Oboist William Baker left an indelible mark
William Perry Baker was introduced to the oboe in high school, and a lifelong musical romance followed.
Along the way, Baker taught, mentored and amused scores of younger oboists, many of whom are now paying tribute to their teacher and friend who died on Aug. 11 at 85.
“A master of his craft and quite the character,” said retired music teacher Nancy King of Upper Arlington.
“He taught me how to get along in the orchestra,” said Stephen Secan, who succeeded Baker as principal oboist for the Columbus Symphony.
“He could be as serious and professorial as you want and a big goofball, too,” said Lora Lynn Snow, executive director of the Ohio Valley Symphony in Gallipolis.
Baker, a native of Arkansas, grew up playing — but not loving — the clarinet, he told Snow in a 2016 video interview. When he got to high school, a band teacher handed him an oboe to try. He promptly produced a low B-flat — not easy on an oboe — impressing the teacher and convincing Baker he’d found his woodwind of destiny.
“It was a love affair from the very beginning,” Baker said.
Baker went on to study oboe in college and eventually land a post at Ohio State University in 1962 as the school’s first professor of oboe. He also became the principal oboist for the Columbus Symphony.
After leaving the orchestra in 1976, Baker became one of the founders of Promusica Chamber Orchestra.
He also taught oboe at Capital University, served as music director of the Land of Legend Symphony in Newark and established oboe camps for aspiring musicians in Ohio. In his spare time, he cooked (Baker was known for his southern-style recipes) and obtained an airplane pilot’s license.
Baker and his second wife, Vivian, turned their home into a sort of Oboe Central for students, Snow said.
“He and Viv took us all under their wings and had us over for many meals, sometimes keeping folks overnight. We babysat their kids and did housewatching duties while they went on their many travels. Bill told outrageous stories (some might have been true) and always had jokes to pass on. He was supremely confident, and really one has to be to play oboe, and he taught us how to put up with obnoxious conductors.”
Curtis, one of Baker’s four children, said one of his favorite childhood memories is of leaning over the railing of an Ohio Theatre balcony before a concert, watching his dad meticulously test oboe reeds to make sure he selected the one that would sound best that night. The boy would clap in appreciation.
“A son’s pride in his father’s work was enormous,” Curtis said.
Baker is also survived by children Justin, Ellen and John. The family is planning a memorial service sometime in October.
Undoubtedly, the room will be packed with oboists.
Joe Blundo is a Dispatch columnist. joe.blundo@gmail.com @joeblundo