Robert Junius Love was inducted to the North Carolina Bandmaster's Hall of Fame during the organization's annual conference in Winston-Salem Nov. 8. Love was nominated for induction and elected by members of the association.

Love graduated from Lenoir High School in 1949. He started his musical career in the sixth grade under the direction of Robert Klepher. In grades 8-12, he was a member of the distinguished Lenoir High School band, playing trombone under the direction of George Kirsten, who was drill instructor and brass instructor. Love was guided by the baton of Capt. James Harper.

Love was first chair trombone player during his senior year with the LHS band.

Love recalled Kirsten as a great leader and well-liked by students, and noted that Harper was fair but a strict disciplinarian who strived to teach classical music to his students. Harper had a great influence on students, and the early-morning drills of those days helped lead Love into a career as a band director and second career as a retail dealer of musical instruments.

Love attended Appalachian State Teachers College and received a BA degree in music in 1953. He played in the concert and marching bands, and served as band president for two years.

His first year of teaching was at Granite Falls High School. Love later was drafted and served two years in the U.S. Army at Fort Jackson, though he played in the division band thanks to assistance from Capt. Harper, who was a friend of the Army's band director and helped land Love a spot.

After serving in the Army, Love returned to Appalachian State Teachers College to graduate and received an MA in music education.

In 1957, he began teaching at Hudson Elementary School and also had beginning bands at Baton, Whitnel and Sawmills elementary schools. He taught at Hudson High School for 20 years until South Caldwell High School opened. Love taught at South Caldwell from 1978-84, teaching both his children - Scott and Lisa - to play the trombone and oboe respectively. They played level 6 music and received several superior ratings during this time.

Several band directors in Caldwell County also did their student teaching at Hudson and South Caldwell during Love's years at those schools.

After retirement from the school system, Love spent time with his retail business, The Music Center, with locations in Lenoir, Hickory, Morganton, Statesville and Gastonia.

Scott, who is managing the business now, also recently opened a store in Asheville.

Love has been married 50 years to the former Barbara Brookshire. They have two children, Scott Love and Lisa Creamer, and four grandchildren, Jennifer and Rebecca Love, and Zachary and Catlin Creamer.

Love's health has prevented him from managing the music business he established, though Scott manages the stores, and Lisa works at the Hickory location.

Love currently is residing at The Shaire Center of Lenoir.