We are proud to announce the release of our 2012 calendar, “Moog Pioneers in the Studio”, which features photos and history from Bob Moog’s archives, as well as photos from collections of pioneering synthesists. The photos and text, compiled by BMF volunteer Historian Brian Kehew, focus not on the rock star pioneers, but rather on more obscure luminaries and their fantastic Moog modular synthesizers.

Through documenting the many  musicians, composers and scholars who collaborated with Bob Moog, the Foundation aims to share the breadth of material encompassed in the inventor’s archives and to share the rich history of electronic music.  In addition to three photos that feature Moog himself, the calendar also features:

• Jon Appleton
• Max Brand
• Joel Chadabe
• Herb Deutsch
• Mort Garson
• Emmanuel Ghent
• Jean Jaques-Perrey
• JD Robb
• Eric Siday
• Chris Swansen
• Gil Trythall
• Jon Weiss

The calendar includes forwords from Executive Director Michelle Moog-Koussa and from Brian Kehew.

The calendar is available for purchase on the Bob Moog Foundation’s brand new online store.

As an ode to Moog’s pioneering work in modular synthesis, the background of calendar grid features art images of vintage Moog modules from symphonic synthesist Erik Norlander’s 1967 modular system.  The images were taken by Shaun Hollingsworth of (SIC) Images. The calendar was designed by Rose Hecht and edited by Geary Yelton.

Saints be praised, the Bob Moog Foundation has released another fantastic, picture-laden calendar, this one for 2012! Featured in gorgeous vintage photos and posing with Moog Modular Synthesizers — and on occasion with the great Bob Moog himself — are 12 important pioneers of synthesized and electro-acoustic music. Some of these pioneers I’m familiar with, others not so much, and I welcome the challenge of learning more about them beyond what’s revealed by their accompanying captions. Cheers to the Bob Moog Foundation for recognizing these pioneers! I urge everyone to support the crucial Bob Moog Foundation cause by first purchasing this new calendar and by contributing in any way humanly possible.

—Mark Vail, Music Historian, Author, Teacher and Journalist.

All proceeds from  the sale of the calendar go to support the foundation’s ongoing projects, including the preservation of Bob’s historical and extensive archives, the expansion of our Student Outreach Project and future creation a Moogseum in Asheville, NC.

Early on the morning of the launch, when our first website went live, the phone rang and a deep, gentle voice left a message that began “Greetings on this very special day, my name is Doug Babb……….”. Little did we know on that day of the Foundation’s birth what many gifts Doug would have in store for us over the next five years.

Doug Babb is a musician and educator who was taught by Bob Moog’s friend, colleague, and avant- garde opera composer John Eaton at Indiana University. Through John, Doug met Bob Moog and later helped advise Bob on the parameters for a portable synth that Bob was working on with his team of engineers. This portable synth was later to become known as the Minimoog.  Doug maintained a deep interest in everything Moog and in more recent years worked in a consultant’s capacity for Moog Music, Inc.

Doug reached out to us on that August day in 2006 to see how he could help. It wasn’t long after that we discovered that Doug’s vast knowledge of the Moog legacy could be of great service in helping us understand the huge archive that Bob had left behind. In 2006, the collection was still in Bob’s former workshop in the hills of western NC where it was succumbing to the effects of mold, time and small rodents.

Doug generously volunteered to travel down to Asheville, NC from Indiana to help sort through the archives and assist us determining the breadth of the collection, and to prioritize it. This was a long process, involving five separate visits extending over almost a year’s time, and scores of hours in moldy conditions sorting, prioritizing, re-boxing and transporting Bob’s archives to safety. A couple of times Doug worked with Michelle and a team of volunteers. The rest of the time, it was the quiet, dedicated work of the two of them that resulted in the initial salvation of the historic collection.

