In third grade, Tom wanted to learn how to play the guitar. So his parents signed him up for lessons.
After a few sessions, the teacher came to Tom's parents and told them, "Your son has no musical talent, you are wasting your money."
In the fifth grade, when Jimi Hendricks was smashing guitars, Tom's friend across the street was about to imitate Jimi.
Tom said, "I'll buy the guitar from you."
So he went out and did odd jobs enough to make $25 to buy that guitar. Plus he had enough money left over to pay for lessons with a Mr. Harry. Whatever Harry taught, stuck.
At the age of 27, the Choral Arts Society took a gamble on a young kid from Detroit.
Thirty-five years later, Tom Hall will lead the chorus and orchestra on Saturday night in the same place he started at Kraushaar Auditorium at Goucher College. This final concert for Tom was sold out 35 years ago. Tom will continue his great work on the radio at WYPR.
