What Happens When “Just Average” Turns Out To Be Exceptional!

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. 

Far more important than the degrees, accolades and tenures, which have been many, what stands out most is that Thom, like his high school teacher and mentor, has spent his career and his life paying it forward, leaving his imprint on the lives of countless students and musicians as well as those who have enjoyed the music he has written and the music he has conducted.  Thom’s deep belief, which comes out passionately in his teaching and conducting, is that no one is average!  He does not allow either himself, his students or his musicians to consider themselves anything other than exceptional!  Consequently, they are!   

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 7^th, 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.