At AYO we were saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Ross Gilby, a great supporter and active figure in the AYO community for many decades.
Ross Gilby was a long-time volunteer within Australian Youth Orchestra – known previously as the National Music Camp Association. His wife Marjorie James was part of one of the first National Music Camps at Point Lonsdale in 1949. Ross and Marjorie served as the Canberra representatives for the NMCA.
Ross and Margaret’s four children were keen participants at National Music Camp and played in the AYO flagship orchestra: Anne (oboe), Barbara (violin), Martin (horn) and Janet (violin and viola). Dr. Gilby’s lifelong love of music was instilled in his children, with his three daughters becoming members of professional orchestras in Australia and overseas. Anne, Barbara and Janet continued their parents’ legacy of supporting the next generation of Australian musicians by returning as tutors at National Music Camp.
Chair of AYO’s board, Mr Ben Rimmer, said: ‘On behalf of the whole AYO organisation, I’d like to express my condolences to the Gilby family. Ross, with Marjorie and the wider family, has played such an important role in our early years, so it’s important to recognise this contribution. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.’
