Renowned wind band conductor H. Robert Reynolds has pondered an important question throughout his illustrious career: What is the difference between a good conductor and a great conductor? This volume addresses the subject head-on, with wisdom from Reynolds’ own experience and reflections shared by twenty professional musicians of the highest caliber.

Part I chronicles the remarkable career of H. Robert Reynolds, who conducted the Michigan Symphony Band from 1975 to 2001 and then the University of Southern California Wind Ensemble for the next two decades.

Reynolds shares captivating stories and invaluable lessons from his influential seventy-year career in teaching and conducting, complemented by more than a dozen photographs from his life, including moments with family, friends, and other notable musicians.

In Part II, twenty professional musicians, many former students of Reynolds, offer profound insights into the characteristics that set great conductors apart. Their observations—drawn from playing for some of the world’s most celebrated conductors—illuminate the path to greatness.

This inspiring volume is a testament to the transformative power of musical leadership and an essential guide for conductors at any stage of their musical journey.

H. Robert Reynolds served as the Director of University Bands and Chairman of the Conducting Department at the University of Michigan from 1975 to 2001. He continued his career at the University of Southern California, where he was the Principal Wind Ensemble Conductor for nearly two decades. Renowned for his interpretive skills, Reynolds has conducted at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House, earning acclaim from leading composers. His dedication to music education has influenced countless students, many of whom now hold prominent conducting positions.

If you share my quest for achieving artistic refinement in our music making, then this book is a must-read. H. Robert Reynolds has blended an enlightening account of his life’s journey with glimpses of people and experiences that have influenced him, peppered with pearls of wisdom regarding professional growth, and ultimately embellished with insightful observations regarding conducting greatness contributed by a collection of world-renowned ensemble musicians. Trust me, it doesn’t get any better than this.

—Richard Floyd
    Texas State Director of Music
    The University of Texas at Austin

Students of conducting will discover this contribution by H. Robert Reynolds and Doris Doyon to be an important insight into the art of conducting, an art often shrouded in mystery, folklore, and misunderstanding. It is especially enlightening to read the astute observations of the orchestral musicians who intuitively understand the differences between a “good” conductor and a “great” conductor. Perhaps most inspiring is the professional narrative that Professor Reynolds lived for more than seventy years. This pathway has been distinguished by his heartfelt passion for music making, his insatiable curiosity, his relentless work ethic, his humility, his love and respect for others, and his willingness to embrace risk and failure in the pursuit of personal and musical growth. These are important lessons for all who have the courage and tenacity to follow this same pathway.

—Craig Kirchhoff
    Director of Bands Emeritus
    University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

Robert Reynolds has lived a life fueled by a relentless passion for discovering, learning, and sharing what it is to be an artistic conductor. With his personal narrative, supplemented by the astute revelations of distinguished professional orchestral musicians, Reynolds explores and reveals what it is to be a “great” conductor and gives us a glimpse into his remarkable journey as an insatiable student and inspirational teacher of the art he loves.

—Allan McMurray
    Director of Bands Emeritus
    University of Colorado, Boulder

I couldn’t put it down. Not since Bruno Walter’s On Music and Music Making have I read such a captivating book on the art and craft of conducting. I’ve known Bob for more than forty years, and with each page I learned something new. After reading this book, I was a better conductor. It made me reflect on all that I do as a conductor and reevaluate myself on and off the podium. The comments from each of the professional musicians—many of whom I know personally—were insightful kernels every conductor should read, re-read, and then take to heart. Bravo! For the non-musicians and music lovers: If you ever asked yourself what a conductor does, this book is for you. It offers an in-depth perspective that not only answers this question, but will also enhance your concert experiences. Thank you, Bob! Well done!

—Carl St. Clair
    Music Director
    Pacific Symphony

This book is a delightful combination of Professor Reynolds’ personal anecdotes, nuggets of advice, practical strategies for score study and rehearsal technique, and valuable insight from the players’ side of the podium. Perhaps even more significant, it inspires us by providing evidence of the impact that one curious and insightful person can have on an entire profession. Thank you, Bob!

—Mallory Thompson
    Director of Bands Emeritus
    Northwestern University

Succinctly put, H. Robert Reynolds is an international treasure! Many have played under his positive leadership, learned from his vast wisdom, witnessed his authentic music making, and attended his compelling clinic and symposia appearances. In each scenario, Bob’s artistic vision, respectful interactions, and steadfast persistence transformed the lives of those present. This book is the product of a decades-long curiosity and desire for sustained personal growth. The words of the contributors are insightful, straight to the point, and profound. There’s one gold nugget after another, and our profession needs to hear and implement them all. Do yourself and your community a favor by reading this remarkable resource!

—J. Eric Wilson
    Director of Bands
    Baylor University