Dr Robert Scott Tennyson's Obituary
Dr. Robert Scott Tennyson, known as "Bob" to his family and friends, passed away on July 7, 2026, after a brief illness.
Bob was born on April 28, 1938, in Newark, New Jersey. His family later moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, where he attended Scottsdale High and developed a lifelong love of music after meeting his close friend, Charlie, and playing the trombone in the high school band.
Following high school, Bob attended Indiana University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in both Social Studies and Philosophy. He continued his education there, receiving a Masters of Music degree. He later earned his Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance and Conducting degree from the University of Maryland College Park while also teaching at Montgomery College in Rockville, Maryland.
During his time at the University of Maryland, he founded the men's basketball pep band, and performed regularly at the Kennedy Center. Soon after, he became the music director and conductor of the Rockville Concert band where he worked for over 15 years.
His career evolved into various teaching positions including American University and Columbia Union College. One of the farthest places his teaching career took him was to Austria, where he taught at the Tyrolean State School of Music and the University of Insbrook. While there he also conducted the Landeck concert band.
After returning to the United States, Bob accepted a position as the music director and conductor of the Olney Big Band in Olney, Maryland and retired a few years later.
In his spare time, Bob was an avid model railroader and enjoyed building train layouts. He also developed a joy of swimming and swam regularly at the YMCA. He spent lots of his time supporting the arts and attending every concert he could.
Over the course of his musical career, Bob taught many hundreds of students around the world, many of whom are still performing today. Bob's greatest legacy lives on through the hundreds of students he taught, mentored and cherished over his decades as a music educator.
He is survived by his wife Mary Catherine Tennyson (Pertino), two daughters, Tracy (Kelly) and Sokhoeun (Walter), two stepdaughters Amanda and Laura, along with many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A visitation will be held on Monday, July 13, 2026 at the Framptom Funeral Home, 30 N Harrison St. in Easton from 3:00-5:00 p.m.
What’s your fondest memory of Robert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert?
Share a story where Robert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert you’ll never forget.
How did Robert make you smile?