Glen Adsit Obituary and Cause of Death: The Director of Bands at The Hartt School, Passes Away
The music world is mourning the loss of Glen Adsit, the Director of Bands at The Hartt School, a prestigious music conservatory in Hartford, Connecticut. He was also a renowned orchestra conductor, who had performed at various venues and events, such as Carnegie Hall, the Midwest Clinic, and the CBDNA National Conference. He passed away unexpectedly on January 17, 2024.
Who was Glen Adsit?
Glen Adsit was born in Michigan, where he developed his passion for music at an early age. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Music Education degree and a Master of Music degree in Conducting. He began his teaching career in the Plymouth-Canton School District in Michigan, where he taught both junior high and high school students. He then moved to New Mexico, where he served as the Associate Director of Bands at the University of New Mexico.
He joined The Hartt School in 2000 as the Director of Bands, where he led the Wind Ensemble, co-directed the new music ensemble Foot in the Door, and taught graduate instrumental conducting. He was also the founder and director of the National Wind Ensemble Consortium Group and the Institute for the Advancement of Secondary and Primary Instrumental Repertoire Excellence, two initiatives that aimed to promote and commission new works for wind bands. In 2014, he received the Larsen Award for exceptional teaching from the University of Hartford.
Glen Adsit was widely respected and admired by his students, colleagues, and peers for his dedication, enthusiasm, and excellence in music education and leadership. He was known for his high standards, his innovative programming, his supportive mentoring, and his collaborative spirit. He inspired generations of musicians, conductors, composers, and educators with his passion and vision.
He was also a frequent guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator at local, national, and international events. He had conducted honor bands and orchestras in more than 40 states and 15 countries, including China, Austria, Iceland, Singapore, and Taiwan.
A Celebrated Music Performer and Advocate
Adsit was also a celebrated music performer and advocate, who had contributed significantly to the advancement and appreciation of wind band and contemporary music. He had conducted the Hartt Wind Ensemble in numerous prestigious venues and events, such as Carnegie Hall, the Musikverein in Vienna, the Central Conservatory in Beijing, the Benaroya Hall in Seattle, and the Harpa in Reykjavik. He had also led the ensemble in three performances at the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) National Conference, and four performances at the CBDNA Eastern Division Conference.
He had collaborated with many prominent composers, such as Chen Yi, John Corigliano, Jennifer Higdon, David Maslanka, and Joseph Schwantner, and had commissioned and premiered over 80 new works for wind band. He had also recorded several albums with the Hartt Wind Ensemble, featuring works by composers such as Michael Colgrass, Karel Husa, Steven Stucky, and Frank Ticheli.
Glen Adsit was a strong advocate for contemporary music, especially for wind band. He had served as the president of the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) from 2017 to 2021, and as the chair of the CBDNA Commissioning Committee from 2014 to 2018. He had also been a member of the American Bandmasters Association, the National Band Association, the Connecticut Music Educators Association, and the Music Educators National Conference.
He had received numerous awards and honors for his achievements and contributions, such as the CBDNA Young Band Conductor Award, the New Mexico Music Educators Association Outstanding Music Educator Award, the University of New Mexico Alumni Recognition Award, and the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance Hall of Fame Award.
A Beloved Music Icon and Friend
Glen Adsit’s sudden passing has left a huge void in the music community, as well as in the hearts of his family, friends, and fans. He is survived by his wife, Lisa, and his two children, Ryan and Lauren. He is also remembered by his colleagues at The Hartt School, his former and current students, his fellow conductors and composers, and his countless admirers and supporters. He will always be cherished for his music, his legacy, and his spirit.
The Hartt School Percussion Studio announced his death on social media, saying, “It is with deep sadness that I share the news that our friend and colleague, Glen, has passed away. I will be forever grateful that my students had the privilege of working with Glen all these years. His imprint on The Hartt School is indelible and profound. His work ethic, always on behalf of his students and colleagues, was tireless.” Many other people have expressed their heartfelt condolences and tributes to Adsit on social media, praising him for his musical excellence, his educational impact, and his personal kindness.
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The Hartt School has not yet released the details of Glen Adsit’s funeral arrangements, nor the cause of his death. The school has asked for privacy and respect for his family during this difficult time. The school has also promised to honor his memory and celebrate his life in the future.
| Year | Achievement/Award |
|---|---|
| 1986-1992 | Taught in the Plymouth-Canton School District in Michigan |
| 1992-2000 | Served as the Associate Director of Bands at the University of New Mexico |
| 2000-present | Served as the Director of Bands at The Hartt School |
| 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019 | Led the Hartt Wind Ensemble in the CBDNA Eastern Division Conference |
| 2010 | Led the Hartt Wind Ensemble in its Carnegie Hall debut |
| 2014 | Received the Larsen Award for exceptional teaching from the University of Hartford |
| 2014-2018 | Served as the chair of the CBDNA Commissioning Committee |
| 2017-2021 | Served as the president of the WASBE |
| 2020 | Received the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance Hall of Fame Award |
Glen Adsit was a renowned director of bands, a celebrated orchestra conductor, a passionate music educator and leader, a beloved music icon and friend, and a legend in the music world. He passed away unexpectedly on January 17, 2024, leaving behind a rich musical legacy and a lasting impact on countless musicians, conductors, composers, and educators. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him and his music.
