MUSD Alumni Profile: Bob Singleton, Class of 1971
As a Grammy nominated and multi-platinum album award composer, 1971 Milpitas and Ayer High School alumnus Bob Singleton has fond scholastic memories of growing up in his hometown.
“The music programs in junior high and high school allowed me to experience writing and performing music that actually got performed,” said the now 70-year old southeast Texas resident. “It was a wonderful time with friends and faculty who shared life, experiences, music, and friendship.”
Singleton attended Spangler Elementary, Thomas Russell Middle School and Ayer High School before becoming the first Senior Class President of Milpitas High School when the campus opened in 1970-71. After which, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Music in Composition with Honors from University of North Texas.
A composer and producer of music, including work for concerts, albums, television, churches, and feature films, Singleton spent a decade as the music director for Barney the Dinosaur during the 1990s. He’s received a Grammy nomination, 4 Dove nominations, and 2 multi-platinum album awards. More recently, he has created and composed concerts for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, while also having performances of his concerts by Nashville Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic, Savannah Philharmonic, and several others.
With all of his career accomplishments, Singleton banks on his early educational experiences in Milpitas, especially with his musical mentor Bob Russell and Ayer HS Stage and Concert Band.
“[Bob] challenged all of us in the music programs to be excellent, and brought many of us into the honor bands that he led, including the East Side Union High School District Honor Stage Band and Santa Clara Valley Honor Stage Band,” Singleton shared. “His professional standards and inspiration opened my eyes to the depth of the music experience.”
At Milpitas HS, he was inspired by educators Donald Close and Pete Galde. “My life today is largely the product of the influence of these teachers and counselors, along with my parents and my crazy, fun, diverse friends all through school,” he added.
Singleton, who considered his Milpitas school friends as “family-away-from-family,” played soccer and tennis as well but music was his passion. In providing words of wisdom for the younger MUSD generations, he said: “Be a servant in all you do. Listen more, talk less. Learn all you can, and share what you know selflessly. If you are in the arts, make art for your audience. Get to know them and to love them. Make mind, soul and body connections with your audience. Serve them and try to make their life better with your art."
Learn more about Bob Singleton at Singleton Productions Webpage