Celebrating the Life & Legacy of Robert “Coach” Fleming

by Ken Corbett
From the Fall 2024 issue

Dr. Robert. C Fleming passed away passed away June 9, 2024 at his Tempe, Az home with his wife, Brenda, of 58 years by his side.

Robert was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and grew up with his brother Thomas Allen Fleming in Aspinwall, PA. Fleming attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania where he received a BFA in Music Education and Flute performance and then Carnegie Mellon University where he received his MFA in music. He then attended Southern Illinois University where he received his PhD in secondary education. While completing his master’s degree, he played flute professionally with the Wheeling West Virginia Symphony. It was at this time he discovered that his true calling was in teaching music. 

Robert Clair Fleming was recognized nationwide as an elite educator and Band Director. After being the marching band director at Midland High School, he started his college career as the Director of Bands at the University of Tennessee at Martin from 1967-1974 and finished his career as the Associate Director of Bands/Marching Band Director at Arizona State University (1974-2002) where he was affectionately called “Coach”. He found true joy in making music, entertaining crowds and creating a band family within the Sun Devil Marching Band.

One of the many career highlights for Coach while working at ASU was being awarded the Sudler Trophy in 1991.This award is presented to the marching band that is considered to have the best marching band program in the country. Perhaps an even greater honor, was to be among the first 10 schools to receive this award and the first Pac-10 school to ever receive the Sudler trophy. It is voted on by industry peers and is the highest honor a marching band program can ever receive. Coach was so honored that the students and staff earned this under his leadership. 

Dr. Fleming served as National President of Kappa Kappa Psi Fraternity from 1987-1989. During his six years as a member of the National Council, Dr. Fleming placed great emphasis on internal expansion and fiscal responsibility. He initiated the 15% convention travel account and encouraged alumni to become sustaining members. Other programs during his tenure included the interview and selection of a new Executive Director and the adoption of alcohol awareness and hazing policies. During his presidential biennium, all districts implemented annual conventions. Dr. Fleming presented the Distinguished Service to Music Medal to John Paynter, Colonel John Bourgeois, Ray Cramer, Dr. Fisher Tull, and Claude T. Smith. The A. Frank Martin Award was presented to Victor Zajec. The 35th Biennial Convention was held at the birthplace of Kappa Kappa Psi, Oklahoma State University in Stillwater in 1989. For the first time, compositions were commissioned for both National Intercollegiate Bands. David Holsinger’s commissioned work for the symphonic band, Symphonic Canticle, and Anne McGinty’s commissioned work for the concert band, Athenian Festival, received their premiere performances by the NIB. Conductors for the National Intercollegiate Band were John Paynter and Joseph Missal.

On a personal level Bob and I served on the Kappa Kappa Psi National Council from 1983-1991 and the Board through 2003. I was only 25 years old and Bob was my mentor and great friend. We selected a new Executive Director together, David Solomon. I worked with Bob on many projects for the Fraternity and was so happy he was a great teacher, friend and leader. I clearly remember the council meeting we had in his home in Tempe, AZ. Brenda was such a great host, and we had a really productive time together. Coach, your legacy will remain part of the Arizona State University Band program and Kappa Kappa Psi Fraternity.

After retirement Coach was chosen to be the Conductor of the Coastal Communities Concert Band in San Diego from 2008-2013. His time with this group is something he treasured and upon his departure as the conductor he became their Conductor Emeritus. 

Some of his personal awards received:

• 1981 Selection to the American Bandmasters Association
• 1984 Director of the Olympic Band
• 1993 Bohumil Makovsky Memorial Award for the Outstanding College Band Director
• 1996 O.M. Hatsell Excellence in Teaching Award from the AZ Music Educators Association
• 2001 Distinguished Service to Music Medal Kappa Kappa Psi

Coach is survived by his wife Brenda of 58 years, son Brian, wife Leah Johnson Fleming and their children Leigh, Christina and Jolynn, his daughter Michele Fleming Holyoak, her husband David Holyoak and their children Peyton and McKay.

Before retiring, Coach established the Robert “Coach” Fleming scholarship endowment through the ASU Foundation. He wanted to financially assist 3rd and 4th year SDMB members and reward their loyalty and hard work. Every year, multiple recipients are selected to receive monetary scholarships. 

Coach’s contributions to the music education world have been tremendous. His passion for leading young people and sharing the art of music is unparalleled. His greatest loves were his wife, children, grandchildren, extended family and dear life-long friendships that he made as a result of his career. 

I was able to visit with Bob and Brenda in Tempe, AZ on Saturday. June 1, 2024.  He was suffering from organ failure and was on hospice care. We had a great visit talking about his family, Arizona State and Kappa Kappa Psi.