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Rudy Emilson was professor of tuba and euphonium at the State University at Fredonia, NY for about 30 years. He retired about 7 years ago. As my college tuba teacher, Rudy was a major influence on me and my love of the tuba. His method of teaching and hearing him play is what got me psyched about the instrument. He was also Alan Baer's first tuba teacher. Besides teaching tuba and euphonium, Rudy taught conducting and percussion class at the college. He was also director of the brass choir. He has written books of percussion duets, and he arranged several tuba quartets. He also recently published his arrangements of Michel Blavet's Sonata No. 4 for flute and piano and Nocturno, Op. 7 by Franz Strauss. Both of these arrangements can be heard as performed by Alan Baer on his solo cd, "Coast to Coast." Rudy was also our guest artist twice at Howard Hovey Tuba Day on LI. Although we didn't get to see each other often, we kept in contact via phone and emails and I considered Rudy to be a close and true friend. Rudy passed away in his sleep at home this past Friday after a battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Pauline, and son, Jeff.

Mr. Emilson was a caring and dedicated teacher, conductor, and human being. As my first tuba instructor, he was a great influence in my life, not only as a teacher but also as a person. His support and encouragement for me lasted long after I graduated and long after he retired. He will be missed by many.

Ben Miles