A musical mentor of mine passed away a couple of months ago,
and I am a part of a memorial concert that is taking place in a few weeks. My
mind has been awash with memories as I am helping gather photographs, write program
notes, and communicate with old friends. Orlo Gilbert taught me many things
about music, such as the importance of being prepared, being early, and
practice, practice, practice – slowly and correctly. He was also a formidable debater when it came
to matters he was passionate about.
Orlo was raised in a farming community in South Dakota and
was taught the value of a hard day’s work from an early age. He absolutely lived the adage, “make hay
while the sun is still shining” for as long as I knew him. He carried this
mantra on in his musical pursuits as a professional violin player, educator,
and conductor. Late in his career, he branched out into learning the organ and
string bass. A passion for excellence carried over into his other hobby,
working on antique cars. His award-winning 1914 Willis Overland, two Ford Model
T’s, and 1941 Ford Woody were reminders of the exquisite attention to detail with
which he pursued all things to which he set his mind.
I was a less-than-model student in my early college career
(and I do mean career). I dropped out of college several times and became
involved in self-destructive activities. Even when I was not attending school,
Orlo invited me to come and play in his orchestra. Eventually, I moved to
California to “find myself,” and things eventually got worse. I finally came to a turning point that was
the beginning of a meaningful, spiritual journey. I heard that Orlo was taking
his orchestra to Scotland the following year and, having heritage there, I
determined I was going to go back, humble myself being an older student, and
make a go of it. Orlo gave me opportunity after opportunity, and my junior and senior
year I was his assistant conductor. He saw something in me that he drew out and
polished as if I were one of his old cars.
The way he lived his life of service to others reminds of me
of the verse in I Peter 4:10: “Each one should use whatever gift he has
received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various
forms.”
I have been assigned
to conduct the memorial orchestra for the finale of Saint-Saens “Organ”
Symphony #3. It’s a tricky piece to conduct and is one that I’ve always wanted
to do. In my score study, I am meticulously going through all the things Orlo
taught me for an event which is sure to be an emotional roller coaster.
So thanks Orlo, for investing in old cars and human lives,
and when I see you again, I can’t wait to tell you about how much the things
you taught me prepared me for a life of service to others in a most excellent
fashion.
Richard Hickam
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