Glenn Allen Muegel

Glenn Allen Muegel, 89, passed away in the early hours of May 12, 2023, in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Trudy Drummond Muegel (March 28,1936-October 12, 2022), and is survived by his three daughters and their spouses, Linda and Luke Connolly, Lisa and Rick Hammond, and Laura and Jon Sippel, his three grandchildren Lindsay Hammond, Daniel Sippel and Evan Sippel, and his two brothers James Muegel and George “Ed” Muegel and their families.

He was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, on February 21, 1934, and was the oldest of three children. His parents were George and Mildred G. Muegel (Prell). He was a retired violinist, orchestral conductor, and professor of music. He received his B. S. in Music Education from the University of Cincinnati and received a certificate in Violin Performance from the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) in 1956. He completed his Master of Music degree in Violin Performance from CCM in 1962. Glenn fulfilled his residency requirement for the University of Southern California (USC) in 1966-1967 and ultimately received his Doctorate of Musical Arts from USC in 1970.

Glenn began his professional career as a member of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra from 1955-1957 and 1960-1963. During the interim years (1957-1960) he served as a musician in the United States Military Academy Band in West Point, NY. His academic career began in 1963 at Minot State College where he taught string education. During 1966-1977 he taught string education at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music and finished his doctorate during the summer months. He was the string instructor at California State College, Stanislaus in Turlock, CA, from 1977-1979 and at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, OH, from 1979-1983. In 1983 he joined the faculty at the Appalachian State University School of Music and remained there until he retired from teaching in 1999. He conducted community orchestras, including the Central Ohio Symphony Orchestra, and university orchestras in each of his academic positions.

Throughout his life, Dr. Muegel performed as a principal or assistant principal violinist or violist in the following orchestras: Minot Symphony (ND), Cincinnati Community Orchestra, Modesto Symphony (CA), Pro Musica Chamber Orchestra (Columbus, OH), Western Piedmont Symphony (Hickory, NC), Symphony of the Mountains (Kingsport, TN), and the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra (VA).

Glenn was a life member of the American String Teachers Association and involved with the National School Orchestra Association, Music Educators National Conference, North Carolina Music Educators Association, American Federation of Musicians, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and Kappa Kappa Psi. He had articles published in various state and national journals dealing with string education information.

After retiring, Glenn and Trudy traveled extensively, visiting the 50 United States and over 40 countries on six continents. He enjoyed gourmet dinners, attending music performances, and golf.

Glenn and Trudy moved to Charlotte in 2016 to be closer to family and were actively involved in the Sharon Towers Community where they made numerous friends. His favorite activities were playing Canasta on Friday nights and pool with his ‘buddies.’

He was most proud of his wife, Trudy, who was a professional musician in her own right and a driving force in the family. He and his wife often played duo performances together. He taught his family to appreciate classical music and provided for them from his marriage in 1958 to his death. All children and grandchildren play musical instruments and/or sing. He enjoyed seeing them perform in various orchestras, bands, choirs and musicals. The Muegel Family was awarded the Ohio Music Educators Association Musical Family of the Year award in 1982.

A private service will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio, June 20, 2023, (Glenn and Trudy’s wedding anniversary), at Spring Grove Cemetery, where they will be interred together.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of his favorite charities (Donation links are below):

Appalachian State University – Hayes School of Music

University of Cincinnati – College-Conservatory of Music (CCM)

Sharon Towers Library Fund

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/charlotte-nc-cremation for the Muegel family.