Tribute to Mr. Carl Grubbs, Mentor to Many 1/5/2024
Today I lost the man that introduced me to the wonderful world of jazz, Carl Grubbs. I joined jazz band at St. Paul’s School for Girls because it was the only instrumental music program at the school.
I soloed on flute on the first day of class. I had no knowledge of what that even meant at the time, but he heard something in my soloing and took a special interest in my musical development from that day on.
2 weeks later, he called my dad for permission to take me to Sagamore Farms to play at a fundraiser for the school. My dad still remembers that moment.
A couple years into high school, he started having medical issues. At that time, I was always the one helping him with the computer.
When he had a health scare, I figured I would call him to see how he was doing. Apparently he remembered that along with Fred Moss, who gracefully took over teaching the jazz band. I still have a folder from St Paul’s that was his music folder from many years ago. It still has his name off of it. The program, thanks to Fred Moss Music and Carl Grubbs, has blossomed into an amazing music program with recording arts classes as well as a jazz band.
He wrote me a recommendation for Peabody Conservatory a few years later. I got in for jazz voice, so I assume it was a good recommendation.
Last year, I began seeing him again for one on one mentorship and lessons. I’ve always appreciated his dedication to his students and to bring this music to the next generation.
He always wanted me to continue playing my flute and singing because it would “get me more gigs”. Also, he seemed to particularly like my flute.
I saw him a couple of months ago for a lesson and also at the Baltimore Jazz Alliance gala. He was always giving me advice and mentorship on how to be better not only as a jazz musician but as a person, whether through his words or through his music. He taught me how to love the music and how to care for the music rather than just play the notes on the page.
Rest in peace, Carl Grubbs. Hope the music is with you 🎶.
I soloed on flute on the first day of class. I had no knowledge of what that even meant at the time, but he heard something in my soloing and took a special interest in my musical development from that day on.
2 weeks later, he called my dad for permission to take me to Sagamore Farms to play at a fundraiser for the school. My dad still remembers that moment.
A couple years into high school, he started having medical issues. At that time, I was always the one helping him with the computer.
When he had a health scare, I figured I would call him to see how he was doing. Apparently he remembered that along with Fred Moss, who gracefully took over teaching the jazz band. I still have a folder from St Paul’s that was his music folder from many years ago. It still has his name off of it. The program, thanks to Fred Moss Music and Carl Grubbs, has blossomed into an amazing music program with recording arts classes as well as a jazz band.
He wrote me a recommendation for Peabody Conservatory a few years later. I got in for jazz voice, so I assume it was a good recommendation.
Last year, I began seeing him again for one on one mentorship and lessons. I’ve always appreciated his dedication to his students and to bring this music to the next generation.
He always wanted me to continue playing my flute and singing because it would “get me more gigs”. Also, he seemed to particularly like my flute.
I saw him a couple of months ago for a lesson and also at the Baltimore Jazz Alliance gala. He was always giving me advice and mentorship on how to be better not only as a jazz musician but as a person, whether through his words or through his music. He taught me how to love the music and how to care for the music rather than just play the notes on the page.
Rest in peace, Carl Grubbs. Hope the music is with you 🎶.