A Centennial Birthday

In our world of brass music, there is one man who has had an influence on every brass instrument (and a larger impact on other musicians). His name? Arnold Jacobs. He was notable for being the Principal Tuba for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra from 1944 to 1988. Prior to the CSO, he played tuba for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Even more so – what he has gone down for in history – he is the greatest brass pedagogue.

Whether a seasoned professional or a beginner, chances are you have been influenced by the teacher of “Song and Wind.” Most likely, every brass player can look at their “brass family tree” and point to a teacher who had a lesson with Mr. Jacobs. His teaching philosophy has lived on through countless students. Arnold Jacob died in 1998 (when I was 10 years old), and unfortunately, students in my generation may not know his name or his significance. However, those that he touched have continued his legacy through books, websites, and even an entire YouTube channel interviewing Mr. Jacobs’ former students and colleagues.

If you scour the internet searching for brass teaching quotes, you will find countless “Jake”-isms that describe the concept of song and wind, and I found one description from a former student via social media today. In my opinion, this photo below summarizes what Arnold Jacobs taught to countless musicians (yes, not just brass players).

Happy 100th Birthday Arnold Jacobs! May your influence on the music and brass world be continued for countless generations.