The entire University community mourns the recent loss of Glen Adsit, a respected and distinguished professor and band director at The Hartt School.
Having joined the University in 2000 as an associate professor and director of bands, Adsit’s enthusiasm and motivational style quickly made his name practically synonymous with excellence in music education and community involvement. Many colleagues note how his enthusiasm for music was virtually contagious. He was a musical innovator, mentor, and inspiration to students and colleagues alike.
“Glen left a tremendous legacy at The Hartt School that will endure for years to come,” says Hartt Dean, Dale Merrill. “His passion for music and music education was unquenchable. He never stopped planning for the next concert, the next recording, or the next great opportunity for his students.”
Adsit’s teaching philosophy focused on building well-rounded individuals who appreciated art beyond simply performing music. His instructional style combined discipline with compassion, and resulted in a reputation for being an inspiration and an excellent advisor.
Many of Adsit's former students went on to successful careers in music. These personal and professional attributes of his were among those noted when he was presented with the Roy E. Larsen Award in 2014, which recognizes outstanding teaching at the University of Hartford. The following year, Adsit was named one of the “Top 40 Educators Making a Difference” by Music For All, an organization that sets standards for school music ensemble performances and music education advocacy.
Under Adsit’s guidance, the Hartt Wind Ensemble had the honor of performing at such prestigious venues as New York’s Carnegie Hall, the Central Conservatory in Beijing, and Harpa in Iceland. He also co-directed Hartt’s graduate instrumental conducting degree program, and led Hartt’s ensemble dedicated to new music, called Foot in the Door. Adsit considered new music one of his most cherished musical specialties.
Adsit founded the National Wind Ensemble Consortium Group and the Institute for the Advancement of Secondary and Primary Instrumental Repertoire Excellence, both of which commission top composers to write music for primary, secondary, and professional-level ensembles. In addition, he served as president of the College Band Directors National Association.
The impact Adsit had on the musical community beyond campus was no less influential, including such activity as teaching master classes at Loomis Chaffee Wind Ensemble. Another role of great importance to local young musicians was his work as conductor of the Greater Hartford Youth Wind Ensemble, for the Hartt School’s Community Division, which offers music and dance programming for students of all ages.
“Glen developed that group into one of the premier high school ensembles in the Northeast,” says Thomas Scavone, director of the Hartt Community Division. “He was deeply committed to each student and was always there to help them in any way possible.”
Before his tenure at The Hartt School, Adsit, who was born and raised in Michigan, served as the associate director of bands at the University of New Mexico. Prior to that, he was a public school band director at both the junior and senior high levels in his home state.
Adsit will be sorely missed at the Hartt School and across the entire University. There will be treasured echoes of his influence with every musical note heard throughout campus.
Memorial concerts in celebration of Glen Adsit’s life will be held on Friday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m. and on Saturday, April 27, at 7 p.m. both in Lincoln Theater. The April 27 concert will be followed by a reception in Konover Campus Center.
Alumni of Glen’s from any time during his career are invited to join the band for a performance of Shepherd's Hey by Percy Grainger, which will open the Saturday concert. There will be one rehearsal on Saturday, April 27, in Lincoln Theater from 4–4:30 p.m. If you wish to perform, please use the sign-up form to confirm your participation and obtain a part.
Celebrating the Life of Glen Adsit
May 31, 1964–January 16, 2024