Posted by Richard on February 27, 2004 at 19:06:23:
The following obituary appears in the March 2004 issue of Allegro, the monthly journal of Local 802 AFM, New York City. They mentioned most of Lew's accomplishments and contributions to the music profession, but one they left out was his collaboration in the late 50s and early 60s with Walter Sear on the first truly comprehensive orchestral excerpt book for tuba players. Although a few parts were photostated, most of it was hand-copied, and with great accuracy. There were numerous excerpts not in the public domain, such as Bartok's Concerto for Orchestra, Vaughan Williams symphonies, American in Paris, and Fountains of Rome. They got away with it by publishing and selling privately, and those of us who grew up on these materials remember this body of work with gratitude.
So long Lew.
Lewis Waldeck
Lewis Waldeck, 68, a tuba player and an 802 member since 1953, died on Jan. 26.
As a professional tuba player, he performed with the Florida Symphony, the St.
Louis Symphony, the New Orleans Philharmonic, the Bolshoi Ballet, and the
American Ballet Theatre Orchestra. He also played in other orchestras as well,
including the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic, and
in the big bands of Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie and Sauter-Finegan. His work as a
musician culminated in a 25-year position with New York City Opera Orchestra.
He was head of the AFM’s Symphonic Services Division from 1983 to 1995.
He is survived by his wife Mary, daughter Erika, son-in-law Brad, sisters-in-law
Carol and June, niece Val and nephew Tom.