Busch, Carl (1862-1943) | University of Illinois Archives

Carl Busch (1862 -1943) was a Danish born conductor, composer, educator and collector of music instruments. Born in Bjerre, Denmark, Busch studied at the Copenhagen Conservatory of Music with Niels Gade and J.P.E. Hartmann, the Brussels Conservatory, and in Paris with Benjamin Godard. In 1887 he emigrated to the United States, settling in Kansas City. During his distinguished career, he served as the conductor of the Kansas City Symphony Orchestra (1911-1918). In 1912, he was knighed by the King of Denmark for his contributions of spreading Danish music to the United States.

During this time his students included Robert Russell Bennett and William Dawson. Between 1924 and 1938 he taught at the Chicago Musical College (1924-1926). In 1927 he taught at Brigham Young University, Notre Dame University, and the Kansas City Horner Conservatory. In 1928, he joined the faculty of the National Music Camp at Interlochen, assisting Joseph Maddy with the opening of the camp. From 1933-1938, he taught at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. 

In the late 12920s, Busch became a strong supporter of the school band movement, serving as an adjudicator for band contests throughout Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Michigan, Illinois, and Oklahoma. His windband composition, A Chant from the Great Plains, won the first Goldman Band Composition Contest in 1920. From 1930 to 1948 Busch composed entirely for wind band, including two marches dedicated to Joseph Maddy, Suite for Band (1930) and The Spirit of Interlochen March (1931). In 1930, Busch was elected an honorary life member of the American Bandmasters Association.

Lowe, Donald. "Busch, Carl (Reinholdt)." Grove Music Online.

Lowe, Donald. "Carl Busch: Danish-American Music Educator." American Music 9, no. 4 (Winter 1991).