Passing the Torch from
Arnold Jacobs: Song and Wind*

Arnold Jacobs: Song and Wind was first released in September 1996. Since then, Mr. Jacobs continued teaching on Wednesdays and Saturdays but did no masterclasses other than Northwestern University during July 1997 and 1998.

October 7, 1998 began as a teaching day. Dallas Jacobs describes the morning’s events. "Dad got up at 7:30 and we talked briefly. He said he did not feel good and was going to take some asprin and lay back down for an hour (the alarm was always set for 8:30 on teaching days). I told him that I was going out to breakfast and would back well before he was to leave.

"I got home about 9:15 and heard the alarm ringing and went to the bedroom. I found Dad there looking just like he was asleep, quiet and peaceful. I touched him and he was very cold, no pulse. He was gone from us.

"Mom was still asleep at his side. I thought she had died too because she slept thru the alarm for at least 45 minutes of ringing - she had never slept through a minute of it before. God must have protected her from finding him alone. I woke her up and told her, then got hysterical myself. About 10:15, our neighbor, Mark Morrisey came over to drive Dad downtown. Instead, he called 911 for us and took care of all that he could."

Dallas informed me, and since I was in downtown Chicago, was assigned the task of contacting the Chicago Symphony and the Fine Arts Building. The CSO was assembling for their morning rehearsal when I arrived. CSO Executive Director Henry Fogel announced the news to the orchestra and after a moment of silence, they began playing - just like Arnold would have wanted. The staff at the Fine Arts Building was stunned and the morning’s first student was in shock having fitted a lesson in en route to Germany.

I returned home on an early train and it was during that trip that I talked with a very upset Gizella - she wanted a fitting memorial, but had no firm plans. Symphony Center was suggested and the CSO was contacted. Then the phone calls started - Henry Fogel contacted Gizella, Bernard Droboski, Dean of the School of Music, offering Northwestern University as a cosponsor and the December 1998 Tribute to Arnold Jacobs was born.

Finally, the music world had to be informed and messages were posted on all of the brass lists on the Internet. Word spread rapidly and tributes came in from all corners of the world. Some called this, "The end of an Era," while many wrote, "Although I never met Arnold Jacobs, I consider him the most influential person in my life." Gizella was deeply touched by all the tributes and wanted to personally thank everyone, but because of the scope of the job, she was never able to.

Less than a month later, on November 6, 1998, more bad news arrived when Arnold’s long time colleague and friend, Frank Crisafulli passed away. For many years we would go to the Crisafulli’s for lunch following the final session of the Northwestern masterclass. The previous July, less than four months, Arnold and Frank were together and now both were gone.

On December 17, 1998, Symphony Center was nearly filled to capacity for the Tribute to Arnold Jacobs. Students, friends and colleagues arrived from all over the world. Sitting in the center box was the Jacobs family with Gizella Jacobs and her long time friend, Dorothy Crisafulli in the first row.

For the tribute’s program, Gizella wrote:

The Arnold Jacobs family greatly appreciates your presence today at this wonderful tribute for our loved one. We thank Henry Fogel and the Chicago Symphony members, colleagues, students, and all who participate.

We are grateful for the variety of sentiments bestowed upon us from so many of you. The plants, flowers, cards, letters and phone calls we received - and are still receiving - from all over the world are happy reminders of love, affection, admiration, and friendship so many had for our dear Arnold, and in some ways for his family.

Letters from many who studied with him say that when they are playing or teaching, Arnold seems to be right therewith them, his voice guiding them. We must believe this is not the "end of an era" but through them, the contribution of the Arnold Jacobs tradition and method of teaching will exist for generations to come.

Arnold's sudden death left the family and the world stunned, shocked and heartbroken, but our memories will keep him alive. While we have tearful moments, we must also rejoice for him, for the new life he entered is free from pain and he has perfect vision again. That grand orchestra in heaven needed another tuba player, and Arnold quickly answered the call, joining his old buddies in a joyful musical reunion.

We know Arnold is with us in spirit right now, and it is time to say "goodbye." He wants to leave us his favorite quote: "Be good to each other - until we meet again."

