Word: forbeses
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In 1958, he left New Jersey for Massachusetts to become the third conductor of the Harvard Glee Club, a post he held until 1970. But even after he gave up the baton, Forbes maintained a quiet presence at Harvard music events.
Known to students and faculty as “El,” Forbes won the adoration of many young singers who enrolled in his courses and performed in his concerts.
Richard E. Wilson ’63, the Glee Club’s accompanist in the early 1960s, said that Forbes was an indefatigable source of advice and encouragement for many students.
At Forbes’ invitation, Wilson would attend Thanksgiving dinner each year at the professor’s 182 Brattle St. home. The house was rife with bits and pieces of Forbes family memorabilia, Wilson said, including Emerson’s own piano.
Forbes was also always concerned about the well-being of his students, Wilson said. In one instance, Wilson found himself busy with schoolwork and called Forbes to get out of a Glee Club rehearsal. After telling Forbes that he had come down with a headache, Wilson said that Forbes rushed...