Yesterday, the drum world, and to a larger extent the musical world, lost one of its greatest architects: Vic Firth. Founder of one of the largest drumstick companies in existence and a performer associated with the Boston Symphony Orchestra for over five decades, Firth was billed as the “consummate musician” by one of the symphony’s former conductors. In addition to his talents as a businessman and musician, Firth was also a gifted teacher who guided the careers of players like Kenny Aronoff and Anton Fig. He was 85 years old.
In a very real sense, Vic Firth had a hand in the construction of millions of drummers. Countless percussionists can recount starting out in band or orchestra, a fresh pair of Vic Firth Corpsmasters or 5As in hand. Memories of spending hours on a snare learning rudiments are, for many, inextricable from the red dot and black block letter logo on Vic’s sticks.
Proof that the man’s legacy will live on ages after the 85 years he spent on earth need only be found by stopping in your local music store and seeing anyone from a seasoned vet to a fresh beginner picking up a pair of Vic Firths.
Thank you, Mr. Firth. You will be missed.