Bob Spiegelman, longtime popular bandleader at Lindbergh High School who did not let his cancer prevent him from traveling with his band to Pasadena, Calif. to take part in the Tournament of Roses Parade, died Sunday, March 20 at Barnes- Jewish Hospital of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He was 54 and had resided in west St. Louis County.

He grew up in University City and west St. Louis County. He graduated from Parkway North High School, where he played saxophone in the marching band. He graduated with a degree in music education from the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he played in Marching Mizzou and also received a master’s degree. He became the bandleader of St. Charles West High School in 1981.

Mr. Spiegleman started his career at Lindbergh High School in 1993. Under his leadership, the band grew from 50 members to 217. He also led the school’s symphonic band and jazz ensemble, and taught music recording and production.

Mr. Spiegelman’s Lindbergh High band marched in two Rose Bowls, in 2005 and this year. Despite being seriously ill with cancer, he fulfilled his commitment to travel to Pasadena with his band of student musicians, who described him as having never been happier as he had been on that New Year’s Day.

Mr. Spiegelman had been diagnosed with cancer about a year ago and was pleased that his doctors told him in December that he could make the trip to California for the Rose Bowl Parade. Another highlight of Mr. Spiegelman’s career was in 1997, when he accompanied the Lindbergh Jazz Ensemble, which he directed, to Paris to perform in the 70th anniversary of the New York-to-Paris flight of Charles A. Lindbergh, after whom the school is named.

Mr. Spiegelman is survived by his parents, Fred and Cecile Spiegelman of west St. Louis County, and a brother, Ron Spiegelman of Columbia, Ill.

A graveside service was held Wednesday at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Road. Contributions in Mr. Spiegelman’s memory may be made to PBM.Lambda Foundation, 834 Rochdale, Kirkwood, Mo. 63132, or to Caring Bridge website. www.caringbridge.org