Marquis, Robert L., Jr., 1910-1990

Robert Lincoln Marquis, Jr. was born on January 7, 1910 in Mineral Wells, Texas. The family relocated frequently as his father taught biology at multiple colleges across Texas, and then served as president of Sul Ross State Teachers College in Alpine. The family moved to Denton in 1923 as Marquis Sr. became the sixth president of North Texas State Teachers College, now the University of North Texas. Marquis Jr. earned a bachelor of arts degree from North Texas in 1930, and a bachelor of science in 1933, continuing his education with a master's degree from the University of Texas in 1940, and a doctorate from New York University in 1941. Marquis' master's thesis was "The development of the symphony orchestra in Texas," while his dissertation was titled "The social psychology of music," demonstrating intersecting interests in music and education which defined his career. According to his obituary in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, he served as a school band director in San Antonio in 1931-1932, and in the University of Texas Longhorn Band and Austin Symphony Orchestra in 1933-34, returning to North Texas in 1934 to teach in the music and education departments. Marquis played saxophone in Floyd "'Fessor" Graham's Aces of Collegeland, and directed the summer instrumental music and stage show productions in 1934-1936. He then directed the Eagle Marching Band in 1937-1939. He then served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in the Second World War, attaining the rank of captain. Marquis served on the North Texas faculty until 1977, when he was named professor emeritus, and he received the President's Award from the Floyd Graham Society. Robert L. Marquis, Jr. died in Denton on May 1, 1990.