Bruce K. Dinkins
1951-2011
We were saddened to hear of the death of Bruce Dinkins on June 22, 2011, at the age of 60. He directed bands at Bowie High School in Austin, Texas over the past decade and was featured in the May issue of The Instrumentalist. Dinkins earned degrees from the University of Tampa and the New England Conservatory and also studied at Florida State University and the Juilliard School. During a conducting career that lasted more than three decades, Dinkins taught at Florida Junior College, Jacksonville University, and Emory University.
He later moved to the high school ranks and held positions at schools in Georgia, South Carolina, and Texas. He also worked as conductor-in-residence for more than 25 summers at Sewanee Summer Music Festival in Tennessee, and the 2011 season has been dedicated to his memory. Former students recall Dinkins as a demanding but supportive teacher who was always committed to the highest standards of musical performance. Dinkins noted in May that the quest for music perfection is continuous. “The process is relentless, and we often tell (students) what to do better, but it’s worthwhile when they go to solo and ensemble competition, and the judge notices beautiful tone or excellent technique.”
