Robin Ian Netscher

An accomplished and award-winning musician, composer, arranger and conductor, Robin Netscher was born in Mumbai, India, of British parents. Upon the family's return to the UK, Robin began an acting career at age 13, appearing in movies, BBC Radio, television and West End stage plays.

A trumpet player, Robin joined the British Royal Artillery band at 18. Having completed his military service, Robin formed The Beltones, comprised of four trumpet players who played and sang Robin's own arrangements. In 1964, The Beltones, renamed The Berkley Squares, took their act to Las Vegas where they performed at what is now the Alladin Hotel.

In 1968 Robin emigrated to S. Africa where he played lead trumpet for stars like Patty Paige and Englebert Humperdink. He then became Musical Director for EMI Records, representing S. Africa at the World Song Competition in Athens, Greece, where his original song made the top ten finalists.

Robin formed the Johannesburg Pops Orchestra and won four S. African Recording Industry (SARI) awards (similar to the Grammys) for Best Instrumental Album and Best Album of the Year, for three consecutive years.

Leaving S. Africa for the U.S., in 1976 Robin became Musical Director and band leader for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, subsequently becoming Entertainment Director world wide for their entire fleet.

For the next twenty years, Robin partnered with the Neal Hollander Agency and, during this time, was invited to conduct and write 40-piece arrangements for the San Bernardino Symphony, the Pasadena Pops Orchestra, the Hollywood (Florida) Philharmonic, and the Delray Beach Philharmonic.

In 2010, Robin became Activities Assistant at Forest Trace Senior Living and formed his own orchestra - the 40-piece Magic City Philharmonic Pops. Robin was a unique musical talent, his arrangements giving well-known, classical pieces a special "pop" vibe, both delighting and surprising his audiences. The orchestra performed numerous concerts at Forest Trace where he was much-loved and admired by the residents who affectionately referred to him as "The Kid". Robin worked at Forest Trace for thirteen years right up until he was taken ill in April, 2022.

To watch Robin conduct his orchestra, where he was truly in his element, was a privilege and a true delight.

Robin passed away at the age of 87 on October 3, 2022. He will be greatly missed by friends both in, and outside, the music industry.