Bob Olsen is considered to be one of finest trumpet and cornet players in the Midwest. Bob is not only a great musician, but also spent 45 years teaching music. He received a BS and BA Degree in Chemistry at Midland Lutheran College and a Masters Degree in Music at UNL. Over the course of his teaching career, Bob has instructed thousands of musicians at Utica, North Bend, Fremont, and Bennington (all in Nebraska). His concert bands have won numerous superior ratings in competition. During his 35 years teaching elementary and junior high students in band, and then those same students moving to the high school under the tutelage of his father, Walt Olsen, during those years they produced some of the finest bands and individual performers in Nebraska music history.
Bob started playing professionally in the sixth grade with the Mike Reily Band, and later with the Dick Mango Band. In his early years, he played in most of the professional dance bands in the Omaha-Lincoln area, including the Johnny Cox Band. Bob also has played on the road with several nationally known big bands, including the Jan Garber Orchestra and the Wayne King Band. He also spent 18 years playing lead trumpet with the Dick Wickman Band, traveling to New York City and Chicago. He has also performed with the Dennis Wesley Band, the Rudy Kay Band, the Moostasch Joe Band, and many, many others.
Bob’s students have followed his lead and excelled as performers, playing on Broadway, appearing on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand, headlining in Las Vegas and Broadway, serving as musical directors at Disneyworld and Six Flags, and backing countless legendary musical stars.
I the summer and fall of 2014, Bob spearheaded the effort to assemble a band at the Masonic-Eastern Star Home for Children in Fremont. He enlisted the help of fellow musicians and educators to provide young residents with the opportunity to become musicians. In less than a year, he has organized the donation of both time and instruments, enabling young people to develop their talent and perform as a group for Masonic and public events. His inspiration for this effort is illustrated through more than seven decades spent as a performer and educator.
Ron Giesselmann will be today’s host.