Arthur C. Bartner
Arthur C. Bartner | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | United States |
| Employer | University of Southern California |
Arthur C. "Art" Bartner is an American musician best known as the director of the Spirit of Troy at the University of Southern California, a position he has held since 1970. During this time he became popularly synonymous with USC Trojans football and was credited for establishing the Spirit of Troy as "one of the most-famous bands in America."[1] In addition to his long-time work directing the USC marching band, Bartner also served as director of bands at Davison High School in Davison, Michigan, and as director of the band of the 1984 Olympic games.
Early life and education
Bartner was born and raised in Maplewood, New Jersey. He claims his interest in music began when his older brother started taking trumpet lessons, a path Bartner followed, and crystalized when he saw the United States Marine Band, which had come to perform at his junior high school.[2] In high school, Bartner earned all-state honors in both trumpet and basketball, and went on to attend the University of Michigan.[3] After a failed try-out for the basketball team, he joined the University of Michigan Marching Band, where he played trumpet from 1958 to 1962.[2][4] Following graduation in 1962, Bartner went on to earn a Master of Music degree in 1963 and a Doctor of Education in 1971, both also at Michigan.[5][4] Bartner has credited longtime Michigan band director William D. Revelli as the most important musical influence in his life.[3]
Career
Davison High School
From XXXX to XXXX Bartner was the band director at Davison High School in Davison, Michigan. According to Bartner, during his five years at Davison, he doubled the size of the band from 60 to 120 students. During this time he also performed with the Flint Symphony Orchestra in Flint, Michigan. [2]
USC
Bartner was hired as director of the USC marching band in 1970. When he took over the group, it had 80 members and was derisively known as "the library band." By the late 1970s Bartner had become disappointed in the direction of the group which had become increasingly unruly and insubordinate. Talked out of resigning by university administrators, Bartner adopted a new disciplinarian approach to running the band, banning profanity, hazing, and alcohol, and introducing an intensity in rehearsal he borrowed from observing Trojan football practices.[3]
In 1979 the Spirit of Troy recorded Tusk with Fleetwood Mac,
Adopting a disciplinarian approach to running the group, Bartner quickly grew its size and energy. In 1973 Diana Ross became the first in a long line of celebrity performers to appear on-field with the USC band
In 2011 Bartner was inducted into the USC Athletic Hall of Fame.[6]
Personal life
Bartner is married with two children. He met his wife, Barbara, in junior high school.[3]
References
- ^ Ramirez, Steve (24 September 2014). "Mr. USC, band director Art Bartner to speak at Pasadena Quarterbacks Club luncheon". San Gabriel Valley Tribune. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
- ^ a b c "Forging Tradition: USC's Dr. Arthur Bartner". School Band and Orchestra Magazine. 12 October 2015. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
- ^ a b c d Felton, Rob (29 October 2000). "Trojan Hoarse". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 22 October 2015.
- ^ a b "Art Bartner '62". The Michigan Alumnus. 2000. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
- ^ Haithman, Diane (4 September 2011). "The man behind the band at USC". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
- ^ Harmonson, Todd (3 August 2011). "Former Register columnist picked for USC HOF". Orange County Register. Retrieved 12 October 2015.