World of Pageantry

I just learned that composer Alfred Reed passed away yesterday afternoon. Born on January 25, 1921, Dr. Reed was 84 years old. Still active as a composer and arranger in his last days, Dr. Reed provided us with some of the best contemporary band literature and was a constant friend of musicians and musical groups everywhere. Just about every school band in the nation has enjoyed performing his works. We have lost a truely great figure in American music.

I had the honor of having dinner with him and his wife at the closing of the 1999 WASBE Conference in San Luis Obispo. The next year, I got to meet up with him again at the Midwest Clinic. Very nice gentleman.

wow, alfred reed was definatly one of my favortite composers, im sorry to hear about this loss, our band played el camino real last year, one of the best horn parts i have ever played, what a huge loss