RIP Robert LeBlanc

[ghmerrill]

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.

[gregsundt]

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.