[This article is a work in progress. Just trying to find the right words to express my gratitude to my percussion teacher Mr. Gaber. Please excuse any grammatical and other errors. Begun 12-16-2008. Last modification 5-8-2008.]
 
I want to acknowledge and thank the dedicated efforts of my Hawaii family including my mother Betty Toyama, father Thomas Toyama Sr., former Moanalua High School Band Director Mr. Ronald Hirai and my percussion teacher Honolulu Symphony percussionist Mr. Robert DeMello, and Harry's music store owner and his wife, and the Hawaii Music Educators Association. In addition, I would like to thank and acknowledge my nisei Moanalua High School football coaches. They were the mentors contributed to my character building of my mental and physical toughness and perseverance. My entire Hawaii family played a crucial role providing learning experiences, encouragement and support for my inital musical development and preparation for Indiana University.

Professor George Gaber & Indiana University: A Journey of Learning, Insight and Vision (working title)
by Tom Toyama

Professor George Gaber gave me the incredible opportunity in my life to study with him, experience Indiana University, it's music school, and percussion department.

At the time Indiana University's music school was rated number one by music professors nation-wide. While experiencing a "Big Ten" university life and performing in IU's incredible ensembles, I had the rare and fantastic opportunity to study percussion from one of the world's great percussionists, Professor George Gaber.

Professor Gaber was my teacher and mentor. It was in his office and the practice rooms of the third floor and in the fourth floor percussion rehearsal room that I learned many of the things that made my life as a musician. Those were precious moments of learning.

I remember the two cigar tube holders he gave me at the end of a lesson. He told me to put all my wrong notes in there. It's a little humorous now, many years later. But he was serious then and so was I about my progress.

During my freshman year, I can't tell you the amount of hours I practiced page 33 of the Krauss mallet book. I think it averages to about 2 hours per day. I never could play it correctly with right hand lead (and cross-over), but I learned a lot about how to practice from this exercise.

Mr. Gaber presented an environment of intensity that was rare to other programs. He made Indiana University's Percussion program a place of serious music practice and artistic advancement. A place where you were expected to advance your skills into the level of artistry. This kind of environment helped to motivate me to focus and persevere and practice more intently and longer. From Mr. Gaber, his students, and the whole IU music school, I developed musically and at the same time learned much about myself as a person.

Mr. Gaber taught me to teach myself. He rarely told me how to do something, instead he expected and encouraged me to find and discover it on my own solutions and ways. I believe that this is the mark of a great teacher.

After graduation, another element of his great character was shown in his post card writing to each of his former students. To him, we were his family. And he always tried to help us in our life and careers.

Mr. Gaber passed away in late November 2007.

I know that Mr. Gaber is in heaven and watching over all your family of students.  And maybe still listening to all my mistakes. I think I need more empty cigar tubes.

If you can read this from heaven, "Mr. Gaber, thank you for all your care, love, advice, encouragement and support all these years.

Always your student,

Tom Toyama

Mr. Gaber's 85th Birthday Celebration

Mr. George Gaber, one of the world's greatest percussionists.

Mrs. Gaber & Mr. Gaber enjoying Mr. Gaber's 85th Birthday Concert Celebration. Many of his former students performed in this event. I'm just glad I was able to attend and play for him and see all my classmates again.

More Gaber with his students from left to right.
Jeff Hamilton, Tom Toyama, (Mr. Gaber), Kenny Aronoff.

From left to right: Tom Toyama, Mr. Gaber, Bill Hill. Bill is one of Mr. Gaber's former top students. He is an excellent percussionist and composer.

Tom Toyama meeting one of Gaber's top students, drummer/percussionist Peter Erskine.

Tom Toyama performing "Green Dolphin Strteet" for Mr. Gaber at his 85th Birthday Celebration Concert at Auer Hall.

Tom Toyama performing "Green Dolphin Strteet" for Mr. Gaber at his 85th Birthday Celebration Concert at Auer Hall. ( I played this tune for him the last time I saw him in 2006 two days after his 90th birthday reception and little concert.)

Tom Toyama performing "Green Dolphin Strteet" for Mr. Gaber at his 85th Birthday Celebration Concert at Auer Hall.

Tom Toyama performing "Green Dolphin Strteet" for Mr. Gaber at his 85th Birthday Celebration Concert at Auer Hall.

Gaber with former students immediately after his 85th Birthday Celebration Concert at Auer Hall at Indiana University School of Music.

Gaber with former students immediately after his 85th Birthday Celebration Concert at Auer Hall at Indiana University School of Music.

Gaber with former students immediately after his 85th Birthday Celebration Concert at Auer Hall at Indiana University School of Music.

Gaber with former students immediately after his 85th Birthday Celebration Concert at Auer Hall at Indiana University School of Music.