Retiring in Fort Wayne

[Sam Gnagey]

Dear Colleagues of Tubenet,
You are among some of the first to learn that I have decided to retire from my position as principal tubist with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic at the end of this seasons. I have held that position with the orchestra since the 1970-71 season.

The job is a full-time position with benefits and with the possibility of teaching in the music department of the Indiana-Purdue campus here. Those interested in auditioning should watch the AFM paper and website and the musical chairs job posting site. I imagine the notices will appear in a month or so. I know nothing about the list nor any particulars of the audition, because those things haven't been discussed or decided.

I have a great rest of a final season to play with Eulenspiegel, Carmina and ending with Prokofiev 5.

Best of luck,
Sam Gnagey

[bisontuba]

Sam-
Congratulations! Time to go and have fun!!
Mark

[bort]

That's a LONG career. Congrats, and I hope it was all on your terms and desires.

[Sam Gnagey]

That's a LONG career. Congrats, and I hope it was all on your terms and desires.

The best time to retire is when you have maintained the respect and admiration of your colleagues, and when it is completely at your discretion. Rest assured, I treasure and enjoy that distinction.

[bort]

Awesome!

I hope you have either a long and restful retirement, or a long, busy, and restless retirement... Whichever suits you.

Better yet, go somewhere warm next winter!

Congratulations... 45+ years at the same place is impressive, and you leave big shoes to fill!

[jeopardymaster]

Mazel tov, Sam!

[bearphonium]

Well done, and congratulations! That's quite a list to go out with.

[royjohn]

Wow! By my count that is 46 years! Fantastic...and congrats on your retirement!

Will you be continuing to build/convert those famous Gnagey tubas?

[Ben]

Congratulations Sam!

I suspect you will definitely keep busy. Enjoy yourself!

[Sam Gnagey]

Wow! By my count that is 46 years! Fantastic...and congrats on your retirement!

Will you be continuing to build/convert those famous Gnagey tubas?

There won't be a shortage of things to keep me busy:
I've gotten too busy in the last couple of years to do much tuba building. I have lots of donor horns in stock and several projects under way that I'll finally be able to complete.

I haven't practiced as a Registered Nurse in a long time but have kept my license active. I miss that and plan on doing some volunteer or on-call work in that profession through hospice, home health care or at the local community hospital.

I'm the luthier and string repair technician for Mynett Music which is now a subsidiary of Sweetwater Sound. I'll probably only get even busier with that work as that business under Sweetwater is certain to grow.

Of course there's our farm with the ponies, Clydesdale horses, riding horses, cats and dogs to take care of too. My wife wants to get a goat and chickens.

Check out Paul Krzywicki's home-made smoker doing Kielbasa on his facebook page! There's a happy retiree.

[Bill Troiano]

All the best, Sam. I miss my Gnagey tuba.

[bort]

There won't be a shortage of things to keep me busy:

As someone said earlier in this thread... that's quite a list!

[Jack Denniston]

Sam - thanks for letting us know about your retirement plans. Best wishes for a smooth and satisfying transition.

[gregsundt]

Best wishes, Sam. Clearly, you have made the lives of many better, and will continue to do so. Stay in touch!

[Michael Denney]

All the best, Sam. I still love the Holton 345 I bought from you.

[kingrob76]

Quitter.

(seriously, congrats on the looooong run!)

[dmmorris]

Congrat's Sam.

hopefully more time to make cool tubas and have some fun.

Cheers!!