Here are some photos that Doug took of those early days sifting through the archives (photos copyright Douglas Babb 2011):

The archives have been safely stored for almost five years, but Doug’s contributions to our efforts continue. This summer, Doug drove down to Asheville once again to donate over 800 electronic music-related magazines, including Keyboard Magazine, Electronic Musician, Tape-Op, Sound on Sound and more to the Bob Moog Foundation Archives.  This library of media will serve as a wonderful resource for students and researchers of electronic music history and will eventually be housed in the Moogseum. The Keyboard Magazines in particular include many articles written by Bob throughout the years.

Here is a sampling of the materials that Doug donated to the archives (Photos copyright the Bob Moog Foundation 2011):

Thank you Doug for your support and guidance in our work to protect and preserve Bob’s archives!

You can read more about Doug at www.TheMoogGuy.com and at this article in NUVO http://bit.ly/ru33hF.

Moogfest History and Technical Panels Draw on Deep Legacy and Industry Connections

The Bob Moog Foundation is bringing together top minds in history, technology and education for this year’s history and technical panels. Experts, ranging from Bob’s colleagues in the seminal days of synthesis to the more contemporary sound sculptors of today, are coming from around the country to share their ideas and vast experiences. The Bob Moog Foundation will be responsible for the historical content at Moogfest, including items from Dr. Bob’s Archives such as rarely seen vintage photographs and historic audio clips from recently restored reel-to-reel tapes.

All panels, demonstrations, and workshops will take place between Noon and 6:30 PM EST at the Moogaplex, located at the Haywood Park Hotel complex at 1 Battery Park Avenue in downtown Asheville, just a stone’s throw from many of the music venues. They are first come, first serve for those who bought either weekend passes or have a pass for that particular day.

Convergence – Hardware and Software Integration in the 21st Century & The Award of  OMG-1 One-Of-A-Kind Synth (Friday, 3pm)

The One-Of-A-Kind OMG-1, designed by Eric Persing

The creation of electronic music has always relied on exploring all technologies available. In the modern context, that often means transcending the divide between the tactile experience of hardware devices and the ever-increasing capabilities of computers.  An incredible panel of sonic explorers moderated by Spectrasonics’ founder Eric Persing will investigate the challenges of how electronic instruments can reach their ultimate potential through the convergence of multiple technologies.

During this panel, Persing will be awarding his one-of-a-kind OMG-1 synthesizer to the winner of the OMG-1 Contest, Torley Wong.  You won’t want to miss this historical moment!

Panelists:

• Eric Persing (moderator)
• Torley Wong
• Diego Stocco
• Tara Busch
• Marc Doty
• Amos Gaynes

When & Where: Friday, 3:00 @ the Moogaplex

Mavericks of Sound Design (Saturday, 12pm)

In this extraordinary panel, some of today’s most innovative sound sculptors will share insights into the visionary techniques and ideas behind their craft. Listen in as this meeting of the minds compares and explores cutting edge sound creation concepts they use in their work.

Panelists:

• Eric Persing (moderator)
• Diego Stocco
• Richard Devine
• Scott Gershin

When & Where: Saturday, 12:00 PM @ the Moogaplex

The First Moog Rep – Remembering Walter Sears’ Pivotal Role in the Moog Legacy

(Saturday, 4:30)

Walter Sear’s impact on Bob Moog’s early career cannot be overstated. He was Bob’s first representative, selling theremins and a little known run of R.A. Moog, Co. amplifiers. Based in NYC, he helped Bob grow his theremin business in the mid-1960s and quickly transitioned into pioneering the sale of Moog Modular synthesizers in the late 1960s.  You may recognize Walter’s name from his conversation with Bob in the “Moog” documentary or from mention of his legendary studio, Sear Sound. Walter Sear passed away in April 2010. His fascinating legacy will be explored through incredible documents from Bob’s archives other collections.

Panelist:

• Brian Kehew
• Herb Deutsch
• Dick Hyman

Where & When: Saturday, 4:30 PM @ the Moogaplex

Pioneering Moog in Live Performance (Sunday, 12pm)

Ever thought about what it was like to play a Moog Modular synthesizer or an early Minimoog live back in the late 1960s and early 1970s? It was nothing less than a creative adventure. Our panelists are all pioneering musicians having forged the path of synthesis in live performance when it was in its infancy. With no chance for edits or do-overs, raw talent, knowledge, and a healthy dose of the innovative spirit were the guiding factors as these musicians blazed new trails for music and music lovers alike.  Don’t miss the unforgettable stories and reflections that will be shared in this panel!

