Gilbert Fierros

Surrounded at a bedside prayer vigil recited by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Gilbert Fierros died peacefully at the wonderful age of 95 on May 23, 2002. Gilbert's life's work centered around music and art, and he used his talent to make a difference in the San Antonio community. As a senior at Brackenridge High School in 1927, he was selected to represent San Antonio as violinist in the United States National High School Orchestra. The newspaper article credited his 'musical maturity' and noted that he was paying for his violin lessons by playing a banjo in a jazz orchestra. After high school, Gilbert worked as a commercial artist designing the window displays for Joskes Department Store. He was a charter member of the first San Antonio Symphony. He spent the pre-World War II years playing in the Albany, New York Symphony Orchestra. He spent the war years with the Army Special Services entertaining US troops throughout the European Theatre. When he wasn't performing, he was drawing maps for the Corps of Engineers. After the War, he returned to San Antonio and graduated from Our Lady of the Lake University in 1950 with a degree in Music. In 1954, he received his Master's Degree from the University of Texas. Many in San Antonio will recall that Gilbert directed a popular dance band during the 40's and 50's. His band played for weddings, civic and social affairs. He was the feature story in many local newspaper stories. One article summarized his life's work "Next to God, there is no power greater than education." Gilbert was instrumental in establishing the first San Antonio Youth Orchestra. He set up the first string program for the San Antonio School District. He traveled from school to school teaching small groups of students. He continued teaching them up through the grades until they were proficient enough to form a district-wide orchestra. He was a founding member of the Texas Orchestra Directors Association. He was State President of the American String Teachers Association. For eight years, he was Concert Master for the San Antonio Community Orchestra at Incarnate Word College. Gilbert repeated his successful string programs in Santa Maria, California. He organized a three-county youth symphony as well as being the Concert Master of the Santa Maria Symphony and violinist in the Santa Barbara Symphony. When he returned to retire in San Antonio, he resumed organizing string programs in both Harlandale and Northside school districts. Even in retirement, he continued his influence in children's musical growth. He was funded by the City of San Antonio to establish seven music learning centers. He coached and judged UIL competition. He received the San Antonio Alcalde Award from the city fathers. Gilbert was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Lupe Naranjo. He leaves four children, son, Gilbert Jr. Anna; son, Robert Olga; daughter, Irene Senia Steve and daughter, Lupe Reintsma Bob. He was blessed with 19 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. Gilbert is survived by his wife, Aurora Copp.