Baker Tribute

A Tribute to a Very Special Person: Dr. Charles (Charlie) Baker

by Donald Ambroson

Dr. Charles Baker, known by many simply as “Charlie”, was a larger-than-life presence in our community for many years. Born and raised in Southern California, he studied cello locally before heading off as a young man to Rochester, New York, to study cello at the Eastman School of Music where Howard Hanson was the driving force. He earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees there. In addition, he was awarded the Performer’s Certificate in Violoncello, presented to graduating outstanding performers.

Charlie was involved with many aspects of music culture here in Orange County and throughout all of Southern California. He

  • was a Professor of Cello at California State University, Fullerton;
  • played cello in the Pacific Symphony for many years;
  • played cello in a supporting role for conductors of the Cal State Symphony;
  • participated in many chamber music concerts at Cal State Fullerton;
  • served as a faculty member and was one of our founding board members of the Chamber Music Institute of Southern California;
  • was active as an educator in the Music Teachers Association of California and the American String Teachers Association;
  • taught countless private lessons over the years to cellists throughout the Los Angeles area and beyond. Suffice it to say, he was a force for helping society achieve its highest aspirations.

Many of his peers enjoyed having breakfast or lunch with Charlie and his wife Joanne at Polly’s Restaurant in Fullerton. It was always an occasion for keeping up with the news of fellow musicians, noteworthy past or future music events, and other topics. And throughout the meal, one observed the steady kind repartee between Charlie, Joanne, and the serving staff at Polly’s.

As one lives the life of a musician or music educator in Southern California, one will likely meet one of Charlie’s notable former students. Through them, his precious presence and gifts live on.

Linda Owen reading Donald Ambroson’s tribute to Dr. Charles Baker at the July 28, 2024 concert at the Nixon Presidential Library Theater

If you’d like to share memories and photos, please send them to Kay Pech at kay@chambermusicinstitute.com.

Charlie & Joanne
Joanne & Charlie
1988 Faculty Trio: Baker & Marsh with Mary Mark Zeyen
Baker-Edwards Duo
Summer 2023: Charlie (R) with one of our CMI cellists
A treasured note from Gretchen Kuehny Geber (his childhood cello teacher)
Roselle Trio: Charles Baker, Alison Edwards, & Joanne Ausmus
The above programs are shared by Joan Kennedy (née Rodman) and are from the mid-1940s when both she and Charlie were teenagers.

Share your memories and thoughts…

I was saddened to hear of “Charlie’s” passing. As a fellow cellist and conductor, we worked together on many occasions and I always held him in the greatest esteem as a cellist, musician, and above all as a truly wonderful human being. The world will be a poorer place because of his absence. My deepest sympathy to all those that were close to him.
Frances Steiner