Richard Swingly died on January 15, 1977. It was my pleasure and privilege to sit beside Dick during the seasons I played in the Rochester Philharmonic during my student days at the Eastman School. His English horn playing inspired us all and his special charm and wit are unforgettable. His sense of humor seems easiest to remember, and yet he had great insight into the art of orchestral playing and the intricacies of dealing with conductors and colleagues. He took a special interest in every phase of my career - including this editorial one; he was an early and enthusiastic IDRS member. His great strength of character showed through to the end; the last letter I had from him--only a few weeks before his death--was full of optimism and encouragement for me in crises which were so minor in comparison to his own. The latter years of his life were difficult ones--failing health, the loss of his wife, and the final struggle with cancer - and yet he never lost his sense of humor and his strong religious faith. I am indebted to Robert Sprenkle for his sensitive tribute to his long-time colleague. The IDRS membership join me in sending sincere sympathy to the Swingly family.
Dick Swingly's professional career began while he was still a student at the Eastman School when he succeeded Mitch Miller as second oboist of the Rochester Philharmonic in 1933. Four years later he took over the English horn position he so successfully filled until illness forced his retirement in 1965.
Fortunately his health did permit him to expand his mail order business through which he supplied reeds, tools and supplies to oboists all over the country. His skill, integrity, and reliability were equally as valuable in business as they had been when he was performing. In making his reeds he used tools of his own design and he frequently solved difficult problems by making special tools. I prize the unique adjusting pliers, measuring tools and special knives he made for me.
He was a proud family man, an excellent musician, and a loyal friend, but he was also a perceptive observer who could couch his appraisals in colorful language. We will miss him very much!
(Robert Sprenkle is first oboist of the Rochester Philharmonic and professor of oboe at the Eastman School of Music - Ed. )