Gary Poffenbarger
“Sad to have missed Sam’s memorial today. My daughter’s college graduation in Savannah... Thankful to have been able to listen to the live stream. Lots of great words. I particularly appreciated Jeff Conner’s heartfelt thoughts... I’m still having a hard time processing the loss of someone who taught me so much about so many things. Tuba playing, for certain, but that was only a small part of the lessons.
I had heard Empire Brass v1.0 in 1984. That concert changed not only what I knew about tuba playing but I had the chance to meet Sam after the concert. Then in the summer of 1985 my college brass quintet attended the EBQ brass quintet seminar at Tanglewood. Sam had me over to his home and taught me my first lesson. I’d had lessons with some legendary tuba players but this was completely unique. His energy and encouragement made me want to work harder and aim higher than I ever thought possible. He offered me a scholarship to get my Masters at Boston University and the kid from Arkadelphia, AR moved to Boston the next year.
Those were 2 of the hardest years of my life but I learned so much. Sam would be on the road with Empire for a month then come back and we would have a 3-4 hour lesson. He’d start with, "ok, I’ve been thinking about you" and just download this unbelievable volume of information. It would take me weeks to process it all. Also, just being in his presence and watching how he treated everyone with kindness, respect and being just as encouraging to everyone he met.
After BU he had a role in me playing with Epic brass and Boston Brass. He produced the first recording I did, which was an incredible experience. Later he helped me get the job with The Air Force Academy Band. He came there and played a concert with us a couple years later. He played the Vaughan-Williams with the band, soloed with The Falcs and I held his feet while he played the Clarinet Polka standing on his head.
Then a few years later I spent a week during the summer with Sam at Arizona State. Again it was around 3-6 hours a day for a week. He started with, "here’s what I’ve learned since we were last together and off we went"!
I was blessed to know this amazing man for almost 35 years. We didn’t talk consistently but whenever I had a question or needed help, whether on a phone call or text, he was always there with an answer and encouragement. I was always hesitant to bother him but he was always generous with his time.
I had a couple of opportunities to say thanks to him over the years but it never seemed enough and certainly doesn’t now. I feel sad at his passing and know many share my feelings all over the world. I almost feel the most sad about the fact that I will miss him as a mentor and friend, but so many of the younger players who are beginning now will never get to experience him in person. The best I can hope to do is carry on, in some small way, his passion for music and for treating others with kindness. I promise to do my best to uphold his amazing legacy. Sam you are missed. Thank you for everything you did for me!!! I will do my best to pay it forward...
#yeahman”
