Many people in the Loyola College of Music and Fine Arts are singing the blues at the news that Joseph G. Hebert Jr, “Doc,” will retire at the end of the semester.

Hebert has spent five decades at Loyola as a professor of music and band director with numerous accolades to his name, including his membership in the prestigious American Bandmaster’s Association and his work under multiple orchestras across the country.

However, Hebert explained that he could forego all the honors he has earned over the years and still feel accomplished in life.

“The biggest compliment I can get is when I find out a student is doing really well because that’s what we work for, the students first, and that has nothing to do with all of these other honors,” Hebert said.

Along with teaching and performing, Hebert enjoys tinkering in his workshop and spending time on the water in his boat and scuba diving.

Hebert said he values the calm and isolation under the water while diving.

“First of all, there’s no phone. Second of all, there’s no music. Third of all, there’s no students, so I can really be secluded,” Hebert said.

Joanna Izaguirre, music education junior, said that Hebert has made all the difference in her education at Loyola.

“With all that Doc has done, I have so much to bring with me after college,” Izaguirre said.

Desiree Robinson, music composition freshman and Hebert’s student secretary, said Hebert has played an influential role throughout her first year at Loyola.

“He has guided and encouraged me to be a better person in various ways,” Robinson said.

Herbert said that the quality of Loyola students’ musicianship has only increased as the years progress, and approximately 4,000 young musicians honed their craft under his guidance.

“I’ve been offered other jobs, very good-paying jobs, but I’m a New Orleans boy. That’s it. I go to other cities to do clinics, to do honor groups, and I’m so glad to get home,” Hebert said. “This is home. This is where I want to stay.”

According to Herbert, he is not going anywhere anytime soon. He will continue serving as a tuba instructor and playing with the faculty brass quintet. In addition, he will make himself available to the new band director to advise as needed.

Overall, Hebert describes his career as one full of blessings.

“I’ve had a chance to play both classical and commercial music. I’ve had a chance to teach and make a difference with young people, and it’s been a great life to do that,” Hebert said. “People ask me always about the 50 years and everything, and all I can tell you is that it’s been a great ride. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.”