News Releases

1957 Deering Grad Composes Processional for 2004 USM Commencement

May 14, 2004

Robert Ek, a 1957 Deering High School graduate, and 1967 University of Southern Maine graduate, is what one might call a jack of all trades. Over the past 30 years he has worked as a history and music teacher, a clothing manufacturer, an electrical technician, a jazz and rock trombone player, and now a classical composer. He recently won a contest to compose the music to which USM's 50-year class will enter the Cumberland County Civic Center at the beginning of the commencement ceremony. Ek's composition, "Processional for Spring," will be played by the Portland Brass Quintet at this yearÕs ceremony on May 15, in the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland. It will be used each year to honor members of the 50-year class.

USM is the second and one of four schools Robert Ek has attended over the years. Ek first graduated from the University of Maine Orono in 1963 with a degree in history. He taught social studies at Warren High School for several years, but his love of music prompted him to pursue a USM degree in music education. Teaching music however, didnÕt satisfy him either, so he hit the road, playing with a handful of 70Õs rock bands and opening for acts like Aerosmith.

After getting married, Ek settled in Brockton, Mass, and found work in a local clothing warehouse. During this time, he attended the Berklee College of Music, where he finished three semesters in arrangement and composition, and played music gigs in and around the Boston area. In the early 80Õs the clothing warehouse closed, and Ek decided to go back to school for electrical engineering at the Northeast Institute for Industrial Technology. He then worked as an electronics technician until two years ago when corporate downsizing again left him unemployed. He now considers himself semi-retired, still playing trombone in a local brass society and Dixieland jazz band.

EkÕs commission was made possible by a gift from members of the class of Ô54. Along with the USM School of Music and the USM Alumni Association, the class of Ô54 organized and funded a competition for the composition of the march. The winner received a prize of $1,000. EkÕs piece was chosen from nine submissions by a panel of judges, including USM School of Music Director Scott Harris, Associate Professor John Boden, and Õ54 Class President Nelson Wentworth. Entries were open to all alumni and current students of USM.

USM is an institution of 11,000 students with campuses in Portland, Gorham and Lewiston-Auburn Maine.

>more news releases