There are two things I will always remember about Robert, and for which I will also be thankful. The first is that he was largely responsible for my becoming a member of the American Bandmasters Association. I can still clearly remember him calling me to say my name was being placed into consideration and that he and Paula Crider would be supporting my nomination headed up by Jim Swearingen. Then, a few years later, as part of an ABA project, engaging me in writing one of the pieces associated with his Reflections project, and advocating for the performance of that piece. I think that the Reflections Project will remain a lasting legacy to his humanity and memory within the ABA, especially as he was recently named President-Elect, something for which he was so incredibly honored and overwhelmed that his being gone makes that memory all the sadder.

Several years ago, Robert and Susan were fleeing from their Florida home as a hurricane was bearing down on them. Later we discussed the events surrounding that day, and he mentioned that they had a grand piano, and had asked a local dealer the best way to protect it in case the house was damaged during the storm. The answer was apparently to wrap it in yards and yards of bubble wrap with yards and yards of duct tape. After the storm, the house was very badly damaged, but the piano was just fine. He told me they should have wrapped the house in bubble wrap! I believe that house was hit by more than one hurricane, which inspired some very successful compositions including Into the Storm and The Second Storm. Robert's ability to find something positive in tragic events is a lesson we can all learn from.

On a brighter note, I recall a recording session several years ago in Washington D.C. where we were producing three days of performances, including The Night Before Christmas by Randol Bass. We had invited Randol to fly up from Texas to conduct the piece because of the complexities of trying to sync the performance with the pre-recorded reading of the poem by Sir Derek Jacoby. A couple of hours before the recording sessions began, Randol called to tell me his flight was canceled. I rushed to the theater to speak to the recording technician, Kendall Thomsen, and figure out what we should do, and he told me I would need to conduct the piece, even though it meant that with me on stage, there was no one to actually produce the recording. He had two tracks he planned to play into a headset while I was conducting - the original orchestra version in one ear and the recitation in the other. I realized I would therefore not actually hear anything I was conducting on stage, meaning that a producer would be needed more than ever. At that very moment, Robert just happened to stop by to say hello to everyone. Without any hesitation, I grabbed Robert, sat him down in front of the score and microphone, and told him he was going to have to produce the recording. He told me that he had never even seen or heard this piece before, which caused me to say, "I don't care! You have to do this!" And, of course, being the kind, supportive, and professional he was, and because he was a good friend, he did. I imagine that throughout his life, there have been countless times he stepped in to help a friend or colleague in need. I know I will never forget that event, but I am certain there are many stories where Robert definitely came to the rescue! And part of the reason for that is that he could do it all, and do it pretty much better than anyone—write, arrange, conduct, produce, teach, clinic. He was absolutely one of the best at all of it, including being a friend. I will miss him terribly.

Robert Sheldon

Robert was someone who cared deeply about his students, teaching, and his work. I appreciated the fact that I could go to him and get insightful advice and wise words on anything. He was brilliant at being an artist but also having incredible business sense and was someone that paid attention to the world around him. I spent time with him recently and was amazed at how much he was still willing to learn and grow. He still had this infectious drive and an inspirational outlook on everything he did which, for those that know, was a lot. He loved his family and loved what he did passionately. I’m blessed to have had him as a teacher and grateful to have called him my friend. His impact and reach is vast with a lasting legacy, but his absence leaves a painful hole for all of us. My thoughts and love are with his family and friends. Thank you Robert for all you’ve given us.

Soon Hee Newbold

Mother Teresa once said, “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.” I don’t know if Robert knew this quote, but he certainly lived it.

I first met Robert through his music. It was 1980-something, and I was a beginning middle school band director in Itasca, Illinois. I needed to find a concert march for my students, and happened upon Big Ben, a straightforward piece that Robert composed for his father. That work proved to be a perfect fit for my students. It also served as the blueprint for my very first band publication.

In those early years, I made it a point to seek out Robert at the Midwest Clinic. I was always impressed with his robust handshake and the fact that he remembered my name. Then in 1993, we met for lunch at The Berghoff Restaurant. Armed with a handwritten score and a Sony Walkman, I asked Robert to review my work. After lunch, we headed back to the exhibit hall where Robert introduced me to his editor Jack Lamb. That lunch meeting resulted in my first publication which appeared in the 1995 Belwin Young Band catalog.

I heard from Robert one week ago when he called to say that I was on his radar. True to form, his words were confident and encouraging. I will never forget how he kickstarted my composing career and most importantly, how he left me a better and happier person. Thanks, friend.

Timothy Loest

My association with Robert W. Smith started back in 1985 when he was working at Columbia Pictures Publications. I invited him to speak to members of the Florida Bandmasters Association (FBA) about the music industry and future challenges affecting school programs. Robert surprised us the morning of the meeting by bringing Jack Bullock, a prolific composer and Jack Lamb, director of instrumental publications, who also worked at Columbia Pictures. They were known as the “Big Three.”

After the meeting, I had a short conversation with Robert about my aspirations to become a published writer. He smiled and gave me his business card and told me to mail him a tape. The first thought that came to mind was that the tape was going to be placed at the ‘bottom of the pile’ because previously, I had experienced submitting many tapes with scores to different publishers, without any success. However, with Robert, my experience would be totally different.

Several days passed by and one day, the phone rang in my office and the student who answered told me that it was Robert Smith asking to speak with me. After greeting Robert, he told me that he had a met with Gloria Estefan, lead singer, and Emilio Estefan, leader of the Miami Sound Machine, and that Columbia Pictures Publications was about to publish an arrangement of Conga for marching band. At the time, I was playing trumpet in the Miami Sound Machine and Gloria asked Robert if he could have me write the arrangement. Not being familiar with any of my music writing skills, Robert asked to see two or three scores that I thought were my best arrangements. I then took them to their warehouse, which at the time was in Miami, and Robert explained that they would review the scores and get back to me. To make a long story short, it was Robert Smith who gave me the jump-start to my music publishing career.

Moving forward, our association continued and encompassed many projects, all related to music. Those of you who knew Robert know that he was a great friend, an outstanding family man, radiant, had to be busy and always had new ideas for projects. His unselfish attitude was evident throughout; always giving to others without looking for any personal gain. Our friendship kept growing closer and closer to the point that one day, Robert called me and told me that he was getting married to Susan and he wanted me to be the best man at the wedding. That was somewhat of a surprise, although he often mentioned that we were like blood brothers. I am sure that many people, who encountered Robert, also have great stories to tell. I will end by stating that Robert’s life was a blessing, and he will be missed beyond measure.

God Bless Susan, Savannah, and Madison.

Victor López

When I heard the news of my friend Robert W. Smith’s passing, my mind was flooded with sadness. He was taken from this world far too soon. He still had so much to give us. But then I reflected upon all of the occasions we worked together, spent time together, and just sat and talked. Robert’s gifts as a composer and educator were obvious. He contributed so much to our profession. The number of students and programs he served by creating music that was captivating, exciting, heartfelt and sincere is immeasurable. But his caring about others was his greatest gift. Though he was always working on a million projects, he would drop everything to talk and help a friend. His talents and kindness were only surpassed by his warmth of spirit, love of his family, care for his friends, and vision for our profession. Our world is less bright today without him. But our lives are, and will always be, all the better because Robert W. Smith was with us. Goodbye Robert, and thank you for the joy you brought into my life with your grace. Our sadness is just as much about who you were, as what you did. Rest easy, for you will always be with us in spirit, through your wonderful music, and through our memories. Vale, my dear friend.

Peter Boonshaft

We enjoyed some great times, performances, and even better meals!

Ralph Ford