Robert Anthony "Robbie" Giroir, Jr.

"Robert "Robbie" Anthony Giroir Jr., a resident of Baton Rouge, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2018 after fighting an acute illness. He was 60 years old. Robbie is survived by his mother Myrtis Leblanc Giroir, sister and brother-in-law, Danette and Ronald Legendre and nephews with their wives and children, Ladd, Abby and Landon Legendre and Brant, Brittney and Harper Jane Legendre. He is preceded in death by his father, Robert "Bobby" Anthony Giroir, Sr. Robbie's musical studies began at an early age, and after earning a Bachelor of Music in Music Education Degree from LSU, he became the organist and the Director of Music at St. Joseph Cathedral, Baton Rouge as well as Director of Choral Studies at Baton Rouge Magnet High School. He was known as "Mr. Giroir" to a countless number of students that had the privilege of working with him over the last 35 years. In that time, the choirs at BRMHS have consistently earned superior ratings (the highest possible rating) at district and state choral assessments. In the last 15 years, choirs under his direction have performed in England, Italy, Spain, Ireland, The Czech Republic, Vienna, Prague, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands and France. In 2013, The Festival Singers of Baton Rouge Magnet High School performed in front of an invited audience at the Vatican for Pope Benedict XVI. This was a historic event of unprecedented favor. A fiercely devoted educator, he empowered his students through his unique, yet practical way of instruction. Many will remember his colorful sayings, powerful mantras, and unique methodologies all selflessly undertaken to advance his students. Former students have gone on to pursue advanced degrees in every academic discipline. Some now hold prestigious positions as college professors, professional musicians and educators, and Broadway actors. He inspired young people to follow their passion. His choirs performed to the highest degree, and he was always happy to share in his students' successes. Christmas was his favorite time of the year. He specifically loved the legendary annual BRMHS Christmas Concert, with choirs performing major works with professional orchestra including those by Mozart and Handel, dozens of Bach cantatas and most recently a performance of J.S. Bach's Magnificent in D. Mr. Robbie Giroir, Director of Choral Studies at Baton Rouge Magnet High School, was named "Music Teacher of the Year" by the Baton Rouge Symphony League for 2010-2011. As Director of Music and the organist at the St. Joseph Cathedral, he built a unique and hallowed brand of church music beloved by cathedral parishioners, visitors, and a vast number of viewers who tuned in via television. The cathedral organ, which was built in 1993, was a tremendous source of pride for him and a result of a tireless effort to see a dream come true. During Robbie's time there, the cathedral acquired two additional pipe organs. Music under his directorship has inspired and uplifted thousands of people who came to know the cathedral as a place of resplendent and majestic liturgical sound, unique to his style and artistic ministry. Robbie was an aviator and a collector of historical and nostalgic memorabilia. Some of his prized possessions included a 1965 V-Tail Beechcraft Bonanza and a 1947 America LaFrance Fire Engine. His collection of historical items meant so much to him, but nothing meant more to him than his service to others. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph Cathedral, Baton Rouge on Thursday, December 27th at 12:00 noon with visitation at 9:00 am. Pallbearers will be Ronald Legendre, Ladd Legendre, Brant Legendre, Landon Legendre, Dr. Hypolite Landry, Keith Bonnette, and Ken Thevenet. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Baton Rouge Magnet High School Choral Department 2825 Government Street, Baton Rouge LA 70806 or St. Joseph Cathedral 412 North Street, Baton Rouge LA 70802.