Nelson G. Patrick, associate professor emeritus of music at The University of
Texas at Austin, died on July 31, 2004. He is survived by a sister, Lola Mae
Campbell, of San Antonio, and several nieces, nephews, and their children.
Professor Patrick was born on April 19, 1912, in Marlin, Texas. He received degrees
in music and education from Texas Technical University and The University of
Texas. He was the recipient of numerous awards for his dedication and contributions
to music education in the Texas schools.
Professor Patrick served in the Armed Forces from 1935-1942, attaining the rank
of captain in the Antitank Company, 410th Infantry, 1st Platoon.
Although retired from the University in 1995, “Dr. Pat” continued
to teach classes at the School of Music until 2002. He taught in various capacities
and at various educational levels for seventy years in Texas and was widely known
and respected for his influence on several generations of young musicians.
Professor Patrick began his forty-two year career in the School of Music and
College of Fine Arts in 1960. During his tenure, Patrick served as assistant
dean (1968-1976), associate dean (1976-77), and acting dean (1977-78). From 1964-1971,
Dr. Patrick organized and directed the School of Music’s first Longhorn
music camps, which continue today. Instrumental music was his teaching specialization,
and he taught a variety of courses including acoustics, band arranging and orchestration,
instrumental music methods, and the history of the American Concert Band.
Dr. Pat’s students were his family. His office and home were always
open to them. Many sought his advice on both academic and personal matters. Dr.
Pat cherished his role as adviser to the men of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, a position
he held for many years. He also served as faculty adviser to the University of
Texas Student Music Educators Association. Forty Sinfonia alumni flew in from
all over the country to pay their final tribute to him by singing at his memorial
service.
While touching the lives of the thousands of music students he personally taught,
Dr. Pat was the state director of music for the University Interscholastic League
(UIL) from 1961-1984. As director he created, organized, and brought to life
the Texas State Solo Ensemble Contest, the Texas State Marching Band Contest,
the Texas State Wind Ensemble Contest, and the Texas Music Adjudicators Association.
He continued his involvement with UIL as a consultant to the state director of
music from 1984-2004.
Professor Patrick was also closely involved with the Texas Music Educators Association
for decades and served as band division vice president (1956-57), as president
(1957-58) and on the Board of Directors (1961-1984). In 1994 The University of
Texas Student Music Educators Association honored him with an endowed scholarship
in his name, one of the few scholarships at The University of Texas established
by a student organization.
Nelson Patrick provided a lifetime of dedicated service to music education and
made many lasting contributions that are central to the quality of music education
in the state of Texas.
<signed>
Larry R. Faulkner, President
The University of Texas at Austin
<signed>
Sue Alexander Greninger, Secretary
The General Faculty
