Raymond Lloyd Conklin

Renowned musician and educator, Prof. Raymond L. Conklin (born August 20, 1946) of Murray, KY, went to be with our Lord on May 1, 2018. He joined the Murray State University Music Faculty in 1973 where he taught for 45 years and held the rank of Emeritus Professor. Conklin served in administrative positions as the Chair of the Department of Music and the President of the Faculty Senate. Professor Conklin taught Low Brass (Trombone, Bass Trombone, Euphonium, and Tuba), Brass Repertoire and Pedagogy, and conducted/coached Brass Chamber Music. His conducting/coaching responsibilities included the Brass Choir, the Brass Quintets, Trombone Choir, Slide Advantage, and the Tuba-Euphonium Ensembles. Conklin received Murray State University's most prestigious award, the Board of Regents Teaching Excellence Award, as well as the Dr. Charles and Marlene Johnson Outstanding Music Faculty Award. He was an active performer in the region and has served for many years as the Principal Trombonist and Principal Bass Trombonist with the Evansville (IN) Philharmonic Orchestra and the Owensboro (KY) Symphony Orchestra. He has performed with many orchestras in Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, New York, and Texas. Conklin was also a freelance/commercial trombonist and conductor, having performed with many major jazz artists including Mel Tormé, Doc Severinson, Clark Terry, Marvin Hamlisch, Jamey Aebersold, Sim Flora, David Baker, and many others. He taught on college and university music faculties in Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Texas, and served on the faculty of the Sewanee Summer Music Institute. Conklin's students are currently teaching in colleges and universities in the United States and Europe and in public schools throughout the United States, Canada, and Australia. His students are also performing in orchestras and bands throughout the United States and Europe. Conklin has toured Europe, China, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand presenting solo and ensemble recitals and master classes.
Mr. Conklin received his education at the University of Louisville and the University of North Texas. His teachers included Ernest Lyon, Leon Brown, Louis Van Haney, Mel Jernigan, and Arnold Jacobs. Conklin studied Jazz Improvisation/Education with Jamey Aebersold and Rich Mattson and studied conducting with James Livingston and Anshel Brusilow. Conklin served as the founder (1986), coordinator, and the conductor of the Brass and Percussion Unlimited (formerly Kentuckiana Brass and Percussion Ensemble) that has performed regionally at universities; on community concert series; and at state, national, and international conferences in the USA. He also conducted other professional brass ensembles in Europe. Conklin has also served as the pops orchestral conductor for the Paducah (Kentucky) Symphony Orchestra and other regional orchestras. He was a member of: Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA), the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), the International Tuba Euphonium Association (ITEA), and a life-long member of the International Trombone Association (ITA). He was an Airforce veteran, a Kentucky Colonel, and a member of First United Methodist Church in Murray, KY.
Raymond L. Conklin was the dearest and best husband, father, grandfather, educator, colleague, friend, and hero to so many. He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his loving wife of almost fifty years, Elizabeth Conklin; his loving children Scott Conklin, Sarah Conklin McKee, and son-in-law Matt McKee; his two precious grandchildren Molly and Parker; and his many students, friends, and colleagues. Visitation will be at the First United Methodist Church in Murray, KY on Saturday, May 5, 2018 between 5-8PM and Sunday, May 6, 2018 between 1-3PM. The memorial service will take place on Sunday, May 6, 2018 at 3PM in the sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church (Murray, KY). In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made via donation to the Raymond L. Conklin Memorial Scholarship Fund through the Murray State University Office of Development, 200 Heritage Hall, Murray, KY 42071, 270-809-3940, LLOVE@murraystate.edu.
Online condolences can be made at, www.thejhchurchillfuneralhome.com