The music of Dr. Robert Gray, 1956 Murray State alumnus of Festus , Mo. , is internationally known. Serving as band director at Herculaneum High School in Festus from 1965 to 1990, a former prime minister of Ireland is among his many admirers.

A native of Union City , Tenn., Gray graduated from Union City High School in 1952. His father died when he was four, leaving his mother to work many long hours in a garment factory to support her family.

At Murray State, Gray played the clarinet in the marching and concert bands, played the violin in the orchestra, and sang in the select a cappella choir.

“My years at Murray State were magical years in my life,” says Gray. “The music department provided an outstanding faculty that enabled me to enjoy a successful career.”

He earned his master’s degree in music from Peabody College in Nashville , Tenn., in 1962, and later received his Ph.D. from St. Louis University in 1978.

At Herculaneum , Gray earned a reputation among his students as an inspiring teacher and friend. During his time as band director, the concert band received top rankings at the district contests every year from 1968 to 1990.

In 1995, the Prime Minister (also known as the Taoiseach) of Ireland John Bruton, visited the graves of his ancestors who were among the founders of the city of Festus . As a gesture of goodwill, Gray gave Bruton a piece of his original sheet music to take back with him. Bruton enjoyed the music, and upon returning to Ireland gave the music to the director of the Irish National Broadcasting Network Orchestra.

Gray assumed this was the end of his musical career in Ireland . When the Radio & Television Orchestra in Ireland asked Gray to compose a musical suite as a tribute to Prime Minister Bruton, he was honored. The result was The American Dream , a musical portrait of Festus, in recognition of Bruton’s ancestors who founded the town.

The American Dream premiered in Dublin Oct. 13, 1995, performed by the National Orchestra of Ireland.

“Hearing my own music played in the National Concert Hall in Ireland was an unbelievable thrill,” says Gray. “Hearing the Irish response to Stars and Stripes Forever was the most overwhelming musical experience of my life.”

A stroke forced Gray to retire in 1990, but he continues to compose music. A member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, in 1995 he received the Distinguished Service Award from the Missouri State High School Activities Association. He was recently conducted into the Herculaneum High School Hall of Fame.

Robert and his wife Lottie will celebrate their 51 st wedding anniversary in December.