ANN ARBOR—Glenn P. Smith, professor emeritus of trombone at the University of Michigan, died June 16 at Batavia, Ill. He was 85.

Founder and conductor of U-M’s Trombone Choir, an ensemble which performed both transcriptions and original works for trombones, Smith began his career at U-M in 1950 as instructor of trombone, euphonium and tuba after receiving a master of music degree from Northwestern University. He retired in 1981.

In addition to teaching, he was active as adjudicator, soloist, clinician and author with approximately 30 of his editions of solo and ensemble literature for brass instruments published.

“Glenn Smith was a devoted teacher whose students went on to important careers in leading orchestras and to teaching in higher education,” said Paul C. Boylan, U-M vice provost for the arts and dean and professor of music. “He was much admired by his faculty colleagues for his integrity and kindness. His quiet manner always brought perspective and balance to the often turbulent debates within the School of Music.”

Smith was a member of the Music Educators National Conference, the National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instrument Instructors, Pi Kappa Lambda, Kappa Kappa Psi and the American Association of University Professors.

He was honored as Illinois and as national trombone champion when he graduated from East Aurora (Ill.) High School. He also won the Chicagoland Music Festival trombone competition in two different years.

A former member of the Chicago Civic Symphony, Smith taught in grade schools, high schools and junior colleges in Kansas and Illinois after earning a bachelor of music degree from Wheaton College.

Among Smith’s varied interests was growing prize roses with nearly 225 varieties in his home garden. He also was active in maintaining the rose garden at U-M’s Matthaei Botanical Gardens until moving to Illinois about two years ago.

He is survived by his wife, Marie, three daughters, a son, and four grandchildren.

In 1976 he donated the seed money to establish the Glenn P. Smith Scholarship Fund to provide scholarship awards for highly qualified and deserving U-M trombone students.