Remembering Bud

The orchestra, its musicians and board members, are deeply saddened by the loss of Albert “Bud” Asch, conductor emeritus and founder of the Kettle Moraine Symphony. Bud passed away Saturday, April 14, 2012 at his home.

Bud started the orchestra in 1968 as a small group of music enthusiasts at the University of Wisconsin-Washington County, where he was music professor until his retirement in 1992. He was the heart and soul of the orchestra. Over the years, he gave hundreds of musicians, amateur and accomplished, the unique opportunity to practice their art as part of a live orchestra.

His kindness, love for life and passion for music went beyond the orchestra podium and made everyone who knew him richer for it. He was truly a community treasure, and, along with his wife Anna, an accomplished musician herself, generously shared with the community the musical gifts with which they were blessed.

In May 2012, we were honored to be able to dedicate our Pops concert to Bud; his friends recalled the many years of music-making and merry-making accomplished under his artful baton. Bud was one of those special people whose personality and talents made our community a better, more interesting place. We are all thankful and fortunate to have known him, and, like a beautiful melody that you can’t forget, he will stay in our hearts.