Ronald T. Bishop, currently Principal Tubist, occupying the Nathalie C. Spence and Nathalie S. Boswell Chair with the Cleveland Orchestra, received his Bachelor’s degree and Performer’s Certificate from the Eastman School of Music in 1956, studying with Donald Knaub. Subsequently, he earned his Master’s degree from the University of Illinois. In 1967, after performing with the Buffalo Philharmonic, American Wind Symphony, San Francisco Symphony, and San Francisco Opera Orchestra, he joined the Cleveland Orchestra with whom he often is a featured soloist. He has appeared in many recitals and participated in clinics throughout the United States, Canada, and Great Britain, and has recoded for such major companies as Angel, Columbia, London, Mercury, and Phillips.
An active teacher as well as performer, he has taught at the Eastman School of Music, the University of Buffalo, San Francisco State College, University of Akron, Youngstown State University, and Case Western Reserve University. At present he is a member of the faculties of the Cleveland Institute of Music, Oberlin College Conservatory, and Baldwin-Wallace College.
For his outstanding contributions to music as an orchestral player, chamber musician, solo performer, recording artist, and teacher, the Eastman School of Music is proud to honor Ronald Bishop with the Alumni Achievement Award.
Rochester, New York
October 15, 1988