Robert Pounder

Pounder, Robert

Robert (Martin) Pounder. Teacher, organist, pianist, b Moose Jaw, Sask, 28 Nov 1913, d Edmonton 18 Dec 1996; ATCM 1934, LRSM 1935. He studied with Esme Rose, Minnie Ruttan Armstrong, Sigismund Stojowski, and Boris Roubakine. He played organ at Moose Jaw's Zion United church from age 12, accompanied local concerts, and briefly toured with his sister, Jean Moore, as a piano duo. Moving to Edmonton in 1954, Pounder became the organist at Knox-Metropolitan United Church, where he introduced hand-bell playing (possibly the first such program in Edmonton). He taught piano at Alberta College, Edmonton, 1954-1996. He specialized in work with younger students. His pupils included John Hendrickson, David Hoyt, and Neil Hughes. He began examining for the WBM in 1945 and adjudicating at competition festivals in 1950. He accompanied singers and instrumentalists, appeared in chamber recitals, and gave piano workshops for both teachers and students. Pounder was president 1947-9 of the SRMTA, 1957-9 of the ARMTA, and 1957-9 and 1963-7 of the CFMTA. He edited a book of piano repertoire for the WBM (Waterloo Music, 1976).

Pounder retired as Knox-Metropolitan's principal organist in 1978, but continued as substitute organist until 1996. In 1972 the province awarded him an Alberta Achievement Award for his service to the arts. In 1995, the CFMTA named him an honorary president, and in 1996, he received an Arts Achievement Award from the City of Edmonton.