R.E. "Bob" Lowry, Died 2005

LOWRY, BIERS

Posted By: Connie Swearingen- Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/17/2017 at 14:36:26

Sioux City Journal
1 September 2005

R.E. "Bob" Lowry, 83, of Sioux City died Saturday, Aug. 27, 2005, at his residence.

A special memorial service will be held at a later date to be announced. Arrangements are under the direction of Christy-Smith Morningside Chapel.

Mr. Lowry was a professional clarinetist and former Morningside College band director. He traveled extensively with the Conn Music Instrument Company, having soloed in 40 of the 50 states with college, university and high school bands. His 29 publications include solos, marching band show, books, recordings, clarinet methods (including the Belwin clarinet method). He patented a key for clarinet that makes it much faster to play from the "low" notes of the instrument to the "high" and also overlays for band uniforms making one uniform for concert and marching band. Band Days at Morningside College, bringing 4,000 students to perform at the college campus, is a part of his legacy.

He was currently the lead saxophone and clarinet with the Sammy Jensen Ballroom Orchestra. He was past principal clarinetist with the Sioux City Symphony and the Sioux City Municipal Band (formerly Monahan Post Band). He was a 1942 graduate of Morningside College and a 1948 graduate of the University of South Dakota.

He served as past president of the Iowa Bandmasters Association, a member of the American Bandmaster Association, a 50-year member of the Shrine and a longtime member of the First Unitarian Church in Sioux City.

Survivors include his sisters, Nancy Lowry Biggs and Wanda Lowry Ballantyne and her husband, Dr. A. Paul Ballantyne; a brother and his wife, Wendel and Marilyn Lowry; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clinton Elbert and Merle Elizabeth (Biers) Lowry.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that memorials be given to the Unitarian Church.