IBC honors 34-year Indianapolis Symphony veteran

Music is deeply infused into Robert Day's life.

And on February 25, 2001 the Indianapolis Brass Choir will honor this symphony veteran with its annual performance and a trumpet solo featuring Pershing's Concert Band member, Day's stepson, Gil Hoffer.

Day, a graduate of Warren Central High School and Indiana University, was a cornerstone of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's trumpet section, performing for 34 years from 1958-1992. He played with various concert bands throughout his career. As a founding member of the Indianapolis Brass Quintet, Day played numerous concerts at Indianapolis schools as part of the Young Audiences program.

Retirement, however, did not mark the end of his musical career.

Day's retirement has allowed him to devote his musical energy to improving the community. He has begun performing with the Indianapolis Brass Choir, which features several volunteers who perform throughout Indianapolis to raise money for various organizations.

Day brings more than just his musical talent to the ensemble; he brings an ability to inspire and motivate those around him.

"He continually believed in me, even when I was unable to believe in myself," said his stepson Hoffer.

"The simplicity of his approach, his beautiful sound that is so free that it seems to float, his little words of encouragement--these are the things that kept me from giving up when I was going through some really rough times."

These words of encouragement began when Hoffer was nine years old. His trumpet playing led him to Indiana University, and then to performing for various groups within the U.S. Army. Now a member of Pershing's Concert Band and the Gettysburg Symphony Orchestra, Hoffer will perform a solo during the Feb. 25 concert to honor his first and best teacher.

The February 25 concert will be held at the North United Methodist Church at 4 p.m.