Henry Fogel read portions of a prayer that was read at a small family final viewing written by a friend of Gizella’s for 77 years, Alva Guntner. ". . . He’s playing his tuba in God’s Heavenly Orchestra and telling all the others how to breathe right. I am sure there are plenty there who didn’t have the opportunity to take lessons from the master. . . Arnold was a very special person, who will be remembered all over the world. Those of us who were privileged to know him personally have always considered it an honor. He wasn’t just a famous tuba player and teacher. He was a friend and a kind and generous individual. . . . "

Mr. Fogel added his own comments, ". . . I had never thought of the tuba as a bel canto instrument until I started regularly hearing Jake play – and now I know its possibilities. And on top of that, I had the pleasure to know the man – generous, warm, caring, sensitive, witty – all of the things that made him a unique colleague. If one’s goal in life is to make a difference, I can assure you that Arnold Jacobs made a difference . . . "

Norman Schweikert read a statement by retired CSO Bass Trombonist, Edward Kleinhammer, ". . . Countless are the times that I had a ‘key hole peek’ into heaven playing next to Arnold in a world class orchestra, and countless are the teachings I learned from him in so doing. We had a great understanding and respect between us . . . "

Adolph Herseth, Principal Trumpet of the CSO said, ". . . It was a great experience to have a colleague like Jake. We enjoyed so many things together, musical things, personal things, social things, shared a lot of experiences - even a sip or two. And I only want to say, it was a pleasure and a privilege to know him and to work with him."

Harvey Phillips, Distinguished Professor Emeritus from Indiana University stated, "Into the next millennium, ad infinitum, Arnold Jacobs will stand as an icon of music pedagogy for all teachers and performers of vocal, wind, and brass instruments . . . As a master teacher, I believe it can be said that Arnold Jacobs never met a musician he couldn't improve; his teaching and personal example inspired a better understanding of themselves, their art, and their instrument. He provided logical comprehension and artistic application of his ‘Song and Wind’ philosophy and pedagogy."

CSO tubist and Jacobs’ successor, Gene Pokorny added, "The way he chose to teach this material is also worth examining . Although he would teach the subject through instruction and by example, he never forgot that he was not so much teaching the subject as he was teaching the student. . . Even towards the end when his eyes were failing him and his legs were refusing to walk, his attitude was always positive. No matter what he was struggling with physically, he always seemed to be able to smile. And nobody did that better."

Rex Martin, Tuba instructor at Northwestern University remembered, ". . . My greatest inspiration as a player comes from remembering his tone quality . . . He had the most crystalline clarity to his tone, and the first time I heard it, I knew that I had just listened to the most beautiful sound of my life. I can still hear those few notes, as if he had just played them for me this morning . . . I know that he influenced not only my generation and generations before mine. I also know that he will leave his mark on generations after mine, for many teachers and players of brass instruments subscribe to his approach to music."

Bernard Droboski, Dean of Northwestern’s School of Music stated, "During his over forty-five years on the faculty of Northwestern University, Arnold Jacobs was responsible for influencing the lives of thousands of our students, regardless of their instrumental or vocal specialization . . .

Arnold Jacobs’ artistry and teaching leave those of us who carry on after him better musicians, better educators, but most importantly — better human beings. I speak for hundreds of his students when I pledge to Gizella that we stand as living memorials to Jake as we will continue to strive for the standards that he established. Mr. Jacobs, we will never forget you. The world cannot help to be a better place because you were once among us. Jake, you are loved. Jake, you will be missed."

During the preparation for the tribute, Gene Pokorny emerged as the person who did more to honor his predecessor, possibly more than any other symphony musician. Days prior to the tribute he worked with me nearly seven hours for the Tribute’s slide presentation - a true challenge! While he chose to be low keyed, those of us who worked on the memorial would like to recognize him.

Tributes appeared in various brass journals including TUBA JOURNAL, ITA JOURNAL, ITG JOURNAL, and the NEW YORK CONFERENCE FOR BRASS SCHOLARSHIPS. Worldwide, several concerts were dedicated to Mr. Jacobs including the Chicago Symphony who opened a concert with Gabrieli Canzonas dedicated to Jacobs. In April 1999, the Millar Brass Ensemble, lead by retired CSO trumpeter Vincent Cichowiz dedicated a concert to Frank Crisafulli and Arnold Jacobs. Special guests were Dallas Jacobs, Gizella Jacobs and Dorothy Crisafulli.

