As people mourn the passing of Ron Shomo, we remember him as an outstanding teacher and director of Dover High School’s award-winning bands. We remember him as a piano teacher and organist. We also remember his sense of humor, his humbleness, his patience, his patriotism, his kindness and his zest for life.
But I am writing today to remember him as the conductor of the Dover Symphony Orchestra.
As president of the symphony board of directors from 1972-90, I was privileged to work with Ron Shomo for many years. In 1968, although he was primarily a “band man,” Ron accepted his position as conductor of the fledgling orchestra, which had been organized the previous year. The group included professional musicians from Dover and surrounding areas.
Under his leadership, the symphony flourished and became an important part of the cultural life of our city. The orchestra grew in size and sound, and as box office receipts increased and other funds became available, the organization was able to add a third performance to what had been a two-concert season.
Mr. Shomo (once a teacher, always a teacher) advocated for programming that would be educational and appealing to younger audiences. In 1972, the symphony presented the first Young People’s Concert, which became an annual event and broadened the horizons of children and adults alike. Students also benefited from the programs in another way. Mr. Shomo would often invite young instrumentalists to “sit in” with members of the orchestra to observe or, if appropriate, to play along on selected pieces. Of the many successes he had with the orchestra, I think he was most proud of his Young People’s Concerts.
Mr. Shomo was loved and respected by members of the orchestra. They appreciated his musicianship, his talent as a conductor and his ability to bring out the best in his players. He led them in more than 500 rehearsals and 60 concerts. In 1989, he stepped down from the podium and passed the baton on to his successor.
Ron Shomo will be remembered by so many people in so many ways … for a long time.
Betty May Hamilton
Dover
Editor’s note: A celebration of life memorial service for Ronald Shomo Sr. will be 12 p.m. on Thursday at Calvary Church, 1141 East Lebanon Rd., Dover, with a reception immediately after following in the multipurpose room.
