“Imagine doing what you love every day for 50 years and getting paid for it,” writes Monica Day at WCMH-TV (Columbus, Ohio) on Saturday (5/21). The report includes a four-minute video featuring a conversation with Battenberg and brief clips of the Columbus Symphony. “That’s exactly what life has been like for trumpet player Tom Battenberg. He started with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra back in 1966 and has seen a lot of changes over the years. ‘Back in those days, the pay scale, for instance, was $10 a rehearsal and $15 a concert. It’s a little bit different now,’ he said. At the end of this season, Tom is giving up his position. It’s a decision that was not easy for this musician. ‘I love to play,’ he said. ‘The reaction I get when people are happy about my playing or the orchestras playing—that’s going to be hard to give up.’ Tom will continue to play with the High Street Stompers Dixie Land Band as well as Promusica Chamber Orchestra [also based in Columbus, Ohio]. He’s been a part of that organization for the past 37 years.” Battenberg’s final performance was at the CSO’s Saturday, May 21 “Latin Fiesta” program, led by Music Director Rossen Milanov.
Posted May 24, 2016
