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Lifetime Achievement Award – Marvin Rabin

2011 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

Marvin Rabin (1916-2013)
Orchestra Conductor, Founder of WYSO

On Saturday, May 21, 2011, Wisconsin Foundation for School Music (WFSM) presented its third-ever Lifetime Achievement Award in Music to Marvin Rabin, the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras founder and longtime music educator.

The events, a dinner and awards presentation, were held to honor the man who introduced symphony orchestral music to Wisconsin youth and continues to support music today in Wisconsin and throughout the world. Rabin moved to Wisconsin at age 50, well after he began his career in music; yet his contribution to the state remains unforgettable.

RabinSmallGroupRabin was born in 1916 in Indiana, and grew up with the intention of becoming a history teacher. He graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in history and political science; yet soon music entered his life. Rabin is known most for his work with young people. One of the biggest ways in which he has made an impact is the founding WYSO. Rabin began the establishment of WYSO in 1966 after seeing a need for youth participation in music. He reached out to the community in a way that no one had done before, showing his desire to educate and motivate youth’s participation in music throughout Wisconsin.

Rabin has proved to be a musical inspiration throughout the state because he has encouraged countless youth, and adults, to pursue their musical aspirations. Wisconsin music would look nothing like it does today without Marvin Rabin. “I have know Marv as the immensely dedicated musician and educator that he remains to this day. He is a man with a quick mind, a joyous appreciation for music as an art form and for great performances of music – especially by young people,” says UW composer John Stevens who premiered his commissioned piece titled “Fanfare for an Uncommon Man” to honor Rabin at a WYSO concert the day following his award presentation. Because of Rabin’s vision, youth have a place to develop their skills and express themselves through orchestral arrangements.

Music Educator Marvin Rabin, 97, died at UW Hospitals Dec. 5, 2013, after a short illness… “Marvin has always believed that all children deserve to make music and beauty in their lives, and that making music can transcent cultures and economic traditions.” – Previous WFSM Executive Director Michael George

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

  • Lifetime Achievement Award
  • Al Jarreau – 2016 Recipient
  • Marvin Rabin – 2011 Recipient
  • Michael Leckrone – 2007 Recipient
  • Les Paul – 2004 Recipient


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WI Foundation for School Music
1005 Quinn Dr
Waunakee, WI 53597

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Wisconsin Foundation for School Music
Wisconsin Center for Music Education
1005 Quinn Drive
Waunakee, WI 53597
608.850.3566
800.589.9762

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