Betty Glover, one of the first female orchestral trombonists in the United States, passed away on September 27, 2022 at the age of 99.
Glover studied trombone with Ernest Glover at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music (CCM) from 1941-1944. Shortly after graduation, she won the audition for principal trombone with the Kansas City Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1952, Glover was appointed bass trombone with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, a position she held until 1985.
Glover began her teaching career at Otterbein College in 1950, before moving to CCM in 1952. In addition to teaching trombone, euphonium, and orchestral repertoire, she became director of the CCM Brass Choir in 1969, which performed traditional works alongside world premieres. In 1983, the CCM Brass Choir performed on the first transatlantic broadcast from the United States to Europe.
Glover received many prestigious awards, including the 2022 ITA Lifetime Achievement Award. The October 2022 ITA Journal contains a beautiful feature on Glover’s career and impact by Jared Gilbert.
ITA extends its condolences to Glover’s family and loved ones.