Panelist:

• Brian Kehew (moderator)
• Herb Deutsch
• Dick Hyman
• David Borden
• Larry Fast

When & Where: Sunday, 12:00 PM @ the Moogaplex

Journey to the Center of the Theremin with Neon Indian, Dorit Chrysler & Albert Glinsky (Sunday, 1:30)

Neon Indian’s Alan Palomo is joined by theremin goddess Dorit Chrysler, and Leon Theremin biographer Albert Glinsky to take you on a time traveling voyage to the epicenter of the theremin past, present and future.

Panelists:

• Brian Kehew (moderator)
• Alan Palomo (Neon Indian)
• Albert Glinsky
• Dorit Chyrsler

When & Where: Sunday, 1:30 PM @ the Moogaplex

Sun Ra and Beyond: Exploring Rare Recordings from Bob’s Archives (Sunday 3pm)

Delve deep into the depths of Bob Moog’s historical archives and explore newly restored vintage recordings from the reel-to-reel tapes in the collection. Thanks to two grants from the Grammy Foundation, the Bob Moog Foundation has spent the past two years lovingly and carefully restoring nearly 100 tapes from the archives, including a tape from jazz fusion legend Sun Ra playing the prototype version Minimoog Model B. You’ll hear some astounding music as well as early recordings of Bob and his colleagues forging their way in educating people about the capabilities of the brand new sonic contraption called a synthesizer. Sit back and open your ears – -these recordings will blow your mind!

Panelists:

• Brian Kehew
• Seva Ball

When & Where: Sunday, 3:00 PM @ the Moogaplex

Pioneering Moog from the Tech Perspective (Sunday, 4:30)

Techs are the heart of any touring band as they are responsible for making sure all of the gear is in top working order. In the early days of synthesis, this was a much more complex task then it is now. This panel discussion will lend insight into what it took to make early tours with such bands as ELP, Herbie Hancock, Peter Gabriel, and Nektar a success.

Panelists:

• Brian Kehew (moderator)
• Bryan Bell (Herbie Hancock, Santana,  John McLaughlin)
• August Worley (ELP)
• Larry Fast (Peter Gabriel, Nektar)

When & Where:  Sunday, 4:30 PM @ the Moogaplex

Moog Music is featuring several fantastic product related panels in the Moogaplex throughout the weekend. You can check them out here.

Marc Doty

When people in the synth community want to brush up on their  knowledge of a range of  iconic and esoteric vintage synthesizers, many of them turn to Marc Doty’s Automatic Gainsay YouTube Channel. Over a period of five years, Marc has posted 100-plus educational videos in which he teaches the audience about the characteristics of a variety of vintage synthesizers. His enthusiasm, passion, and dedication to the functionality and sonic integrity of these instruments is a compelling part of every video, as is the clarity with which he presents the subject matter at hand. Marc’s videos are not only educational assets to synth geeks everywhere, but they touch and inspire millions of  viewers around the world. From his most-watched Demonstration of the Moog Minimoog with over 800,000 views to his exploration of the more esoteric Wersi Bass Synthesizer with over 300,000 views,  Marc’s teaching prowess has been enjoyed by a total of nearly 4 million viewers.

When the Bob Moog Foundation needed a graphics designer with a deep knowledge of synthesis to assist our Dr. Bob’s  SoundSchool curriculum team this summer, Marc was an obvious choice. He joined our staff for a six week (mid July through end of August) period as our Artist-In-Residence. This position blended his graphics, educational and history expertise. It didn’t take long before Marc became an indispensable member of our team, filling the roll of graphics artist,  education and history consultant, videographer, video editor and more.

