Douglas Lowry. Credit: FILE PHOTO

Douglas Lowry, who served as dean of the Eastman School of Music from 2007 until illness forced his retirement last week, died this morning, the school has announced.

A Spokane, Washington, native, Lowry was also a composer and had served as professor of conducting and ensembles at the Eastman School.

A memorial event is being planned.  

Mary Anna Towler is a transplant from the Southern Appalachians and is editor, co-publisher, and co-founder of City. She is happy to have converted a shy but opinionated childhood into an adult job. She...