26/10/2024
Happy birthday, Sam Pilafian!
I won't say that not a day goes by without thinking about you because that is not true.
But I can say that not a day goes by where you are not with me.
Your musical storytelling, style, groove, moxie and swing inform literally every single note I ever play in any style. Rock gigs, orchestra gigs, quintet gigs, jazz gigs. You are a massive part of the tuba in my head literally every time I pick up the horn.
Your pedagogy is also with me every time I teach anyone anything. What you said. How you said it. Why you said it. When you said it. You were a master communicator who could have taught literally anything and those of us who happened to cross paths with you repeatedly were so incredibly lucky.
And your support, kindness and empathy for the next generation of musicians is something that I intentionally try to pass along to those who are coming up after me.
There is not a single day that goes by where I'm not either playing, teaching or brainstorming about music in some capacity.
And you are right there with me for absolutely all of it.
You were a gift and you are dearly, dearly missed.
Love you, Sam.
