Klarinet Archive - Posting 000399.txt from 2000/03
From: fsheim@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Robert McGinnis
Date: Sun, 12 Mar 2000 22:00:43 -0500
Hi,
Thank you for this information. Here is the bio on the back of this record:
"Robert McGinnis was born in Philadelphia and began his study of the
clarinet at the age of 9. His first teacher was his father, who, although
he was a Physics teacher by profession, was also an amateur or
non-professional clarinetist. Mr. McGinnis received his early instruction
on the clarinet from local teachers and later enrolled at the Curtis
Institute of Music, graduating after five years of intensified study.
Robert McGinnis' brilliance was noted at once. Immediately after
graduation from the Curtis Institute of Music, he was asked to join the
Philadelphia Orchestra and became Solo Clarinetist after one year with this
organization. He remained with the Philadelphia Orchestra under the noted
conductor, Leopold Stokowski, for ten years. Mr. McGinnis also taught
clarinet at the Curtis Institute of Music during the entire period of ten
years that he remained with the Philadelphia Orchestra.
Upon leaving Philadelphia, Robert McGinnis joined the Cleveland Symphony
Orchestra as Solo Clarinetist under Rodzinski. However, after one season
with this organization, the war intervened and Robert McGinnis joined the
U.S. Navy. He spent three and a half years as Solo Clarinetist with the
U.S. Navy Band in Washington, D.C.
Upon his return to civilian life, McGinnis rejoined the Cleveland Symphony
Orchestra under the leadership of George Szell where he remained for one
season. At this time, New York beckoned. Robert McGinnis was asked to
join the NBC Symphony Orchestra as Solo Clarinet under the well-known
conductor, Arturo Toscanini. However, he remained with Toscanini only one
year and then joined the New York Philharmonic as Solo Clarinetist. Mr.
McGinnis is currently playing with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and
is considered one of their most illustrious members.
In addition to his work with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, the
constant practice necessary, various concerts, etc., Mr. McGinnis also
teaches clarinet at the Julliard School of Music in New York. He is also
on the staff, teaching clarinet, at Teachers' College of Columbia University.
Music is the core of Robert McGinnis' life. Music Educations and its
problems have always played an extremely important part in his life. He
has devoted endless time and energy to his students and, wherever possible,
has generously contributed both his energy and time to the advancement of
methods and practices in the field of Music Education. His great talent
and ability on the clarinet, plus his sincere interest in the field of
Music Education, make him an ideal person to introduce the clarinet to the
music student in this new series of Award Artist Records."
Fred (fsheim@-----.com)
At 08:33 PM 3/12/00 EST, you wrote:
>Dear Fred,
> I don't know when he played in New York but according to his life long
>friend, Frank Ruggeri (bassoonist ), Bob McGinnis started his playing career
>at age 17. If memory serves me correctly he started with the Philadelphia
>Orchestra. By the way the principal bassoonist of the Philadelphia orchestra
>at that time was Walter Guetter who played principal in the Chicago Symphony
>at 15 and principal in Philadelphia at age 16 under Leopold Stokowski.
> I know Bob McGinnis's Ex-wife, Marjorie, who was a Harpist in the
>Philadelphia orchestra for many years. I will try to contact her to get
this
>information for you. I have a beautiful photo of Mr. McGinnis at the age of
>19. Mr. McGinnis gave this photo to Hans Moennig during the 1930s in
>appreciation for Mr. Moennig's repair work. If you would like a copy I would
>be more than happy to send you one. Would you mind forwarding a copy of
>Robert McGinnis's bio to me. I will be more than happy to reimburse you for
>your time and copying fees.
> Thanks,
> Alvin Swiney
> Affordable Music Co.
> P. O. Box 4245
> Virginia Beach, VA 23454
> 757-412-2160 fax 412-2158
> website www.corkpad.com
>
>
>In a message dated 3/12/00 1:25:22 PM EST, fsheim@-----.com writes:
>
><< I just played an old LP entitled ROBERT MCGINNIS PLAYS THE CLARINET and am
> wondering what its age might be. There is no copyright date on it, but the
> liner notes give a biography of Robert McGinnis that ends with "Mr.
> McGinnis is currently playing with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra..."
> The record is a "New High Fidelity Recording", not Stereo, so it is
> probably from the 1950's. Does anyone have Mr. McGinnis' dates with the
> New York Philharmonic?
>
> Fred (fsheim@-----.com) >>
>
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