Conductor, Professor of Music Bruce Polay Retires

During his 35 years at Knox College, Bruce Polay held a position unlike any other faculty member, serving as a full-time professor while simultaneously providing musical leadership for the Knox and Galesburg communities as artistic director of the Knox-Galesburg Symphony.

He was already an active conductor and composer when he came to Knox in 1983 after receiving his doctorate at Arizona State University. During his career at Knox, he taught music theory and history, contemporary tonal harmony, composition, songwriting, orchestration, experimental and avant-garde music, and music of the United States.

Polay’s students remember his passion, energy, and enthusiasm. “You helped me understand that the world of classical music is fresh, fun, sometimes informative, daring, and a reflection of the vastness of the universe,” shared one former student at Bruce’s retirement party.

Polay also composed more than 30 pieces of music for various publications across the United States and is also the only conductor to be named Illinois Conductor of the Year for Professional Orchestras three times, winning the accolade in 1994, 2004, and 2010.

“Bruce was an extraordinary colleague. Generous, kind, thoughtful and respectful, he always did what was best for the well-being of his colleagues ... His love for the College and the department was 100 percent sincere,” said Professor Laura Lane in a citation read to the Knox faculty.

"Like so many students who have had the pleasure of working with Bruce as a professor, I learned about the materials of music with Bruce in such a unique way—through the ears and mind of a composer and conductor," said Nikki Malley '98, associate professor of music. "The insights that arose from that perspective provided windows into the interior worlds of music that have shaped me as a performer, scholar, and director. And I am but one of the many musicians who can say that."