Aaron Dodd

[brianf]

It has been said that there were two tuba players at Chicago’s Symphony Center, the one who plays inside the hall with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the one who plays outside the hall on the sidewalks for tips. For years, Aaron Dodd played his tuba on the streets of Chicago for those going to Chicago Symphony concerts. He passed away on June 17.

He grew up in Chicago and became a respected jazz player starting in 1970 once named in DownBeat's critics poll for "talent deserving wider recognition." As a street musician, he gained respect of Chicago Symphony members. Arnold Jacobs would bring him to his studio for lessons. In 1999, Gene Pokorny and others bought him a new tuba. Both Chicago newspapers had stories about this – one was on the front page! Among Chicago area tuba players, Aaron was a colleague and friend.

Funeral arrangements are tentatively scheduled for Friday, June 25 at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Zion, IL. Please call me for more information.

For more about Aaron look at:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/ ... 3022.story" target="_blank
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2008 ... wheelchair" target="_blank
http://www.aarondoddmusic.com/" target="_blank

Aaron brought a smile to everyone’s face but he did not get rich in the process. The family does not have the funds for funeral expenses and ask for donations. Gene Pokorny is on tour and asked me to help. To make things easier, I have set up a web page on my shopping cart http://windsongpress.x-shops.com/store/ ... 250&page=1" target="_blank where you can donate using a credit card or Paypal. If you prefer cash or check, please send it to the address below.

Today, I played a job and donated all funds to Aaron – I hope the music community can help.

Thank you

Brian Frederiksen
WindSong Press
PO Box 146
Gurnee, Illinois 60031
Phone 847 223-4586 Fax 847 223-4580
http://www.windsongpress.com" target="_blank
brianf@windsongpress.com" target="_blank

[David Richoux]

Indeed - and this story brought back sad memories of Seattle's Tuba Man... life is sometimes hard for a street tuba player.

(and if you are logged in to the Chicago Tribune, please report the spam in the comment section. I am not going to register with yet another newspaper.)

[tofu]

Thanks for letting us know Brian. We are all a little poorer musically without Aaron playing his horn downtown in the Loop. He will be missed and remembered.

Ave Atque Vale

[Alex F]

My office was formerly located just north of Orchestra Hall. I have many fond memories of walking out on Michigan Avenue and hearing those velvet low notes wafting north from the "Hall".
Rest well Aaron. Play Him "Just a closer walk with thee"

[brianf]

Tuben wrote:

Indeed, if ever there were a time for the tuba family to help each other, this would qualify.

I just talked to Aaron's twin (yes, twin) sister. She has been worried where funds were coming from to pay for his funeral. They had a cemetary plot for him but require a fee for opening and closing. I told her that a number of us in the tuba community have come up with $800 so far. She was so happy and wanted to thank everyone. Still we are about $500 short and there is a fee from a funeral home. If you can, please make a donation - even a number of small donations help.

Also, if you can make a statement about Aaron, please send it to me. I will add it to the statement Gene made and give them to Aaron's family.