TubeNet

He was my high school band director (when I was a saxophone player) for three years after he had finished his degree at Eastman and before moving on to Ohio State. A truly great guy, marvelous teacher, possessed an entertaining sense of humor, and wonderful musician. I learned more from him about music than from all of my other teachers combined.

Thanks for posting this. Bob LeBlanc was my second "major" teacher, my second link to Arnold Jacobs, and a mentor in music and in life. I don't guess I'll ever change the quote in my signature. It epitomizes his no-nonsense approach, and I never will forget that lesson early in my graduate studies with him.

I owned the Hartley Sonata, but had never gotten through more than a few pages. Didn't care for the the 12-tone format. He made me bring it to my lessons. A month or so later, I played it on a noon recital program. Colleague after colleague came up to me and commented that it was the best student recital performance they had heard. Lesson learned: You don't have to love the piece; your calling is to do it justice. I have never forgotten that, either.

And so, the torch passes. It's a responsibility, but it's a privilege.