The New Horizons Band and UpSwing Band lost Bob Austin on Saturday, April 19, 2008, following a massive heart attack. Bob was so instrumental in making vast improvements in the performance of both bands. He loved music and he loved the bands. He will be sorely missed both as a director and as a player in the UpSwing Band by all members of both bands.

Bob was born in Houston, TX. and raised on a ranch in Northern Kansas. He received his BA in piano at Wichita State University, his MA in saxophone and his ABD in Choral Conducting at the University of North Texas.

In his musical performance career he played with the last of the "Big Bands" on the road, including Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Larry Elgart, and Buddy Morrow!

Bob's conducting experience included directing the International Ice Capades. He was well known in the area for his musical performance and directing in local musicals and recitals for public benefits.

Bob was also Choirmaster/Organist at St. Anne's Episcopal Church in Fort Worth.

He is survived by his wife Barbara Hallie Austin; his parents, Loren and Vivian Austin of Salina, Kansas; his "children" Scott Uhrig, Robin McBride and Warren Spiker; and his grandchildren, R. Ryan McBride and Emerson Spiker.