Following his passing, it was obvious that Gizella missed Arnold tremendously. Her health deteriorated rapidly and she was admitted to the hospital in the Spring of 1999. She told me several times that she was only waiting for Arnold to come and take her away. Gizella wanted to be at home, not in a hospital or nursing home so Dallas remained with her nearly ten months and, with the help of his wife Dorothy and caregivers (especially Rebecca Claussen), Gizella remained home with only a few hospital stays. Arnold would have been proud of Dallas and Dorothy!

Finally, on November 26, 1999, Arnold and Gizella were again reunited after a little more than a year apart, Arnold playing in an orchestra and Gizella dancing, just as when they first met more than sixty years earlier.

Shortly after the release of Arnold Jacobs: Song and Wind, I called Mr. Jacobs telling him The Symphony Store (operated by the CSO) had placed an order. Modestly, he said, "Why are they interested in a book about a has-been?" That prompted what I called a "royal phone call" when Gizella was also on the line. She said, "You’re not a has-been." All I could say was, "Listen to your wife."

The Symphony Store sold out of the initial order in a few days and ordered more. The CSO Low Brass Ensemble was performing a concert and they did a window display. The day of the concert, Arnold and Gizella got out of the car and walked directly to see the Symphony Store’s window. During the course of the afternoon, he signed many books.

A little known fact is that for many years there have been two tuba players at Orchestra Hall - the one who plays inside and Aaron Dodd, who plays outside on the street for tips. Mr. Jacobs had known Aaron for years and even brought him to the studio for lessons. When we saw Aaron outside the hall, Mr. Jacobs quietly said to me, "I need a book." I gave him one, Mr. Jacobs instantly reached for his pen, wrote a message for Aaron, signed it and gave it to him.

I do not know who was happier, Mr. Jacobs, Aaron or myself, finally realizing that years of putting this book together were finally paying off. Mr. Jacobs had began to think the music world had forgotten him. Old friends called and he spent his last years knowing he made a difference to generations of musicians.

Shortly after Mr. Jacobs’ passing, Bob Tucci stated, "Arnold Jacobs did not pass away, he only changed his address." One time Roger Rocco commented to Mr. Jacobs, "You will live forever because you taught your students well." I am sure that all Jacobs student would agree—we were fortunate enough to work with the master himself. The torch has passed to the his students to continue his work and teach future generations.

During the summer of 1998, former CSO trumpeter and Jacobs student William Scarlett asked Mr. Jacobs about sharing the studio in the Fine Arts Building.. After Mr. Jacobs’ passing, Scarlett persuaded the building’s management to lease the studio to him— sounds of aspiring students can still be heard from room 428. As a remembrance, the walls contain many photos of Mr. Jacobs.

Another Jacobs student and member of The Marine Band, Frank Byrne, assembled a 77-minute Compact Disc, Portrait of an Artist for Summit Records. The goal of this project was to preserve Arnold Jacobs’ legacy for future generations by presenting an audio time capsule of his voice, magnificent playing, and teaching philosophy.

The Jacobs family realizes the importance of preserving material Mr. Jacobs used over the years. The problem is that assembling a final collection could take years. During the summer of 1999, Gizella and Dallas allowed me to take Mr. Jacobs’ medical books with the idea of creating a Arnold and Gizella Jacobs Collection to be placed in a library for future researchers.

TUBA has renamed its mock orchestra audition to honor Mr. Jacobs. Now known as the Arnold Jacobs Orchestral Competition, it is partially funded by the Arnold Jacobs Scholarship Fund.

Gizella stated, "Many who studied with him say that when they are playing or teaching, Arnold seems to be right there with them, his voice guiding them." Worldwide, concert halls and music studios of those touched by Mr. Jacobs continue to resonate the words Song and Wind. All who knew Arnold Jacobs recognize that his true legacy will always live through his students passing his pedagogy and musicianship to their students who will in turn pass the torch to future generations.

Bravo Mr. Jacobs! You will be missed but not forgotten.