Norman J. Hunt

NORMAN J. HUNT (1922 – 1986)

Norman J. Hunt, noted conductor, adjudicator and clinician, died on February 8,1986. Born in Cedar City, Utah, he spent most of his childhood in Enterprise, Utah. In 1968 he became a member of The American Bandmasters Association.

Norman, who was a talented trombonist, studied extensively. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Brigham Young University and a PhD from the University of California at Berkeley. He continued his education following service in World War II. Subsequent schooling took him to the Eastman School of Music and the Paris Conservatory, where he was one of the first Americans to be admitted. In 1953 he became the band director of the University of California at Sacramento.

Norman authored a number of textbooks. His first, “Beginning Brass Class Methods,” was written in 1960 specifically for college students. His “Guide to Teaching Brass Instruments” has become accepted as the authentic source of information on brass teaching at the college and university levels. Through these and other publications, his knowledge will continue to be an influence for many years.

In 1960, at Walt Disney’s invitation, Norman organized the music for the Winter Olympics at Squaw Valley. He received a citation from the Olympic Committee for his excellent work. For many years he served as conductor of the official California State Fair and Exposition bands and orchestras, appearing with some of the nation’s most famous entertainers.

After a long and distinguished career, Norman retired in 1983. He was a man with warm, human qualities, a strong, sharp intellect and a determination for the highest quality of teaching. He was loved and admired by friends, students and colleagues. Norman will be sorely missed, but long remembered.

1986 ABA Annual Report