You can read the announcement of  that residency here:

http://www.moogfoundation.org/2011/synth-guru-marc-doty-summer-residency-at-the-bob-moog-foundation/

and a few of Marc’s blogs from  his time with the BMF here:

http://www.moogfoundation.org/?s=marc+doty

BMF Historian Brian Kehew and Marc Doty considering a special piece from the archives

Shortly after Marc returned home to Washington State we reached out and invited him to return, this time for a six month period, as our Archive and Education Specialist. We are delighted to announce that he accepted the position, which he refers to as his “dream job” and will begin work in this capacity on October 5th. This time around Marc will be working on a special project that will bring the education and history parts of our mission together in an exciting, interactive platform that we will be able to share with all of you.  Stay tuned for more about that near the end of the year.

We welcome Marc Doty to our team here in Asheville, NC and we are grateful to have someone with such diverse and mission-relevant talents helping us push our projects into the future.

Keep an eye out for Marc’s future blogs. He’ll have a lot to share!

Bob Moog has likely inspired your life in some way. What better way to help us grow that inspiration to future generations than to support the Bob Moog Foundation by becoming a sustaining donor?

Sign up to become a Sustaining Member by pledging as little as $10 per month for the next 12 months and receive this limited edition 11″ x 17″ poster designed from various items and images in Bob’s archives. You’ll find rare photos, schematics and desktop notes in Bob’s own writing in this rich collage of images.

Ignite innovation and creativity by making a donation today to support engaging hands-on music and science learning opportunities  and the preservation of Dr. Bob’s archives for future generations of students, educators and innovators.  Through your support,  future generations can be inspired to change the world with the same sense of intelligence, curiosity, and integrity as Dr. Bob himself. All that and you’ll get your very own limited edition poster. Who could imagine than an easy monthly donation could do so much? Get your Moog on and add to the Foundation’s moogmentum.

You can sign up for our eNewsletter using the sign up box to the right of our blog posts, or at the bottom of our main page. You will receive a link to download the statement within 24 hours of signing up.

Already on our eNewsletter list?  We will include a link to download the statement in our next eNewsletter!

We hope that you enjoy these special selections from our archives.

Marc Doty is a songwriter, composer, and synthesist from Washington State.  His obsession with Moog and other vintage analog synthesizers led to him the creation of a synthesizer demonstration YouTube channel which now has nearly 4 million views.  His video work as well as his passion for the work of Robert Moog, synthesizers, and the history of electronic music has resulted in the Bob Moog Foundation bringing him on as “Artist in Residence”  for one month this summer.  Marc will  be using his visual and videographical skills to aid the Bob Moog Foundation in various projects including developing materials for the MoogLab curriculum. You can see more of  his synth education work at http://www.youtube.com/automaticgainsay.

Hi.  I’m Marc Doty.  When I was 8, it was my plan to be an astronaut.  Unfortunately, there was a devastating complication: I get dizzy easily.  A family friend pointed out that a person who got dizzy easily simply couldn’t be an astronaut.  I was crestfallen.  I think the indication of the trauma of this terrible news is that I, instead, careened off down a life path wholly comprised of making noises.

While certainly not as lucrative as astronauting, such a life path has been quite rewarding. But it has never been quite so rewarding as it has been in the first few days that I’ve been working for the Bob Moog Foundation.  It feels like my education, my musical experience, and my synthesizer obsession has been leading up to this.

I’m going to be blogging about all of the incredible things that are happening, and all of the incredible things I’m doing to help promote the mission of this agonizingly worthy foundation.

—

In 1977, my brother dragged me into his room to listen to the song “Jungle” by the Electric Light Orchestra.  I thought it was amazing.  I seized the liner notes and sat there clutching them as I read and pondered such exotic words as “Minimoog (spelled “Mini-Moog”) and “Polymoog.”    What is a “Moog?”  What does it do?  Why is it so important that this band listed it by name?  This was a seminal pondering, and my life would never be the same after it.

34 years later, I found myself clutching a different document with the word “Moog” in it.  Not some flashy record sleeve from a famous band, but rather a simple, modest notebook filed with handwritten notes.

