Larry Bruce Campbell

July 20, 1940- December 29, 2024

Larry B. Campbell, a world-class low brass artist and Professor Emeritus at Louisiana State University who performed all over the world, died after an extended illness on Dec. 29, 2024 in Baton Rouge. He was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, to Harold and Laura Gilman Campbell and by the age of four was an accomplished pianist, playing the instrument used by his mother to teach local students in their Asheboro, N.C. family home. He declared at an early age that his instrument of choice would be the trombone, which began his long love affair with all brass instruments. Larry earned his Bachelor of Music from Eastman School of Music, The University of Rochester, and his M.Ed. from Southwest Texas University.

In addition to serving on the faculty of LSU for more than 30 years, Larry was the principal trombonist for the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra. He also performed on euphonium and trombone with the New Orleans Symphony, as well as with other U.S. orchestras. His additional performing credits included three years with the Eastman Wind Ensemble, four years soloist with the U.S. Coast Guard Band and three years trombonist with the San Antonio Symphony Orchestra.

While in San Antonio Larry met and married Cynthia Vollmer Campbell, a journalist and travel editor. The two moved to Baton Rouge in 1969 and together enjoyed a life filled with interesting friends, performing arts, worldwide travel and spending time, when possible, with family in Texas and Ohio. Larry’s students often became world class musicians in their own right and stayed in close touch with their mentor and friend throughout his life.

Larry’s accomplishments were many. He represented the U.S. on the euphonium in the First International Brass Congress where he performed and also chaired several T.U.B.A. clinics. He tested and helped develop the Hirsbrunner Euphonium with Peter Hirsbrunner in Switzerland. Larry authored Master Solos, Intermediate Level for Baritone Horn which included performance tape of the works; and co-authored Brass Solo and Study Material Music Guide. He also published more than 75 articles and reviews. Larry is on seven Eastman Wind Ensemble recordings as principal euphoniumist. He was a featured soloist on euphonium with the U.S. Army Band and Orchestra, and at the First International Brassfest at Indiana University. Larry was a member of the professional tuba-euphonium ensemble Symphonia.

Larry’s family and friends remember him as an immensely talented individual who was proudest of “being a member of the family of musicians.” He never demanded the spotlight but always aimed for perfection in his art. He loved to eat well, drive fast cars and party with his friends with, befittingly, a good Scotch whisky in his hand.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Laura Gilman Campbell. He is survived by is wife Cynthia Vollmer Campbell, brothers-in-law F.J. Vollmer, Jr. (Suzy) and Stephen J. Vollmer of San Antonio, and sister-in-law Helen Vollmer Caudle (Allen) of Houston. He is also survived by nephew Alexander W. Vollmer (Louise) of San Antonio, nieces Katy (Skyler) Schawe and Anna (Rogers) Crain, and great nieces Lake and Parker Schawe and Charlotte Crain all of Houston. The family wants to especially thank Terry Holmes and his family for his loving care of Larry during the last few years.

A memorial concert, honoring Professor Emeritus Larry Bruce Campbell (July 20, 1949- December 29, 2024), will be held on Sunday, February 16, 2025 at 4 p.m. in the LSU School of Music Recital Hall on Dalrymple Drive. Music will be performed by the LSU Trombone Choir and Larry’s nationally acclaimed former LSU students and colleagues. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in Larry’s name to the LSU School of Music or the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra.