Cassel Grubb, professor emeritus of music at DePauw and former director of the DePauw University School of Music, passed away January 2nd in Greencastle. He was 88 years old.
Grubb was a professor of violoncello and theory at DePauw from 1949 until his retirement forty years later. He wasappointed director of the School of Music in 1978 and held that post until his retirement in 1989. He is remembered by several generations of DePauw students for his enthusiasm for teaching, as well as his bow ties and jovial laugh.
“The words ‘Cassel Grubb’ are spoken only in reverential tones — not only at DePauw but at Interlochen and other places where music is revered,” says Mark McCoy, dean of the DePauw University School of Music. “His talent as a ‘cellist was matched only by his talent as a leader. All accomplishments in the DePauw School of Music are on his shoulders.”
Born July 23, 1923, in Palmyra, Pennsylvania, Grubb was the recipient of bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Eastman School of Music. A veteran of World War II, Grubb was first cellist in the Camp Lee Symphony Orchestra and first cellist in the Army Air Force String Quartet.
As a performing musician Grubb played for three decades with DePauw’s highly respected Aeolian Trio, which performed throughout the Midwest and Eastern United States.
In 1988, Professor Grubb was the inaugural recipient of the Mr. and Mrs. Fred C. Tucker Jr. Distinguished Career Award, which is presented to an outstanding senior member of the DePauw faculty. In 1999, the Grubb University Professorship was established by the Board of Trustees in accordance with a gift from Gary P. Drew ’61 and Sandra Aldrich Drew ’62.
“We wanted to honor Cassel Grubb for all he has done in helping young people both at DePauw and Interlochen,” Sandra Drew said at the time. “He also was my favorite teacher. It’s a privilege to honor him.”
In 2008, his former students and friends established the Cassel Grubb Cello Scholarship at Interlochen, which is given each summer to an outstanding young cellist.
As the DePauw School of Music began the celebration of its 125th season in September 2009, Professor Grubb noted, “What has remained the same throughout the years in the School of Music is the emphasis on performance. Regardless of a student’s major, performance is the center of his or her studies. They not only study an instrument but also participate in ensembles.”
On May 22, 2011, Grubb was awarded an honorary doctorate at DePauw’s 172nd commencement ceremonies. 
[Download Video: "Prof. Cassel Grubb Honored" - 6714kb] ”This is a day that I shall always remember,” the professor stated as he was honored in Holton Memorial Quadrangle. “I’m especially honored because it’s given from the University where I taught and performed for 40 years.”
A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, January 28, at 10 a.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 202 E. Washington Street, Greencastle.
When I heard that Cassel Grubb had passed away, I immediately sat down to write my thoughts…Here is a summary, if that is really possible, of how I remember Cassel. I guess I will return to the blog when I can add more!!!
First as a faculty colleague, and then as the head (director) of the DePauw School of Music, Cassel Grubb was a strong influence on many. I always thought that someone who raised three sons knew how to go about making his point! He was always supportive of people’s work, and, if he was concerned, he still found firm but encouraging methods to keep people going. His passion for excellence was a vibrancy that defined him as much as his iconic bow tie, Argyle socks and explosive laugh.
Cassel would say, “Howdy guy!” or “Howdy gal!” when he would greet students or faculty in the hallway of the then new Performing Arts Center built in 1976. A dream of many, the School of Music and Communications faculty willed that beautiful space into being. Its presence on campus gave emphasis to the School of Music in the definition of DePauw. When Cass became director, his studio had a central location that allowed him to come out of it at class change time and stir the collective process as students transitioned from one place to the other.
During his time as Director, Cassel was responsible for so many important changes in the music curriculum, including two significant enhancements that have had profound influence– 1.) The Vienna Music program, a semester-long opportunity for a student to immerse oneself in that culture; and 2.) adding to the Performance and Music Education degrees, a new degree to provide students the opportunity to double major in music and an outside academic area. Those programs continue to define opportunities in the School of Music today.
Cass taught student ‘cellists, of course; and with a careful blend of encouragement, firm hand and wise technical decisions, his students prospered. Seeing his playing in DePauw’s Aeolian Trio (Henry Kolling, then Claude Cymerman, piano, and Herman Berg, and then Walt Schwede, violin), one witnessed his very fluid physical technique, exacting left hand position, and a natural musicianship. He seemed right to be embracing the cello. And, according to Cass, the ‘cello was God’s instrument. His eldest son, Bill, now Professor at Butler, played the ‘cello, too. Again, here was someone who seemed right to embrace the ‘cello. But, Cassel’s playing was a refined process, Bill’s an all-encompassing passionate affair. When one heard Bill play, however, you knew that Cassel had provided the structures of discovery for music’s journey. Cassel influenced so many young ‘cellists in this way and not just at DePauw.
In the summer for about 40 years, Cassel taught ‘cellists at Interlochen, a famous summer music camp in Michigan. He was also responsible for the enormous task of forming string quartets from all the string students in chamber music. Cass was so well respected that he sat on many important committees of the faculty there; countless students and faculty benefited from his teaching and wisdom. Bernice Grubb, was a part of that wisdom. The mother of the three boys and a fine harpist trained at Eastman, she always was a part of Cassel’s mindset. When one would visit their summer cottage for conversation, she would add her few word summary of a point with grace, common sense, and laughing punctuation. Cass and Bernice would relax from their work by going to concerts and Cass would also do woodworking.
Yes, builder of so many things, Cass would fill his free hours building desks, tables, and grandfather clocks for his sons. And the selection of the perfect wood mattered, because his life as a string player informed him and demanded it! The Grubb’s home on Paradise Lane was where most of this took place. Inevitably, at some end-of-semester party, one would naively ask about a piece of furniture in their living room only to find out that Cass had just finished it for one of his children!
In summary, and has been said elsewhere, Cassel Grubb was a pillar of the best definition of the DePauw School of Music. His dedication to music and teaching, his enthusiasm, wisdom, gentle manner, intelligence and passion for DePauw’s potential, all have influenced how we now describe the best of what we are as the DePauw University School of Music. Cassel, you will be missed…
I was saddened to hear of Cassel’s passing. He will certainly be missed by so many, because he influenced so many lives over the course of his many years of teaching, wisdom, and passion for DePauw’s School of Music. I was not privileged to work with Cassel during his teaching days. By the time I arrived at DePauw he had long retired, but for many years he and Bernice were present at most School of Music events, even after health issues made it difficult for him. There was always a sincere smile and a short conversation in the hall and rarely a complaint about his condition. He was a quick observer and staunch supporter of what makes us successful as a school and as people. There were many phone calls from him or from Bernice about upcoming events, as well as thank you cards from them for programming choices. I regret that I did not know him as a teacher and leader, but I know my life was enriched by knowing him at all. We will miss you, Cassel.
Cassel Grubb was a great humanist. He encouraged, supported, chided gently, promoted, and protected his faculty in the DePauw School of Music when he was the dean. He always had a friendly greeting which he obviously meant. At the same time, he was an intelligent and sensitive administrator who did not suffer fools but didn’t belittle them either. Somehow he got a great deal done without ever seeming “too busy”. He was able to communicate what he meant clearly. He was a fine musician with whom it was a pleasure to play chamber music. I am grateful to have known him and mourn his passing.
I am very saddened to hear of Mr. Grubb’s passing–he was certainly one of the backbones of the School of Music during my 4 years at DePauw in the mid-60′s–in the ‘old Music Building’! I can still hear his laugh echoing throughout the halls; his wonderful smile and the “Howdy, gal” that was uttered at every encounter with him; and the warmth and encouragement that he gave to all his students–was there a better Theory prof? His passion and energy seemed boundless–what an inspiration to so many of us!
Many fond memories of him will still linger on. My sincerest condolences to Bernice and his family.
Robert Jones. I am saddened to hear of Cassel’s passing. I was a student in the School of Music at DePauw from 1949 to 1955 (one could earn an M.M. degree then). Cassel was a fine man, an excellent teacher, and a friend for life. He was still there when our sons became students there, and we never failed to visit and re-hash old times at DePauw. The world was a better place with him in it.
Mr Grubb was certainly a fixture for all of us at DPU in the late 60s- their are two memories I would like to share with you — one was smile-worthy: I think it was my 2nd semester fershman year jury and he and Herman Berg were listening to what must have been not so wonderful sounds coming from my violin when they both started to chuckle. Puzzled I looked at them when I stopped and Grubby commented with that prevalent smile of his on the large hole I had in the elbow of my long-sleeved shirt. I guess my elbow poked through quite nicely as I was bowing. Having judged many juries since then I now appreciate the humor more than I did then. The other very clear memory is being at Bernice and Cassel’s house following a concert, I believe my senior year, and Bernice had made absolutely wonderful chocolate chip cookies and Cassel had put on the Brahm’s Violin Concerto. It was listening to that recording when so much of what he had drummed into our heads in theory began to make sense. God speed Grubby and God Bless Bernice and family.
I recall the first introduction to Mr. Grubb, later lovingly referred to as “Grubby”, in the classroom in freshman music theory. It didn’t take many minutes before you realized you were sitting under a man who loved what he was doing and wanted the very best for each of his students. Over the many years since 1960 graduation from DPU Music School, he never forgot your name, where you were from, your spouse’s name, and many more bits of info. A very special moment in our lives was when Bernice and Grubby played harp and cello for our wedding. A very special couple!!! What wonderful memories you gave us. (at DPU and Interlochen)
I was fortunate to have Cass for a teacher his first year on campus. He and Berneice were so young then – so was I! Years after I graduated, I went into the music retail store business. I will always remember the secretary one day coming into my office stating a gentleman was on the floor that wanted to see me by the name of Cassell Grubb! That was in Naperville, Illinois. I couldn’t believe it! Sure enough, there was Cass in his bow tie and huge smile and saying, “Hi Gal!, How ya doing?” Cass is the reason I also serve on the board of Interlochen. And then he was my daughter’s teacher when she was a music student at DPU. Many, many fond memories of a great gentleman! Sincere condolences to all the family.
Having entered DePauw as a frightened Freshman in 1974 I was privileged to know Cassel Grubb as both an instructor and as the dean during my last year, 1978. Though I played viola in the orchestra Mr. Grubb was always quick to say hello when he was walking about in the halls of the new music school. He did know my name, which surprised me at the time, and always made me feel as though I was there for a reason. Of course I will always remember the bowtie collection, the argyle socks and the round glasses that adorned his face! Thank you so much Cassel for helping me to feel comfortable as a student and for your endless, positive energy that often spurred me on to be a better student. Fond thoughts go out to the Grubb family as they begin to adjust to their loved one’s passing.
I remember Cassel with fondness, both from my time as a student and employee at DePauw. It was a privilege to work under his tutelage as an accompanist for his cello students. When I later visited DePauw alumni on behalf of the University, words of accolade and love permeated the memories of all who knew him. What a delightful man. Yes, he will definitely be remembered for his bow ties and argyle socks!
I graduated form the DePauw School of Music in 1961. I was a piano student of Professor Henry Kolling, who played in the faculty’s Aeolian Trio with Dr. Grubb and Violinist Herman Berg. He was such a nice guy. I ran into him during the 25th reunion of the class of ’61 in 1986. He looked great; we exchanged a few words about the “old days” of the DPU School of Music. I have fond memories of the comradery among School of Music students and faculty back then, generated in part by the small size of the school. It was like a co-ed fraternity/sorority!
I have many fond memories of Mr. Grubb. He was kind enough to take me on as a struggling cellist even though I came to DePauw has a flute major! Little did I know this change would require a lot of viola playing, but that in itself is another story! I was fortunate to purchase Bill’s cello, which I still lovingly call “Bernice” to this day. Several times I have played in orchestras here in Atlanta, only to have someone of my “age group” who attended Interlochen ask me, “is that Bill Grubb’s cello”? I always comment to the affirmative, adding that I have just been “babysitting” it for the last forty odd years. I will miss your howdies as well as your cigar smoke in the studio. Rest in peace, dear professor.
My memories of Professor Grubb are still vivid and encouraging in my mind, some 26 years separated from DePauw and the School of Music as a student. I never had Professor Grubb for a class, but would many times see him in the hallway, and he would always, always greet me with “Howdy Guy!” and a smile. I know that he made me feel in place at DePauw when a lot of other factors did not; what did this farm boy from rural Indiana think he could do at an esteemed institution of higher learning like DePauw? But, I did find a place, I did flourish, I did lay the foundation for my musical life in Greencastle. And, Professor Grubb, you were a vital part of that success, and help make me the person I am today.
At the semester break my junior year, I made the dean’s list the same day that my brother was informed he would not be allowed to return to study another semester at Purdue due to his grades. I remember the “report card” coming in the mail, and my Mother walking in the door in tears, holding my brother’s failure notice. My grades went unopened. It was crushing. How could I be happy when in the same house, my brother had so definitively failed? Further, with only one of us in college, my senior year and my scholarships were in question due to the sudden change of financial status. What would I do? I decided to contact Professor Grubb upon my return to campus, and see if he had any suggestions. My fears were in vain however, as Professor Grubb listened to my story and situation, and informed me that my senior scholarship to the school would be increased if needed to cover the need-based financial aide I lost due to my brother’s leaving school. I left his office that day with the weight of the world off my shoulders, and knew right there and then I would spend the rest of my life in support of young musicians just as Professor Grubb had supported me that day. Not only did I find a friend, I found and joined him in his purpose, his calling, and his life’s work, all in one 30 minute meeting. Professor Grubb had changed my life, and saved my dreams, all in the short meeting.
Seeing Professor Grubb, Professor Grocock, Professor Hanna, and Professor Carkeek at the school made me always feel like the “big four” were taking care of DePauw for us all. Now, 26 years removed, we have lost all save for Professor Grocock, and I have had no luck at making contact with him in several years, since his moving to Cincinnati. But, I hold the memories of the four dearly in my memories, and hope that I am able to offer in some small part their passion, caring, and direction to today’s students just as they did for me when I attended DePauw. The places we teach may not be the same, but the message, and their hopes, are universal to all of us who teach and play to inspire young musicians today.
I have sent many students to DePauw since my graduation, and am always sad they will never have the opportunity to meet these men. They had a profound and lasting influence on my life, and I hope that those who followed them and continue at DePauw offer the same inspiration, guidance, and fortitude to DePauw’s current gathering of students. I know that Professor Grubb was important to me, and for that, I am always changed, and will always be grateful!
May you Rest in Peace, Professor Grubb.
Thank you for allowing us to have a chance to remember Dr. Grubb.
I will never forget how he would say “How ya doing gal?” when I would see him in the hallway everyday. I had Dr. Grubb as a professor for my theory classes for 2 years. He helped me through what was a difficult class.
He was just one of the many professors that I loved and miss now. He is in good company with loving thoughts with Dr. Irwin and Dr. Fitzpatrick.
We will miss you Cassell!
Professor Grubb was a warm and welcoming professor. Such a character he was – you’d meet him, be disarmed with his twinkling eyes, bright smile, and downhome personality, then be blown away when you saw him perform with that intense look at the music and at his fellow musicians, or when he critiqued you as you prepared for your own performance. I remember when he worked with our quartet, first when Shawn Sanders was our cellist, later with Fermin Segara, and lastly with Betsy Sanders. While he focused of course on all of us, giving the 2 violins and the viola our fair share of criticism, encouragement and praise, it was the ‘cello part that held his heart. When I was at the school, he was the ‘Cello Professor, and after I left he became the Dean of the Music School. I remember how excited I was to be told that wonderful news, knowing he would give it his all and that the school would grow under his attention. I will miss him, and I know many of my fellow music students at DePauw will do the same. My best to you, Professor Grubb!
karen albert frankenberg
I met Cassel and Bernice Grubb over twenty years ago. Immediately I was taken with their warmth and great musical knowledge. After only an afternoon with them, I sensed what special people they were. Through the years I loved seeing the Grubbs at all the DePauw concerts and even harp competitions! Cassel and Bernice always showed such concern for others and they never stopped wanting the best for DePauw’s School of Music.
What a joy to have known such a dear couple. I look forward to many more memories with Bernice.
Karen Wilkinson-French-Fruits 1962: I just simply loved Cassel Grubb and of course Bernice just comes with the musical package. I have been privileged to be able to take Cassel, Bernice, Jean, and Tom out to lunch, until my dear Tom passed away 2 years ago. I felt last summer might be my farewell to Grubby, he was so frail, and he actually refused to let my pay. I have carried over his “Hi Gal”! and “Hi Guy”! in greeting my students now as it makes me feel connected to Grubby every day. I took Cello as my solo stringed instrument to study after we all took the class string. Grubby made it so enjoyable, he cared so much whether we got it. He even suggested that I come and play in the orchestra, however, I never did, because I did not think I had reached that level. I learned from him and carry into my teaching now, that it is more that just teaching your instrument or your subject matter, it boils down to your love of the students and your passion for what you are doing. I even teach theory now, and I was one of Mr. Grubb’s worst theory students. I have always remembered my senior year at the very end, I was 8 months pregnant with my daughter Kathryn and entering graduate school at Indiana University as soon as I graduated from DePauw. Bernice was in her car and I came up to greet her, she said so sweetly to me, “Karen, Why don’t you take some time off from school and have your baby and rest!” I did not take her advice and often wondered why, but how nice of Bernice to even care. That was the Grubbs.
Where to begin? Grubby (as we lovingly called him)-with his trademark cigar, big grin and “Howdy Gal”!-was such an endearing man, once you got over being terrified of him. As a French Horn/ Music Education major 1979, I had the dubious good fortune to have Cassel Grubb as my Freshman music theory professor. He was a demanding yet profoundly inspiring teacher, and we all lived in dread of “Black Friday”–our weekly ear training quiz. He opened up a whole new musical world to me in that class.
There are so many wonderful stories to share-especially from those times he invited students to his home and we played the ‘Dictionary game’-but the one that really made me laugh took place in his office during my junior year. He had called me in to see him, and I was more than a little concerned as to why. Grubby asked me if I knew a Frank Phillips (my last name was Phillips) in the School of Music and I replied that, no, I didn’t. He was curious because no one in the school knew who it was, but he had signed up to do a recital. I could barely contain myself as I explained that my dear friend Pam Frank (now Mrs Orcenith Smith) and I had signed up to do a joint recital-listing only our last names: Frank/Phillips!! We all had a great laugh about it!
Here’s to a special man who touched so many lives in a positive way.
We’ll miss you, Grubby. God bless.
Cassel Grubb was a wonderful teacher, counselor and advisor to his many, many students. I had Cassel as a teacher and advisor during my time at DePauw in the School of Music (1974-1978), and I will always remember his humor, his “howdy gal”, and his wonderful bow ties! He was an unbelievable asset to DePauw’s School of Music and an amazing influence on my musical life. I also studied piano with Bernice Grubb during those years and I loved both Mr. and Mrs. Grubb. I went on to get my master’s in Saxophone Performance and my certification in education, and just retired on disability after open-heart surgery after a wonderful career as a band director in Indiana. I was blessed with many wonderful memories and students throughout my career, and I know that Cassel Grubb had a lot to do with my growth as a musician and a teacher. He will be truly missed by all of his students and colleagues, and I know that his influence on my life will never be forgotten. He was a true treasure!
DePauw has a memorable legacy in the students Cassell Grubb mentored, taught and befriended. As a Music Ed major, class of 1961, I had to take a semester of each class of instruments, so Prof. Grubb got me for cello. It was by far my favorite and his kindness and patience helped me to complete what was probably the most challenging of my education requirements. I hope there is a new professor with the same empathy and talent to take his place at DePauw today.
Of the varied memories I have of my time at DePauw, knowing Cassel Grubb and my violin teacher Herman Berg are among the highlights. Dr. Grubb was so genial and easy to talk to, work with, and have coffee with at the Double. I enjoyed his sense of humor and his fine playing in the AeolianTrio. I graduated a long time ago, 1951, but these memories are still with me. He was a very kind, gentle and talented man and his memory will remain a positive one with the hundreds of students who knew him.
Hi Irving,
And I fondly remember your GREAT violin playing. I went to your recitals on campus and was in awe of your skill. I heard you went to Hollywood. Is that correct?
Maybe you remember me? I married Don Patterson and we lived in the quonset huts. Don died of cancer at age 39.
Bev – soarer@prodigy.net
The measure of a good teacher, in my estimation, is how long the imparted lesson lasts. I feel extraordinarily fortunate to consider myself a life-long student of Cassell Grubb. While I never sat in a classroom with him, he was the Dean of the School of Music while I was there, and his presence, patience, and generosity of spirit are an extremely important part of my memories of DePauw. So many others have already written about his genuine, smiling “Howdy’s” in the hall, and I was graced with many of his “Howdy Gal” ‘s through the four years I was at DePauw. As fellow students know, the junior recital is a time of great preparation, and also sometimes of anxiety. For me, a shy and stage-fright-struck student who played an instrument not often played “solo”, the prospect of standing in the limelight alone for the recital was daunting, to say the least. One day, when my recital was fast approaching, I happened upon Mr. Grubb walking the halls of the PAC, and he stopped me to ask how my preparations were going (he always knew whose recitals were coming up). When I told him I was getting extremely nervous, he asked me to come into his office to sit for “just a minute”. Well, it turned into ten minutes, but it was some of the best time I ever spent. He told me that sometimes he, too, got stage fright, and that he had a special set of breathing exercises he used in those times. And he sat right there and taught them to me. I have used those breathing exercises with regularity through the years since Mr. Grubb sat with me that day (it has been nearly 26 years since my graduation from DePauw, so that means it has been 27 years since then!). Each and every time I need to speak publicly, do a presentation for work, or find myself, for whatever reason, feeling that old “stage fright” coming back, I rely on Mr. Grubb’s exercises to get me through it all. The post script to this story is that when I finally arrived on the stage of the recital hall, and took a last deep breath before beginning my junior recital program, I scanned the audience to see some familiar faces for comfort. There, smiling that big, warm-hearted smile, was Mr. Grubb, who gave me a wink and a nod of encouragement. Thank you, Mr. Grubb, for teaching me not just good musicianship, but for also giving me some good life skills. I now know that a cheerful smile and a friendly “hello” might make a world of difference to someone who might cross my path. You are greatly missed.
I had the privilege of studying music theory with Dr. Grubb, five days a week at 8 a.m., which, at the time, seemed unbearably early. He was unfailingly upbeat and enthusiastic, sympathetic to our groggy, bleary-eyed state, but nonetheless expecting our best effort. Among all the excellent professors I had at DePauw, he is the one I remember most fondly for his loving spirit. I feel blessed to have known him, and send my condolences to Bernice and the rest of his family.
I studied music theory at 8 a.m. M-F with Mr. Grubb. One day, the only day I ever skipped his class, I was in the Hub having coffee with someone, when he actually brought his (and my) class into the Hub for coffee. Upon seeing me, he smiled and said how glad he was that I knew where to join the class! Needless to say, I never missed after that:) He was a tremendous teacher, expert, kind and caring. He will be missed.
I came” back home” to DPU last fall for an exceptionally wonderful long weekend with YO YO MA. It had been many years since I had returned. It was wonderful seeing all the great new buildings, feeling the students enthusiasm, kicking those old fall leaves and the memories ,those heart warming memories of my time earning a beloved Bachelor of Music degree in performance Saxophone. That was an honor to earn this degree from a great school. I had auditioned in front of Mr. Grubb, John Sox, Dr. Fitzgerald , Mr. Grocock , Dr. Hanna to name a few. It wasn’t UN-nerving at all. It was downright fun because I felt as though I was playing for old friends. There sat Mr. Grubb with his huge smile. He and the others encouraging me on. I mean really, I wasn’t great, but they made me feel good. I too had Mr. Grubb for Music Theory. To this day his sight reading lessons are still such an asset. I’m still enjoying a wonderful career .I’ve done so many types of venues throughout the years. I know why the fun is still there, thanks Mr. Grubb and all the” friends” who instilled that in me while at DePauw. My last night on campus as I was leaving the Judson Green Music Building following YO YO MA’s last concert will be another great memory. I was walking by myself and only two other people were in front of me approaching their car in a special location. Can you guess? It was the Grubbs. I reintroduced myself ,we chatted for a few minutes and said goodbye.
1969-1972
When I think of my favorite DePauw professors, Cassel Grubb is certainly on my list. How kind he was to me–a soprano who had such a hard time in Theory and Harmony in hearing anything but the melody. He gave me extra time so that I not only survived but prospered in his class. I graduated in 1962, but saw him again when our daughter Lynn was a student at DePauw. I always smile when I think of him and feel very grateful that I had such a patient, capable, wonderful musician and person as a professor.
Linda Sellen Frazier, ’62
Mary Lou (Coyle) Hughes
My time with the Grubbs was so memorable. I was so afraid of freshman theory since I wasn’t even sure I wanted to be a music major. Prof. Grubb made it almost fun, and I was hooked! I graduated in 1966. Mrs. Grubb was my harp instructor for four years, and I’ve kept in contact with the Grubbs ever since. I remember playing harp with Grubby playing cello at the Frank Jacobs/Arlene Harlow wedding in 1967. What fun – with Joe Flummerfelt at the organ! Those were good times. One time when I was visiting the Grubbs at Interlochen with my infant daughter, Karen Hughes Beacom, a 1995 DePauw graduate, Bernice watched Karen so I could go to an evening concert. Such a special couple they were. Their caring spirit and enthusiasm made such a difference to so many through the years. I was very disappointed that I could not attend the memorial service. My deepest sympathies to Bernice and her family.