Bob Stone Memorial Award
Providing professional development to our musicians since 2008
Robert L. Stone, also known “Bob” was a beloved member of the Summerville Orchestra in its early years. He was formerly a conductor in Minnesota and was a talented musician. Outside of rehearsals, he could be found integrating new musicians into the orchestra and mentoring peers by organizing sectionals. In his memory, and through the generous gift of Anna Koiss Walkaraj’s estate, the Bob Stone Memorial Fund was established to fund the Bob Stone Memorial Award. Since then, it has helped over 20 different musicians in a variety of ways
It has been an honor to be a Bob Stone Award recipient multiple times during my tenure with the Summerville Orchestra. The award has assisted with maintaining my piccolo to ensure that I am able to play to the best of my ability during each program throughout the season. I am immensely thankful to our patrons who contribute to the Bob Stone Award and provide us musicians this additional level of support.
Melanie Campos
Piccolo
Past Bob Stone Memorial Award Receipents
- Melanie Campos – Piccolo repair
- Janice Saulters – Violin lessons
- Taylor Norden – Violin repair
- Pearl Wright – Cello
- Benjamin Turner- Trombone lessons
- Sarah Johnson- Violin lessons
- Reed Kurtz- Piano lessons
- Clara Johnson- Violin lessons
- Sarah Teuscher- Oboe repairs
- Shawn Graves- Percussion repairs
- Emilee Johnson- Harp repairs
- Abigail Pruett- Bassoon repairs
- Joshua Mack- Double Bass repairs
- Kevaughn Williams – Viola
Musicians remembering Bob
It had been a privilege and honor knowing Bob for the last several years. He was truly one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. He was a perfect gentleman, and so smart, witty and funny! He always made me laugh, and we never said “hello” and “goodby” without a hug. Bob was a talented musician who gave his time generously to the community. I loved playing chamber music with him. I’ll treasure the memories of Bob coming to my house for rehearsals the sharing some wine, cheese and good conversation with me afterwards. Bob always told great stories and jokes. “Big Bob” was my good friend. I loved him dearly and will miss him terribly!
Joining a new music ensemble can be intimidating. I didn’t quite know what to expect when I came for rehearsal the first time. One of the first people I was introduced to in the group was Bob. He was very welcoming and helped me to get to know and meet some of the other musicians. During rehearsals, he’d look back and give a smile or a wink and bring a spot of joy to my day. He was a kind and true man and I feel grateful to have known him.
Any time I needed to be at rehearsal, Bob always greeted me with a smile, a wink, a joking comment. He brought sunshine and joy into the room with him. He will be missed as a kind and loving man, as well as a fine musician. We are all better for having known him.
We LOVE Bob, and so enjoyed all his music the past Sundays at Bethany.