If I were to hand this notebook to the average person, they would undoubtedly find little value in it.  It contained lists of names, dates, and some relatively technical jargon relating to scientific equipment.  Something like this could probably be found it just about anyone’s grandfather’s desk.  These were just the notes of a businessman regarding the product requests and specifications of his clients in regard to the product he designed.

Despite the general accuracy of that description, it is also the understatement of the century.  More accurately, It is a written documentation of who bought what when from a burgeoning musical instrument company which was poised on the edge of changing the face of music.  It is a modest, handwritten history of the progression of an instrument, the ideas of the designer, and the desires of the musicians who introduced it to the world.

It focused on the period between 1967 and 1969, and featured clients with names like “Siday,” “Margouleff,” “Beaver,” “Zappa,” and “Carlos.”  If you recognize those names and know what happened in that time period, you realize what an incredibly interesting and important document this notebook is.  If you don’t recognize those names, they are a few of the artists who brought the synthesizer to the attention of the world… and by doing so, changed it.

So here am I, a self-avowed Moog-obsessed synthesist… 34 years after my discovery of the Moog synthesizer… holding Bob Moog’s handwritten description of the origin of my obsession.  History is literally tangible.

In thinking about this, I realized how rare it is that we possess such detailed documents regarding the invention of a viable, versatile, and expressive musical instrument.  While the exact history of the development of so many other instruments is lost to time, in regard to the Moog synthesizer (and most others since then, for that matter), we’re covered.  The Bob Moog Foundation’s archives are large, extensive, and a living record of and testament to the amazing skill and talent of the creator of the modern synthesizer.

And that’s one of the reasons that the Bob Moog Foundation is so important for obsessive instrumentalists and enthusiasts like myself, as well as the music community as a whole.  Its charge is to keep and protect the extensive documents which portray the invention of one of the most revolutionary musical instruments ever created.

That kid holding a record sleeve in 1977 and I are going to have a lot of incredible Moog-related surprises in the next month.  For that, we’re both very thankful.

Making waves,

Marc

P.S.  Some other names seen in the notebook:

John Chowning

Walter Sear

Mort Garson

Jean Jacques Perrey

Gershon Kingsley

The Beach Boys

Roger Powell

Morton Subotnick

Please join us for our closing reception this Saturday, July 30th at 8 p.m.

Help us release Pushing the Envelope at its final event of the month-long exhibit at the Artery. Dancer Janice Lancaster Larsen will perform in R. Brooke Priddy’s earthen dress that captivated so many of you at the opening event.

Join us for an evening of music and dance, while reflecting on the pieces inspired by Bob Moog’s sonic legacy.

Public Opening Reception: Saturday, July 9th at 8 p.m.

Workshops (All Ages):

Wed. July 13^th
Bridget Elmer at 6 p.m.

Wed. July 20^th
Chris Stack & Steve Wager at 6 p.m.

Tue. July 26^th
River Guerguerian & Gene Felice at 6 p.m.

Closing Evening of Performances: Saturday, July 30th at 8 p.m.

Artery Hours: 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday

Pushing the Envelope: ADSR is a forthcoming multimedia art show melding the historical roots of electronic music with the creativity of Asheville artists who have been inspired by the connections between analog synthesis and visual and performing arts. Bob Moog’s pioneering work will serve as inspiration for the exhibit. The show will be held at The Artery in Asheville’s River Arts District from Saturday, July 9, through Saturday, July 30. The Asheville Area Arts Council and the Bob Moog Foundation are cosponsoring the three-week exhibit.

Artists involved in the show will interpret the concept of shaping sound through an “envelope,” drawing inspiration from the synthesizer parameters attack, decay, sustain, and release. Pushing the Envelope‘s participating artists are:

R. Brooke Priddy, Janice Lancaster Larsen, Adam Larsen, and Kima Moore — A  fashion/movement/installation/sound collaboration

Jason Daniello – Exploring interactive, analog sound

Gene A. Felice II & David McConville – An interactive, cymatics/analog sound collaboration that will allow viewers to visualize sound waves.

