a behind-the-scenes hero

Bob McClung is one of those people who has been vital to the smooth day to day operation of the Oregon Symphony, but unless you were taking care to notice the tuxedo clad man who gave flowers to the soloists on stage after their performances (often stealing a peck on the cheek from the women), you probably wouldn’t know you’d seen him many times.  Bob just retired as the OSO’s stage manager after nine years of setting the bar at the highest level.

The stage manager is such an important person in the running of a symphony orchestra.  He makes sure that all 70 odd musicians get the correct chair for every rehearsal and concert, including run-outs.  He ensures that the orchestra can fit on stage (sometimes barely) with guest artist groups of every size and description (and decibel level).  He makes sure that the heat or A/C is either on or off, depending on how it’s affecting some of the more temperature sensitive instruments and individuals.  And the responsibilities go on and on – there likely isn’t a man in the symphony who hasn’t worn one of Bob’s black jackets or gaffer’s tape bow ties because of some wardrobe malfunction.

Basically, Bob’s been our go-to guy for the last nine years.  If something was wrong, he’d do his damnedest to make sure that it was made right.  He worked long hours, and never seemed to complain.  There was always a warm smile and greeting at the beginning of the season – seeing Bob at the stage entrance felt like coming home again.  Bob, thanks so much – I’ll miss you a great deal.  Don’t be a stranger.  You’re always welcome wherever and whenever you want.

Bob McClung and his wife Jan backstage at the waterfront concert.

So here are some words of thanks and admiration from some of Bob’s biggest fans at the Oregon Symphony.  Enjoy.

Mary Crist, OSO Vice President and General Manager: Bob was the best stage manager I have ever encountered – intuitive, savvy, smart, gracious and deeply experienced.  Those fish he plans to catch in his retirement stand no chance.

Charles Calmer, OSO Artistic Administrator: I completely agree with Mary and I too have worked with several stage managers.  I would also add that Bob was sensational at anticipating potential problems and then “solving” them before they could occur.  We are all replaceable, except for Bob.

Anne Stevenson, OSO Operations Manager: Bob had an ability to plan staging and set changes that made our concerts run smoothly and he could problem solve with a quickness that was uncanny.  Bob always made sure musicians, staff, and guest artists and conductors were comfortable. He did all this with kindness and graciousness and I will miss him terribly.

Bridget Kelly, OSO Director of Musician Resources: I have known Bob since he “evolved” into our stage manager. As a musician I admired his ability to deal with emotions (mine sometimes) and to soothe frustrated players. Did he ever get angry? Maybe, but you would never see it, he appeared unruffled and in control; he was there to make our lives run smoothly. Now from my perspective as a member of the staff, I have been given the gift of getting to know him better, to enjoy his quirky sense of humor and good natured fun; his aplomb at working with everyone back stage and on stage is remarkable. I truly believe he could run the show single handedly, and on some occasions, probably did. He is a gentleman in the true sense of the word; a gentle man with a huge heart.

Niel DePonte, OSO Principal percussionist: Bob did so much for us in the percussion section, fixed equipment, moved equipment, found us parts to repair things, helped us to not squeak on our risers by reinforcing them (OVER AND OVER), somehow managed to always find us enough space on stage in which to operate, provided plexi-shields to others to keep us from frying peoples’ ears, and on and on and on. Then there were the myriad things he did as a volunteer, helped with Martha Herby’s memorial tributes, shared equipment and access to get equipment to the ballet, and the ballet and opera percussionists, helped us finish our crossword puzzles as percussionists, hornists and others groped for words backstage between pieces, helped us keep our cool and perspective when the logistics were going to hell in a hand basket, or members of staff or orchestra were a bit “over the top” about…well, whatever! Bob was always Mr. Cool, Mr. I Can Fix That, Mr. I Am There For You. I know Tim will be a great successor to Bob, but he’ll be the first to tell you that he has big shoes to fill. Which is why the percussionists always give presents at Xmas to Bob and the crew. We couldn’t survive without them and their generous spirits and intentions to make our lives easier. I always felt they respected what we do and how hard it is sometimes to do it. And we respected Bob more than we could ever say.

Martha Warrington, OSO violist and Personnel Manager: When my son Charles was in high school, he was required to do a 40-hour job shadowing internship. He could not bear the thought of going into an office and watching people push paper around. I talked with Bob, who graciously agreed to take Charles under wing for a week. It was a busy week that included classical concerts, including a runout to Salem, and a Baroque Special, with many soloists and set changes. Bob welcomed Charles and gave him real work to do, treating him with respect and courtesy. The long day of the Salem runout ended around 3:00 AM, with Bob delivering Charles back home so I wouldn’t have to get up in the middle of the night to pick him up once the crew was finished loading everything back into the Schnitz. The week was a good one for my son, and I have always been grateful to Bob for that time.

Bob Naglee, OSO bassoonist: I can say is that if anything was missing on stage ( like a bassoon stand or two) Bob dealt with it immediately and in the most professional manner. In my 49 years with the orchestra I have never seen the job done so well and it saddens me that we are losing him.

Nancy Ives, OSO Principal cellist: Bob McClung is the consummate stage manager, but my love and admiration for him goes beyond his considerable professional competency. What a heart! He has been the kindness and generosity that hold the whole operation together, and with grace and unfailing prowess, he has demonstrated how to simultaneously serve and lead. He is: mind reader, diplomat, champion weight lifter, McGyver-caliber problem solver…and how many times have we turned to each other and called him a saint? The phrase “above and beyond the call of duty” long ago ceased being adequate to describe Bob’s way of working.

Jason Schooler, OSO double bassist: Bob McClung is by far the best Stage Manager I have ever worked with. He is the definition of the expression: “nothing is too hard, and the impossible just takes a little longer.” But not only is he a “miracle worker” at his job, he also is one of the kindest and nicest persons I know. Without a doubt, my years with the OSO have been a pleasure and a joy, in no small way, due to the fact that Bob has been there making things run smoothly and making me smile with his wit and gracious attitude. And he has always gone above and beyond the call of duty. More than once he has bailed me out by having an extra bow tie or an extra tux jacket or an extra shirt for a concert. It is clear that Bob gave more than 100% and I am blessed to have had the privilege to work with such a professional and outstanding man. Thank you Bob. I love you.

Carol Williams, frequent OSO french horn substitute and extra: My thoughts are just that he helped me through two pregnancies and we teased him about being a lactation aid.  In addition to being so nice to me as a pregnant person he also had to run around finding me places to pump milk and always provided comfortable chairs, plug-ins (sometimes with 20-foot extensions to get to the plug), a table, and privacy!  He was always cheerful doing it too even though it caused him extra work. What a great person and he will be so missed around the symphony.

Peggy Swafford, retired OSO violist (and poet laureate of the OSO):

When I came to the back door of the Snitz and struggled to get through it
Who was there to help – Bob

When I needed help with my chair or stand on stage
Who was there instantly to help – Bob

When I would call frantically asking if there was any room to park
Who answered and said “Come on down – always room for you” – Bob

I knew if I needed anything
Who would instantly show up at my elbow – Bob.

Sally Kuhns, retired OSO trumpeter: Bob McClung is a truly wonderful person who has given outstanding service and friendship to us all in the symphony. Hours and hours more than ever needed Bob has always been there cheerfully helping us neurotic musicians with stressful requests. I really do love Bob. He was so helpful to me when I was in the orchestra, always helping me and looking after what special chair I had and making sure I was not in the line of fire from loud noises. He has even make special trips outside of the hall with his truck to my house to help out. I treasure his warm way with everyone and wish him all the very very best always.