Remembering Bob Hughes

 by Rob Inch

Robert A. (“Bob”) Hughes was a man of very many talents. He passed away on November 11,2024 just 4 days shy of his 94th birthday. I first met him in late 1983 or early 1984 when I came to the University of Western Ontario (now called Western University) Faculty of Music to audition to be able to attend school there. He immediately struck me as being a warm, caring, easy-going professor. He certainly loved to chat too! He immediately put me at ease, and I did well on the audition, enabling me to be able to attend UWO, majoring in percussion and music education.

Not long after starting school there, I joined Brassroots (called Brassworks then) playing as much percussion with the ensemble as I was able to. Thankfully Bob was very supportive of any of his students’ musical endeavors and allowed me to use whatever equipment was needed.
​
Because he was such a musical force within London (especially), it was only natural that he be asked to collaborate with Brassroots. The first occasion was February 2, 1992, at Colborne United church with Jim White conducting. Bob created arrangements for African “High Life” music for brass and percussion and an arrangement of Chuck Mangione’s “Legend of the One-Eyed Sailor”. Bob taught the audience a lesson about African music, outlining the shape of the continent in the air to “illustrate” his message! Everyone loved the concert!

The second occasion that he joined with the group was September 4, 1999, at Metropolitan United Church with Bram Gregson conducting. The concert was called “An African Safari “A Journey from Africa to the Americas” “. On this concert, several arrangements were performed with added percussion from a variety on cultures- Karyat Song, Rak El Sayoff, Nyayito Funeral Dance, Tico Tico, What Sweeter Music, Funky Cha Cha, Rhythm of Our World, Work Song and Espana a tambour batiente (Spain – arranged by Jeff Christmas). Once again Bob lead the percussionists with great zeal! Another wonderful evening was had.

Bob was a very active musician, educator and student as he was always engaged in learning new musical approaches and ideas. Right up to his passing he was preparing for a concert with The New Horizons Band. He was a terrific jazz drummer having started kit lessons in his youth. He was truly an inspirational person and will be greatly missed.
Thank you, Bob for all you have given us. We are all deeply indebted to you.