Sound Ancestors & Master Teachers . . .
"Fly high Baba Grubbs! You are so loved . . . such a kind and generous man . . . you were mentored by John Coltrane when you were young and you took 'Giant Steps' as you walked your destiny.. . . thank you for your music and your wonderful example of mentorship to all you taught and assisted . . ."
–Navasha Daya.
"It is with a heavy heart that the Youth Resiliency Institute bids farewell to the physical form of Baba Carl Grubbs – an acclaimed saxophonist, composer, recording artist, and music educator. Grubbs' contributions to music in Baltimore and beyond are immeasurable, and his inspiration and support have touched many artists' lives. We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Barbara Grubbs and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May Baba Carl continue to take those 'Giant Steps' in the spirit world. Rest in Eternal Peace."
–The Youth Resiliency Institute.
Carl Grubbs, saxophonist, teacher and community builder, dies at 79 – Nate Chinen
Carl Gordon Grubbs, award-winning jazz saxophonist who taught generations of students, dies" – The Baltimore Sun
The St. Paul's Schools Honors Beloved Music Educator Carl G. Grubbs with Instrumental Music Award Renaming and New Endowment for the Arts
April 30, 2025 – The St. Paul’s Schools is proud to announce the renaming of the annual Instrumental Music Award in honor of Carl Gordon Grubbs, who was a central figure in the school’s music program from 1995 to 2019. For 24 years, Carl Grubbs brought unparalleled passion and dedication to the instrumental music department, inspiring countless students with his extraordinary talent and love for music.
An accomplished professional musician, whom John Coltrane mentored, and a deeply gifted educator, Carl’s influence lives on in the school’s thriving instrumental music program. His legacy continues to resonate through the achievements of his former students, who credit Carl for igniting their musical spark. Sadly, Carl passed away on January 5, 2024, but his impact on the St. Paul’s community endures.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, St. Paul’s is honored to rename the award presented to exceptional Upper School musicians as the Carl G. Grubbs Instrumental Music Award. This prestigious award celebrates students from both St. Paul’s School for Boys and St. Paul’s School for Girls who demonstrate remarkable musicianship, leadership, and character within the school’s instrumental music program.
The renaming initiative was led by Barbara Harrell Grubbs, Carl’s widow, and made possible by Rebecca Gellar, sister of the late Joel Gellar ’95, a talented saxophonist and one of Carl’s devoted students. In addition to this recognition, Ms. Gellar has generously established the Carl G. Grubbs Endowment for the Arts. This endowment will support the continuation of Carl’s vision and dedication to music education at the St. Paul’s Schools for future generations.
The Carl G. Grubbs Instrumental Music Award and the newly established endowment reflect the enduring impact of Carl’s dedication to the arts, ensuring that his legacy will inspire young musicians for years to come. For more information and to honor Carl’s memory with a donation to the Carl G. Grubbs Endowment for the Arts, please contact: Jeff Dudley, Director of Leadership and Legacy Giving at jdudley@stpaulsmd.org or 443-610-3148.