In Memoriam

I recently learned that my first orchestra conductor passed away just before Thanksgiving this year. I hadn’t thought much about him in years, but his passing hit me hard.

Dr. Robert Hart Baker was the man who introduced me to Dvorak’s 8th Symphony when I was 14. It was the piece that made my teenage self know in her very bones that she wanted to be a musician forever. He’s the entire reason I play the piccolo. It’s been 25 years since then, and I’m still trying to be a musician forever.

His passing has left me reflecting on what it means to carry on the torch a teacher or mentor lit for you. He’s no longer here to share his music with the world, but I’m still here sharing the music he influenced me to make. His students and colleagues now light others’ torches with flame he gifted us.

Thank you for everything you taught me, Dr. Baker. Your legacy lives on.