Everett “Vic” Firth, founder of the Vic Firth Company, passed away yesterday at the age of 85. Though well known for his namesake company, Firth was also highly successful as a musician — former Boston Symphony conductor, Seiji Ozawa said, “I believe he was the single greatest percussionist anywhere in the world. Every performance that Vic gave was informed with incredible musicianship, elegance and impeccable timing.” (Firth played for the Boston Symphony for 50 years) — and as an educator, having served as the head of the New England Conservatory of Music’s percussion department for 44 years. His students included such luminaries as Harvey Mason, Kenny Aronoff, and Anton Fig.
Firth found the Vic Firth Company in 1963. “I thought there was a need for a higher-quality stick than what was being manufactured at the time,” he said. “Also, I was asked to do certain things that were perhaps more sophisticated than a lot of timpanists were doing, so I started designing sticks to accommodate what I had to do.” He made numerous advancements in drumstick technology, from improving and standardizing manufacturing processes to introducing centerless grinding, weight sorting, injection molding, and environmentally conscious stick packaging.
Our condolences to everyone at the Vic Firth Company and to Vic’s family and friends.