Robert Spangler

Robert Bruce Spangler, Bob, proud to say he was originally from Iowa, was first and foremost: a musician. He began his love of the clarinet in junior high school when presented with an array of instruments. He says, “I was attracted to the one with the shiny keys.” He held a Master of Music Performance Major degree from Catholic University in Washington, D.C. and a Bachelor of Music degree from the Peabody Conservatory of Music, Baltimore, MD as a clarinet major but was proficient in all woodwinds (Saxophone, flute, piccolo, etc.). Bob is best known for playing his clarinet and tenor sax but always had his other instruments at the ready. He has performed in the orchestra pit or onstage with many legendary celebrities and local as well as national politicians, such as: Betty Grable, Buster Keaton, Cab Calloway, Carol Channing, Catherine Hepburn, Eddy Arnold, Engelbert Humperdink, Ethel Merman, Henry Mancini, Jack Benny, Jimmy Durante, Lauren Bacall, Leroy Anderson, Liberace, Liza Minelli, Norm Crosby, Red Skelton, Robert Goulet, Sam Donelson & Artie Shaw Band, Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme, Tommy Newsom, Martha and The Vandellas, Governor Harry Hughes, Governor Schaeffer, President Harry Truman and President Ronald Reagan. Some of his positions in professional performing groups include The Mechanic Theater Orchestra, The Painter’s Mill Music Fair, The Hunt Valley Jazz, The Baltimore Saxophone Quartet, The Baltimore Municipal Concert Band and the Baltimore City Park Band, The Ches Kellam Orchestra, The Madison Street Five, and he was the founder of the Baltimore Clarinet Consort. After WWII broke out, his family moved to Virginia while he was still in high school, where he played in the band. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army and served in the 356th U.S. Army Band and rose to the rank of Sergeant. This is where he had the opportunity to play for President Truman. Bob enjoyed his various experiences in the service. After leaving the Army, he married and moved to Baltimore to attend the Peabody Conservatory of Music and soon started a family. After receiving his degrees, Bob taught for 30 years as an instrumental music teacher in both the Baltimore City and Baltimore County School Systems. His teaching philosophy was: “A teacher should be a person with high standards, who expects the most of his students, but who manages to earn their respect by pursuing his instructional objectives in a kindly, patient and understanding manner. While the study of the art of music requires a most extraordinary level of devotion and commitment, it must remain a joyful undertaking or the essence of the work is lost.” Bob also simultaneously continued to play as a professional musician. Bob professed, “it was an exciting career of teaching and performing with many experiences that I will never forget. I was, indeed, a lucky man.” In his personal life, Bob was a lover of antique cars. And his cars… American made FORDS! He loved working on and maintaining his cars and he made sure his 3 daughters knew all the car care basics so they would never be stranded alone and knew how to take care of themselves! (This is before cell phones remember.) A good handyman, he could be found at his workbench downstairs or at Hechingers. And any weekend possible he and the family, along with his faithful canine companion, Midas, would go camping. Lots of good memories were had on the road and at the campsite in West Virginia. After retirement, Bob actually substitute taught for a few years and gave it up eventually as it was getting in the way of his camping time. As time moved on, he joined and became active in the American Legion. He was given the position of Historian where he photographed and documented various events. He later remarried, they settled into Augsburg Village making some new friends. True to form, Bob began teaching a popular bi-weekly music class in the Village building. Robert Bruce Spangler, Bob, Sir, Dad, Stepdad, Grandpa, Great-Grandfather and friend is loved, missed, remembered and survived by his wife, Violet Hohman; three daughters, Nancy Jensen, Cynthia Weber (Michael), Stacey Higgs (David); stepson, John Hohman (Ann); 12 Grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Viewing will be held at Burrier- Queen Funeral Home & Crematory, PA., on Monday, June 6, 2016 at 9:00 am followed by a service at 9:30 am. www.burrier-queen.com In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. www.cancer.org