Judge’s Commentary:
The Force of Destiny, about musical conductor Arnald D. Gabriel, is the kind of book that makes the reader reflect upon the uniqueness of the U.S. educational experience in the 20th century. A conductor like Arnald Gabriel reflects much more than musical training or inspiration. He represents over thirty years of a military career, where bravery, decision-making, and discipline are as much a part of success and endurance as creativity or talent. All those forces and experiences make for a conductor who was able to influence musical education by the innovations he introduced, such as enhancing pop concerts in the Washington metropolitan area by featuring soloist student musicians at each concert (183). However, the importance of educational leaders can be seen in other personalities in this biography, like Professor Burton E. Stanley. Had that man, Arnald’s high school band director, not searched out his former student to ask him about his career plans, Arnald might have slogged on with factory work. I honestly couldn’t believe how Gabriel managed to find any time at all for guest conducting! His self-discipline and ability to make so many distinctive appearances undoubtedly comes from his military training and service. The extent of his son’s research is impressive. I admired the professional back and front cover images and text and appreciated the inside photographs, particularly of the U.S. Air Force Pipe Band.
The Force of Destiny, about musical conductor Arnald D. Gabriel, is the kind of book that makes the reader reflect upon the uniqueness of the U.S. educational experience in the 20th century. A conductor like Arnald Gabriel reflects much more than musical training or inspiration. He represents over thirty years of a military career, where bravery, decision-making, and discipline are as much a part of success and endurance as creativity or talent. All those forces and experiences make for a conductor who was able to influence musical education by the innovations he introduced, such as enhancing pop concerts in the Washington metropolitan area by featuring soloist student musicians at each concert (183). However, the importance of educational leaders can be seen in other personalities in this biography, like Professor Burton E. Stanley. Had that man, Arnald’s high school band director, not searched out his former student to ask him about his career plans, Arnald might have slogged on with factory work. I honestly couldn’t believe how Gabriel managed to find any time at all for guest conducting! His self-discipline and ability to make so many distinctive appearances undoubtedly comes from his military training and service. The extent of his son’s research is impressive. I admired the professional back and front cover images and text and appreciated the inside photographs, particularly of the U.S. Air Force Pipe Band.