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Nine days ago, on October 21st, David Pack, died, having just turned 74. Dave was the tubist for the Phoenix Symphony from 1973 to 2021 - nearly 50 years! Dave was a student of William Bell at Indiana University from 1967 to 1971, when Bell retired. I studied with Dave weekly for four years, from 1975 to 1979. Dave is solely responsible for sending me to Indiana University to study with Harvey Phillips. I owe much of my success and longevity in music to Dave. When Dave won the Phoenix job, he was 23 years old and married. Back then, Phoenix was a part time, nighttime orchestra paying about $4,500 per year. Not long after Dave came into the orchestra, Phoenix went to a full-time orchestra. Dave was a great musician and a great teacher - but he never tried to be "famous" - which is why many of you have probably never heard of him. Dave is survived by three daughters from his first marriage.
My best guess is there may only be a handful of Bell students left in the world. When Bell was asked by Toscanini to join the NBC Symphony, he was the third musician to be selected - after the concertmaster and principal oboe. Imagine that happening today. Personally, I cherish my deep roots back to Bell through Dave and Harvey. Honor your teachers - they give you far more than you may realize.

Ted,
I overlapped with Dave in 1970 and maybe 1971. He was very nice to me as a freshman. Sorry to hear of his passing.
Jim

Jim,
Forgive me for forgetting your early history at I.U. - and thank you for saying something kind about Dave. I think about all the great players in orchestras who didn't leave us a solo example of their virtuosity. Dave is certainly one of those artists. And you too were a fine example of the "old guard" being kind to the new guys.
t