Bruce MacCombie. Image: UMass-Amherst
Composer Was Dean of the College of Fine Arts 1992-2000
I am sorry to announce that Bruce MacCombie has passed away after a long illness. He served as dean of the College of Fine Arts (then School for the Arts) from 1992-2000.
A distinguished composer and theorist, his works have been recorded on the BGS label, Virgin Classics, BIS Singapore, and the Eastman American Music Series.
Bruce MacCombie was also a gifted administrator and an important leader who left a lasting mark during his tenure at BU.
He began his academic career in 1975 as an assistant professor, then became associate professor of composition and theory at the Yale University School of Music. In 1980 he moved to New York City to become vice president and director of publications for G. Schirmer and Associates Music Publishers, and in 1986 was appointed dean of the Juilliard School.
Upon leaving BU, he served as Executive Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center and from 2002 to 2006 as associate dean of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts at the University of Massachusetts Amherst where he was emeritus professor of music at the time of his death.
During his tenure at CFA, (then SFA) Dean MacCombie worked closely with International Programs at BU to develop one-semester residencies for theatre students in London, visual arts students in Venice, and music students in Dresden. Enrollment increased as did alumni involvement and support.
Our deepest condolences to his wife Turi, his family, and friends.
2 Comments
Cindy Brown posted on June 30, 2012 at 9:49 pm
Bruce was a classmate of mine and will missed by all of the class of 1961 Joseph Case High School Swansea MA We wish to send our condolences to his family.
Pete Masuck posted on November 17, 2012 at 6:55 pm
He was a dear friend when we were undergraduates at UMASS in the mid-sixties. Lost contact, but always, over the years, followed the career of this very talented man. I remember so well his talents with the piano as he played for the on-campus production of the Fantastiks. Then there were the beery recordings we made of his guitar and vocals in my appartment on Main Street. I still have them… funny and irresponsible stuff, and not for publication.
Rest in peace Bruce.
My sincere condolences to his family.
Pete Masuck ’67