Robert Elledge

Robert Elledge (1928-2005) received his Bachelor of Music and Master of Arts degrees from the University of Iowa where he studied theory and composition with Philip Greeley Clapp and Philip Bezanson, clarinet and woodwinds with Himie Voxman and Thomas Ayres, and brass instruments with William Gower. Prior to receiving his degrees, he performed in regional dance orchestras in southeastern Iowa, studied saxophone with Sandy Runyon in Chicago, and served in the United States Army, where he was a member and assistant conductor of the 74th Army Band.

Mr. Elledge spent three years as Director of Bands for the Rockford, Iowa public schools before moving to Edina, Minnesota, where he taught music at all levels for 28 years. His students and bands consistently received superior ratings at state music contests, and were recognized nationally for their outstanding skill and musicianship. During a sabbatical in 1984, he organized an innovative traditional jazz ensemble at the University of Minnesota, which he continued to direct for six years. Throughout his Edina years, he taught privately, and was a frequent adjudicator.

In his later years, Mr. Elledge served as director of bands at Our Lady Of Grace School in Edina. In addition, he was a member of the entertainment staff for the Minnesota Vikings Football Club from 1986-2000. In the early 1990s, he authored Band Technique: Step by Step with Donald Haddad, published by Kjos. His professional affiliations included Phi Beta Mu, MENC, the Minnesota Music Educators Association, and the Iowa Bandmasters Association.