Dr. Robert W. Parris

Dr. Robert W. Parris, 59, passed away Thursday, September 22, 2011 following a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. Funeral services will be held at 10a.m. Saturday, September 24, 2011 at Christ Episcopal Church in downtown Macon. Father David Probst will officiate. Interment will be private. Dr. Parris was the Charles B. Thompson Professor of Music and University Organist of Mercer University, where he was appointed to the faculty in 1979. In that capacity he taught organ and harpsichord, as well as courses in both music history and music theory at graduate and undergraduate levels. He was also Choirmaster and Organist of Christ Episcopal Church in Macon. A native of Virginia, Dr. Parris received a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. At the Eastman School of Music of the University of Rochester he earned a Performer's Certificate, and Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees. Post-doctoral studies were undertaken in Boston and in northern Germany. An international concert artist, Dr. Parris toured under Windwerks Concert Management. His command of historic performance technique has caused his frequent performances on significant antique instruments in northern Europe. In 2004 he was a featured performer at the AGO national convention in Los Angeles, appearing with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra in Walt Disney Hall. Dr. Parris recorded repertoire by Mozart and Reger on the Spectrum label and music of Sowerby in an album titled "Jubilee" on Premier. His most recent recording was released in early 2006, a recital titled "Land of Rest" on the Loft Recordings label, including music of Buxtehude, Bach, Franck, Sowerby and Dupre. Dr. Parris is survived by his wife of 31 years, Ellen Gifford Parris; four children: Lindley Wood (Gary), John Parris, Lauren Parris and Leah Parris all of Macon, Georgia; parents Mr. and Mrs. H.P. Parris of Salem, Virginia and sister Dale Lee (Robert) of Salem, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Robert Parris Scholarship, Mercer University. Register online at www.hartsmort.com. Hart's Mortuary and Crematory, Cherry Street, has charge of arrangements.