Dr. Richard E. Strange, 81, the founding director of the Tempe Symphony Orchestra and a professor emeritus at ASU with a worldwide reputation, died Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2009. Strange, known affectionately as "Doc" to many, had garnered a worldwide reputation as a musician and educator. Before arriving at ASU in 1978, he was director of bands at Carnegie Mellon University, and his bands performed at New York's Carnegie Hall. While in Pittsburgh, he conducted the Carnegie Civic Symphony Orchestra from 1961 to 1974, and the Butler County Symphony Orchestra from 1965 to 1974. He was the founding director of the Tempe Symphony Orchestra which is in its 35th season. Strange directed his last concert in October and had told the group he was stepping down after this season. Adept in jazz and musical theater, years ago Strange played clarinet, saxophone and flute with Big Bands. He also played in "pit" bands that accompanied Broadway singers and TV stars. At ASU today, Gary Hill is director of ensemble studies at the Herberger Institute School of Music. Hill took Strange's place as director of bands at ASU 10 years ago. "Strange was a combination of extraordinary intelligence, superb musicianship and the persistence to put those two attributes to work", Hill said. Strange faithfully attended concerts, and supported Hill, even if he didn't always agree. Not only was Strange concerned with teaching students to perform, but he guided ASU undergrads to be good educators. Kimberly Marshall, director of ASU's music school, said Strange was "incredibly dedicated" and that he "will be sorely missed." In addition to his wife, Marian, Strange is survived by two sons and one grandchild.