The Longest Tenured Director of Bands!

Mr William F. Robertson, Jr is a man who gave of his time, talent, patience, leadership and skills to help mold hundreds of young men and women. There are so many individuals to this day that are positively influenced by this man of music. Scores of students were honored to have spent time under his guidance. He was a compass within their lives. With the consistency of making sure that we were being led in the right direction.

Over his long career as a teacher he directed, encouraged, mentored and inspired legions of students. Many of his students, because of his musical influence, pursued careers in music. His main instrument was the saxophone. He also excelled at and taught brass, woodwinds and percussion instruments. He is known as one of the best teachers at the school.

He led the music program as the Director of Bands for the Mighty Mustang Marching band of Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School for nearly 40 years! We are honored to have had Mr. William F. Robertson, Jr. as our music teacher in our formative years. We were fortunate to have attended Franklin D. Roosevelt High School.

I can’t think of no better resume bullet to have than, “I graduated from Franklin D. Roosevelt High School of Dallas, Texas and studied music under Mr. William F. Robertson, Jr. – who is affectionately known as “Mr. Rob”. I was well prepared to enter the music profession. He continues to this day to be a friend, leader, disciplinarian and motivator to many of his former music students.

“In the 10th grade, Mr. Robertson displayed to me the disciplinarian, teacher and mentor that he was. One day he called me into his office and we had a good old fashion-heart-to-heart talk. I left from his office knowing I had to straighten out my life,” He saw something in me that no one else did. He made me a leader in the percussion section. He was like a father figure to me. To him I owe everything. I salute you Mr. Rob!

Student Musician Acknowledgement: Aaronn J. Shaw, Sr. Section Leader, Percussionist, ’91

Bands during the Era of Mr. William F. Robertson

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