Elisa Faires – Sound performance/installation

River Guerguerian – Virtuoso percussionist presents sound performance and workshop

Bridget Elmer – An analog sound-inspired letterpress print series

Shaun Hollingsworth – A Bob Moog Foundation photo print series exploring vintage circuitry

Gabriel Shaffer – This sculptural theremin exhibit will allow attendees to interact with metal art, light and analog sound

The work of these artists will surround a small selection of analog electronic instruments, schematics, notes, and ephemera from Bob Moog’s archives, illustrating the connection between innovation, electronic sound, and creativity in the arts. A focal point of the show, the archives will illustrate both the history and the technology behind the Moog sound. This includes the envelope generator, a major component in music synthesis that controls changes in a sound’s loudness and spectral content over time. Most envelope generators control four parameters—attack, decay, sustain, and release—commonly referred to as simply ADSR.

In addition, the show will give the Asheville Area Arts Council and the Bob Moog Foundation opportunities to highlight their respective missions and pay homage to art, music, and technology as intertwined mediums of expression that were all expressed in Bob Moog’s work.

There will also be a series of all-ages workshops focused on the show’s theme and on community outreach and education. Participants will have opportunities to learn about electronic synthesis, sound visualization, and art in a hands-on environment.

Workshop Schedule and Descriptions

All Pushing the Envelope workshops have a suggested donation of $5 to attend.
Workshops all start at 6pm and run approximately 90 minutes.

Bridget Elmer – July 13

This workshop will explore sound visualization through the processes of printing and bookmaking. Each participant will experiment with translating sounds into hand printed images and transforming their prints into a variety of book forms. No experience necessary.  There is a materials fee of $5 per person.

Steve Wager and Chris Stack – July 20

We Have Fallen Into The Place Where Everything Is Music

Don’t worry about writing down these songs!
And if one of our instruments breaks, it doesn’t matter.
We have fallen into the place where everything is music.
~Rumi

Ever wanted to know what was happening in a synth that creates those amazing noises? What is the difference between analog and digital (and why do some people think analog is better?) Steve Wager, long time BMF Volunteer and synthesizer enthusiast,  will explain the foundation of electronic music in easy to understand terms utilizing the Bob Moog Foundation’s new educational synth, the Novitiate. Participants will then have the opportunity to expand upon their new knowledge with a workshop by Chris Stack of ExperimentalSynth.com fame. Chris will explore the basics of experimental patches and sound design and will treat attendees with a short performance.

Chris explains “It’s an amazing time to be a musician. We can now make music on everything from traditional instruments, computers and synths to tablets and even cell phones. In this workshop, I will weave all this together and explains the connections and technologies that make it possible”.

Gene Felice and River Guerguerian – July 26

Gene Felice is a rock star multi media artist. River Guerguerian is an internationally acclaimed virtuoso percussionist. The have teamed up in this unique workshop to explore the elements of sound, frequency & matter, via a timeline of ancient to contemporary sources of analog sound (singing bowls, gongs, theremin, water & sand) with participants.  Through cymatics they will illustrate both sides of how matter affects sound, and how sound affects matter.

“We are delighted to be collaborating with a breadth of Asheville’s talented artists. Inspiring creativity, be it sonic, visual, technical, or intellectual, is at the heart of the Foundation’s work. It’s very exciting to see Bob Moog’s work come alive through the exceptional talent that exists in our unique city.”

– Michelle Moog-Koussa, Bob Moog Foundation’s Executive Director

“Through the various forms of synthesis, we control the spectral content of sound and image as it changes over time. Through the modes of attack, decay, sustain, and release, we influence the sonic character of our work. The ADSR envelope will control the amplitude and frequency of creation. From nil to peak, subsequent rundown, the key is released, leveling to zero.”

– Gene Felice, Collaborating Artist & Curator for the show

“The legacy of Bob Moog and his impact on the creative community here truly cannot be overstated. We’re honored, not only to have the opportunity to pay tribute, but also to engage several of the area’s most vital emerging artists who continue to build upon Moog’s ingenuity.”

