Born in Hammond, Indiana, in 1918,
Robert began study on his cornet in the fourth
grade. While in high school, he participated in four
National Solo Contests, receiving two superior
ratings. The
judges for these contests were Hebert L. Clark and
Frank Simon, two of John Philip cornet soloists.
In 1936, Robert entered the
University of Illinois in the Concert Band under the
direction of Dr. A. Harding. To help with school
expenses, he worked as a copyist for the band. He
copied sixty pages of music each month at
a salary of fifteen dollars. After he
received his Bachelor of Science degree, he taught
instrumental music in middle Tennesse for two years.
In 1942, Robert was drafted into the
Army and served his country for almost four years.
When World War 2 ended, he resumed his teaching at
University High School, University of Mississippi.
Since there was no band in Oxford in 1947, Robert
started a band with all beginners in grades four
through twelve. His bands received many Superior
ratings, being recognized for their musicianship in
both Mississippi and Oklahoma. In 1951, the
University of Mississippi granted him a Master of
Arts degree.
on several occasions, the University
High School Band participated in the Tri-State Music
Festival in Enid Oklahoma. One judge had this to say
about the band: “ What a refreshing experience to
hear this magnificent band perform! The
Superintendent, Principal, and school board members
should be proud of this band.” Superior ratings were
received in Concert, Marching, and sight-reading.
After teaching instrumental music in Oxford for
thirty-two years, Robert retired in 1979.
Many of his former students and
student teachers have been successful in their
chosen fields. That number includes Ted Ammon,
Ernest Cadden, Dr. Andrew Fox, Dr. Robert Jordan,
Ernest Kirkpatrick, and Kelly Love.
Robert served as President of MMEA
Band Division in 1957. he is a Member of Phi Mu
Alpha and American School Band Directors Association
and is an honorary life member of the Mississippi
Music Educators Association, Band Division. He was
selected one of the Lions All-State Band directors
in 1952, 1961, and 1969. When a new music complex
was added to Oxford High School in 1987, the Oxford
School Board named the new facility the Robert W.
Work Music Hall.
