Robert Carnochan, Frost School of Music Director Tragically Dies, Tributes Pour In

Robert M. Carnochan, the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music Director of Wind Ensemble Activities, has passed away. He was 61.

Carnochan’s death occurred on September 18th, 2024. No cause of death has been revealed.

He served at the Frost School of Music as Director of Wind Ensemble Activities, Music Director/Conductor of the Frost Wind Ensemble and Professor of Conducting at the University of Miami. He was the professor of graduate conducting and wind repertoire.

Before joining the Frost School of Music, Professor Carnochan was the Professor of Music and Director of the Longhorn Band at The University of Texas at Austin for 13 years. He was also the Director of the Golden Buffalo Marching Band at the University of Colorado at Boulder from 1998-2002.

Other positions he held included Director of Bands at Northeastern Oklahoma State University, Associate Director of Bands at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas, and Director of Bands at Dundalk High School in Baltimore, Maryland. Carnochan holds degrees in music education and conducting from the University of Texas, the University of Colorado, and Towson University.

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Following his death, tributes poured in left and right acknowledging the greatness and lasting legacy of Carnochan. The Silver Buffs, an alumni association of the Golden Buffalos, shared a message in remembrance of Professor Carnochan.

“….Under his leadership the band thrived, developing several new traditions and commissioning new tunes that are still in use today. He was a wonderful mentor, colleague, and friend to many of us associated with the GBMB, and we will miss him greatly. The Silver Buffs board sends our condolences to his loved ones,” the message read.

Damon Talley, director of Bands at Louisiana State University, also said: “I’ve lost a brother, one of my best friends and one of the greatest human beings I know. I met Robert Carnochan 26 years ago and we have been close ever since. We shared so many truly special times together, celebrated in some of life’s great moments and comforted each other during life’s tough times,”

Following his death, some of Carnochan’s students at the Frost School petitioned the University of Miami to rename the RC102 rehearsal center in his honor.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Karen Salwerowicz, and their children Alexandra and Addison Carnochan.