– Graham Hackett, Interim Executive Director of the Asheville Area Arts Council

From Bob Moog’s Private Archives, which is only available with purchase of the collector pack, contains 70 full color pages with images from Bob’s archives and text by Michelle Moog-Koussa. Items featured from the archives are photographs, vintage advertisements from R.A. Moog and Moog Inc, letters, and even hand drawn schematics.

To celebrate the release of Dr. Bob’s Collector Pack Michelle will be doing two appearances and book signings in New York City at the end of the month. At these events you will be able to meet Michelle and learn about the variety of ways that you can help the Bob Moog Foundation as they preserve and protect Bob’s archives and develop science and music education programs. Copies of Dr. Bob’s Collector Pack will be available for purchase so you can have Michelle sign your copy of the book, or just stop by and say hi. No purchase is necessary to attend the signing.

We hope to see you there!

Thursday June 30th, 5pm-8pm
Guitar Center Manhattan
25 W 14th Street, New York, NY 10001
Phone: 212-463-7500 
View Larger Map

Saturday July 2nd, 10am-1pm
Sam Ash New York
156 W 48th Street, New York, NY 10036
Phone: 212-719-2625
View Larger Map

“Every Great Advance in Science Has Issued From A New Audacity of Imagination”

These words grace the grand entrance of the Bronx High School of Science in New York City, the school where Bob began seriously studying what was to become his life long passion: the intersection of music and science. Not only did Bob excel in his studies, but he found intellectual companionship in his fellow student body for the first time.

Today, May 23, 2011, we celebrate what would have been Bob’s 77^th birthday by sharing with you a precious, rarely seen document. Below is Bob’s personal statement from November 10, 1951. He was 17 years old – a senior at Bronx High School of Science. This document was required of each senior for inclusion in applications to prestigious colleges. There are a few small errors in the document, which leads us to believe that it was a draft that was later typed and submitted. It reveals much about Bob’s focus at 17 years old. A copy of this statement was provided to the Moog family by Bronx High School of Science. Many thanks to this exceptional school for preserving Bob’s records and for nurturing scientific minds for decades. Our world is better for the education they offer.

You’ll note that Bob uncharacteristically speaks about his accomplishments. This was likely a requirement, as he is known for his legendary humility. We have transcribed the document and included a copy of the original:

R. Moog 10/10/51

When I was six years old, I was enrolled in P.S. 24 (Flushing). I enjoyed school and had no problem in garnering high marks. Two years thereafter, I began taking piano lesson(s). While in sixth grade I wrote a winning composition on Fire Prevention, and received a medal from the mayor. At this time, I became interested in science. My father, who is an electrical engineer, encouraged me in my interests. I experimented first with chemistry, then with electricity, and finally with electronics. I graduated from P.S. 24, winning the scholarship and commendation medal. I then enrolled in Bronx High School of Science. My interest in music and science was increasing rapidly. After I built a theremin, my interest in these subjects rose to a new high. Since my entrance in to high school, I have been experimenting with electronic musical instruments. In my second term of high school I won the Fred Z. Kean memorial award for the construction of an electronic organ and a Geiger counter, which were displayed at the American Association for the Advancement of Science Convention, December 28, 1949.

Bob Moog's Personal Statement -- Age 17

In 1945 I jointed the Boy Scouts of America. My interest in the organization and my devotion to its principles has been continuous. I attended meetings continuously, attended summer camp at Ten Mile River for four years and during the past year served as scoutmaster. Two years ago, I was elected in to the Order of the Arrow, the scouting honor society. My interests at the present time are still numerous. Aside from regular school activities, I devote most of my spare time to music and electronics research. I also dedicate some time to serve in Order of the Arrow. I enjoy most of the non-strenuous sports, including swimming and hiking. I consider myself somewhat of an introvert, but I am not anti-social. My vocational goal is that of an electronic engineer. My goal is to be an enlightened and respected member of my community. I believe that a college education will allow me to execute my ambitions.

Bob's personal statement

Find out more about Bronx High School of Science here: http://www.bxscience.edu

Find out more about Order of the Arrow at : http://www.oa-bsa.org

Happy birthday Bob! Here’s to a life well lived and to the young beginnings of an extraordinary legacy.