[TOP: Take 9: AMERICAN HORN QUARTET & HORNS of the NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC; MSR Classics MS 1089 (2003); BOTTOM: Jerome A. Ashby, February 15, 1956-December 26, 2007]
Jerome A. Ashby began his tenure with the New York Philharmonic as Associate Principal Horn in July of 1979 at the invitation of Zubin Mehta. He made his Philharmonic solo debut in April 1982. A native of Charleston, South Carolina, Mr. Ashby began his studies in the New York City Public Schools. After attending the High School of Performing Arts, he attended The Juilliard School where he was a student of former Philharmonic Principal Horn James Chambers. An active recitalist and chamber musician, Mr. Ashby appeared at music festivals around the world. He performed with The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and performed regularly with New York Philharmonic Ensembles. Mr. Ashby was a faculty member of The Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, The Curtis Institute, and the Aspen Music Festival School.
Jerome A. Ashby is survived by his mother, Miriam Ashby; wife, Patricia Cantu Ashby; children, Elizabeth Ashby, Juanita Ashby, Violeta Ashby, and Melody Ashby; and grandchild, Jerome Ashby. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: Zion Lutheran School, 64 First Avenue, Westwood, NJ 07675. Mr. Ashby will be missed by all who knew him.
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6 comments:
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Jerome Ashby. My son, Jason, and I met Jerome 8 years ago at a horn class held at University of Georgia. Jason was only in the 8th grade then and Jerome invited Jason to New York where he gave him a "free" lesson. He encouraged Jason to continue to pursue a career in horn and he often mentored Jason when situations arose regarding direction with his music. Jerome always answered my emails promptly and gave good sound advise to me on how to handle some of Jason's concerns. He will be truly missed.
I never saw or heard Mr. Ashby in person.I always enjoyed watching him when the TV camera "panned" the orchestra. Our luminaries are much needed, beloved and appreciated. He left too soon.
Kenneth Jernigan remembers Jerome:
Jerome and I met as school bus mates in the 1960's. We were bussed from Harlem to PS 187 where we played violin. When we attended JHS 143 he switched to french horn and I to double bass. He was like a duck to water on the horn. We both went to Performing Arts HS. Our paths separated in college when he went to Julliard. I would occasionally see him around NY when he wasn't playing with outside the country.
When he made it into the NY Philharmonic, I believe he and violinist Sanford Allen were the only two permanent African American members at the time. I was so proud to see my friend of so many years onstage. He was an example of the opportunities that exist for all who are willing to strive toward a goal. He was outstanding in a very visible position. I wish that I could have told him how proud and blessed I am to have known him.
His passing should not go by without proper recognition and perspective. My condolences to his family.
I am Jerome Ashby the second. I loved papi or Jerome Ashby the first so much. I'm sure that there were no better grandpas out there. He's in heaven now because he recently found God and was baptised exactly three weeks before he died on December 26, 2007. I will always remember all the wonderful memories with my grandpa like, dancin on his shoulders or eating bolagna grilled cheese. I learned so much from my beloved grandpa. I can't even begin to tell how much I loved and still do love my grandpa. Although I am only 11 almost 12, when I die I want to be burried right by him. He was the only guy left in the family. so now it is up to me to keep up the Ashby name. He was the best grandpa ever. My mom had prayed for God to send her a symbol that he was in heaven when he died. the family needed no more than to see the wonderful smile on his face when he was dead. this proves that God took him. I thank all of you for supporting my prodigy grandpa.
-Jerome Ashby II
My name is Jose Montenegro. I play the trumpet. I went to Bronx borough wide,All-City High School Orchestra, Performing Arts High School,and Juilliard with Jerome. I saw him in Venezuela and we spoke briefly. I just want to say that he was always practicing and it really inspired me. I knew he was going to be great. I was just thinking of him and wanna say I miss him very much.
As with each of you, I too miss seeing Jerome Ashby playing onstage with the NY Philharmonic. He was one of the superstar horn players of the orchestra and many of us greatly miss him and his artistry.
May he rest in peace.
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