penn State for his Doctor of Education degree.
After a brief stint as a member of the music faculty at Evanston Township High School in Illinois, Bob left to teach at Adams State College in Colorado. For three years he served as Assistant Professor of Music and band director before accepting a position as Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Music at Syracuse University. His many musical accomplishments earned him an offer to join the School of Music faculty at the University of Nebraska in 1974.
Bob's potential was quickly recognized by the administration, and after only one year he was promoted to Full Professor and appointed Director of the Cornhusker Marching Band. During his tenure from 1975-1984, the size of the band increased to 280 members and distinguished itself as one of the premier university marching bands in the country. In 1996 Bob was recognized by the John Philip Sousa Foundation in its awarding of the Sudler Trophy to the Cornhusker Marching Band for maintaining "... an exceptionally high quality of innovation and performance over a long period of time." Bob directed the band in performances at most of the major bowl games, at professional football games, and presented clinics and special appearances at high schools in the central states region. In 1984, Bob relinquished his position as director of the Cornhusker Band to become Director of Bands and Chair of the Wind and Percussion area. He conducted the University's premier wind ensemble.
Bob eventually transitioned to higher education administration where he served in several positions until his retirement from the University in August, 2009. Over the span of his career, Bob appeared at many events as guest conductor, clinician, adjudicator, soloist and consultant. He wrote original musical arrangements of the Nebraska school songs for the Band's pre-game show which are still performed today.
Among his many achievements, Bob is the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award from the College of Arts and Architecture at the Pennsylvania State University, the Distinguished Service Award from the Nebraska Music Educators Association, and the Recognition Award for Significant Contributions to Students from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. He is Past-president of the Nebraska Bandmasters Association and a member of Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts Capital Campaign Advisory Board.
Bob resides in Lincoln, Nebraska with his wife, Elizabeth. They have a daughter, Catherine and a son, Gregory.
After a brief stint as a member of the music faculty at Evanston Township High School in Illinois, Bob left to teach at Adams State College in Colorado. For three years he served as Assistant Professor of Music and band director before accepting a position as Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Music at Syracuse University. His many musical accomplishments earned him an offer to join the School of Music faculty at the University of Nebraska in 1974.
Bob's potential was quickly recognized by the administration, and after only one year he was promoted to Full Professor and appointed Director of the Cornhusker Marching Band. During his tenure from 1975-1984, the size of the band increased to 280 members and distinguished itself as one of the premier university marching bands in the country. In 1996 Bob was recognized by the John Philip Sousa Foundation in its awarding of the Sudler Trophy to the Cornhusker Marching Band for maintaining "... an exceptionally high quality of innovation and performance over a long period of time." Bob directed the band in performances at most of the major bowl games, at professional football games, and presented clinics and special appearances at high schools in the central states region. In 1984, Bob relinquished his position as director of the Cornhusker Band to become Director of Bands and Chair of the Wind and Percussion area. He conducted the University's premier wind ensemble.
Bob eventually transitioned to higher education administration where he served in several positions until his retirement from the University in August, 2009. Over the span of his career, Bob appeared at many events as guest conductor, clinician, adjudicator, soloist and consultant. He wrote original musical arrangements of the Nebraska school songs for the Band's pre-game show which are still performed today.
Among his many achievements, Bob is the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award from the College of Arts and Architecture at the Pennsylvania State University, the Distinguished Service Award from the Nebraska Music Educators Association, and the Recognition Award for Significant Contributions to Students from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. He is Past-president of the Nebraska Bandmasters Association and a member of Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts Capital Campaign Advisory Board.
Bob resides in Lincoln, Nebraska with his wife, Elizabeth. They have a daughter, Catherine and a son, Gregory.