For those
who know him, it is hard to imagine that Dr. Thomas Martin Wubbenhorst could ever have been labeled “just average”?! Yet, in his youth, that is precisely what happened, resulting
in a significant impact on young Thom. After a failed early college try at math and
computer science and believing he was only average, Thom was discouraged and
unmotivated, having no idea what direction his education and life should
take. Fortunately, a very special music teacher
and friend from his high school days, Carmel Signa, intervened convincing Thom that he was not only not average, he was exceptional and should follow his
heart and his gifts. Heeding this wisdom and advice is exactly what Thom did.
He proceeded to earned a
B.S. degree from the University of Bridgeport in music education graduating cum
laude, went on to Yale University where he received a Master of Music degree in
percussion and composition, and finally was awarded a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction
with an emphasis in music education and psychology from the University of
Missouri. Over the ensuing forty years he taught in several universities across
the country including Georgia State University here in Atlanta.
Thom's belief in in his students' and musicians' exceptionality has generated a steadfast bond between them and their teacher / conductor as he believes in and holds them to
that high standard.
The
existence of the Gwinnett Symphony Wind Orchestra is the direct result of this bond
that neither time nor distance could sever. As explained by one of his former
Georgia State University students and now WO musician, Natalie Hardy,
“Somewhere around December 2014, "Wubbs,"
as some of us lovingly call him, decided to move back to GA from Maine. He had not had
a Wind Ensemble of his own since he moved there and was eager to get in front
of a group again. He had a lot of personal connections here from his time
previously at Georgia State. Most of the
players in that first season, 2015-16 I believe, were people who knew Thom -
mostly former students. We all loved him and were eager to be back under his
baton. Everyone spread the word about this new ensemble, and we ended up with a
full group at the first concert. We have
never had a lack of players.”
WO musician
Todd Brubaker similarly shared, “Thom welcomed us into the GSWO with open arms, and
demonstrated a consistent love for musical excellence that inspired us to be
better musicians.” Pianist Pam Asberry commented,
“It has been an honor and a privilege to be affiliated with this dedicated
group of instrumentalists and to play under Dr. Wubbenhorst's baton. I have
been pushed outside of my comfort zone and have grown as a musician as a
result. I will be forever grateful.”
Anyone who
has attended a Wind Orchestra concert has experienced this excellence and the strong
connection between the musicians and their conductor. This bond was clearly evident on Sunday
evening, May 7th, when the beloved Wind Orchestra conductor took the
podium for his final concert and then handed over the baton to his successor,
Dr. Robert W. Dunham, who will carry on with this exceptional ensemble begun by
Dr.Wubbenhorst.
The culminating
concert, held in the theater at Discovery High School in Lawrenceville, GA, was
called STARS and RINGS and SCARY THINGS. The audience was enamored by the well loved music which
included Symphony No. 1 from “The Lord of the Rings”, movements I, II, III, and
V conducted by Dr. Dunham, and the “Star Wars Trilogy”, movements I, II, III,
IV and V conducted by Dr. Wubbenhorst. Befitting
the occasion, expressions of appreciation were presented to Thom who assured everyone
that even though now retired, he would be back as a guest conductor from time
to time.
Thank you for everything, Thom! We
won’t say, “Goodbye,” just “Cheers!” and “May the force be with you!” We are pretty sure your retirement could be nothing less than exceptional!”
Article by Pam Cook with
contributions from Wind Orchestra members
pam.gwinnettsymphony@yahoo.com
To learn more or to participate see our webpage, Wind Orchestra.
We extend our special thanks to the Discovery High School team of Nick Wiebers, Sherri Jones Buell and the staff who take care of every detail to host our concerts in their beautiful theater.