These days, Paul and Melba Wubben don’t play violin as often as they used to. Their fingers are a little stiffer, their balance not what it once was—but their hearts are full.

“For a few months, we didn’t play,” Paul said. “But we brought them out yesterday. That was the first time we could put fingers to the board since November. In a few days, we’ll have it down better than we did today.”

For decades, the Wubbens were dedicated members of the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra (GJSO). At 93 and 94, they were also the orchestra’s oldest musicians.

“When you’re with the symphony, you’re a part of something really big and exciting!” said Melba, who had been looking forward to performing Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 this spring. But after missing the last two concerts due to health issues, they made the difficult decision to retire from the GJSO. 

Their departure marks the end of an era, but not the end of their music. With more time at home, they plan to keep playing together and attend concerts whenever they can. 

Although they’re no longer seated among the strings, their music and legacy live on.

“Paul and Melba have been with the GJSO since the beginning in 1978,” said GJSO Music Director Charles Latshaw. “They have been great friends to the musicians—it’s wonderful to think about a piece composed 200 years ago and remember Paul and Melba have been alive for half its life and playing in the orchestra for more than half their own. Their history, experience and wisdom cannot be replicated or replaced.”

A MATCH MADE IN MUSIC

Music has been part of their lives from a young age, but neither Melba nor Paul pursued it as a career.

Paul, the son of a Methodist preacher, picked up the violin at age 7. He played with the Mesa College Orchestra while still in high school, but followed a different path—earning a scholarship to the University of Denver, serving as a flight surgeon in the Air Force and becoming a family doctor.

Melba grew up in Wisconsin, where her mother played the church organ and her father sang in the choir. Her mom chose the violin for her when she was 5, and she never wanted to play anything else.

“Once you get started—if you get your teeth into it—you ain’t gonna let go,” said Paul. “That’s the way [Melba] was. Nobody was gonna take that violin away from her.”

Melba admits she wasn’t always the most diligent about practicing, but she kept at it. Even after marrying and raising seven children, she played in the church orchestra with her kids seated in the front pew so she could keep an eye on them.

In the ’70s, Melba and her family moved to Grand Junction, where she joined the Mesa College Orchestra—and met Paul. Both eventually went through life changes, and after parting ways with their former spouses, they married. That was more than 40 years ago.

“Those are the most happy times in my whole life,” said Paul. “She’s a real violinist. You don’t play down to her!”

Just as they’re partners in life, Paul and Melba were longtime partners in the violin section of the GJSO. They’ve always played well together—each pushing the other to be better.

Do they ever clash musically? Not really. 

“Do you ever want to hit Paul with your bow?”

“No,” Melba replied with a laugh. “Bows are too expensive.”

WATCHING THE SYMPHONY GROW

Over the years, the Wubbens have collected several violins.

“Our instruments are better than either of us,” Paul said. “I have a Ventapane and it’s good—you can feel it.”

They played in a string quartet with a viola and cello player, performing at weddings and events, but one mishap still makes Paul wince.

“I put the Ventapane down on a chair and sat on it,” he said. “I can still hear the breaking of the wood.”

They sent it to Melba’s brother-in-law, who repaired instruments.

“He showed up with the violin and played the thing and it was terrible,” said Paul. “So we took it to Salt Lake and got it repaired for 500 bucks. It took months, but it sounds really nice.”

That same violin stayed by his side through countless rehearsals and performances with the GJSO. 

In their many years with the symphony orchestra, the Wubbens have seen it evolve into a more professional and polished organization. They credit a variety of factors—more experienced conductors, increased community support and a steady stream of talent from Colorado Mesa University.

“It’s really a good outfit now. The concert master now is beyond compare,” said Paul.

They fondly remember longtime concertmaster Kirk Gustafson and other skilled conductors, including current director Charles Latshaw. 

For decades, Paul and Melba kept up with multiple rehearsals on top of regular concerts. The challenge of learning new music and the joy of performing helped keep their minds sharp.

Outside of music, Paul stayed active by organizing cross-country races for a junior high girls’ running club—something he did for nearly 50 years. Still, he doesn’t credit genes for his longevity, and he’s not entirely convinced music had much to do with it either.

“Luck!” he said, offering his own theory on living into his 90s.

STILL MAKING MUSIC

Paul’s musical taste was shaped early on by artists like Glenn Miller, Louis Armstrong and Jack Teagarden. Melba, ever curious and open-minded, said, “All sorts of things are interesting to me.”

A couple of their children followed in their musical footsteps. One of Melba’s daughters, who once drove instructors crazy by playing by ear, now holds a degree in music.

Paul and Melba still live independently and are grateful to have family nearby. And while life has slowed down, music still finds its way in. 

“Now that we have [our violins] out, maybe we’ll play every other day—or every day,” Paul said. 

While they miss playing with their friends, retirement has brought them some peace. 

“We don’t have that worry or that pressure,” said Paul.

As for the moments that stand out most over the years?

“Too many,” Paul said. “We’re just happier than hell to be able to play.” 

Don’t miss GJSO’s upcoming events

For more information, visit GJSO.org

SOUNDSCAPES: Season 47 Launch Event
April 24 | 2-6 p.m. 

Be the first to preview the upcoming season, tour the new Asteria Theatre at Colorado Mesa University and enjoy refreshments.

BEETHOVEN’S 9th: A Presentation by Charles Latshaw
April 24 | 4-6 p.m. 

Music Director Charles Latshaw offers a behind-the-score look at the genius and impact of Beethoven’s 9th at CMU’s
Asteria Theatre, 846 Bunting Ave

BEERTHOVEN Launch Party
April 30 | 6 p.m. 

ODE TO JOY
Saturday, May 3 | 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 4 | 3 p.m.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: