Head of School Bill Taylor proudly introduced the Class of 2024 Commencement Speaker, “As a student, his classmates described him as thoughtful and kind; a mentor to underclassmen; and a well respected Head Prefect who represented the highest ideals of the School. As an alumnus, he remains connected to and respected by his classmates, who still see him as the leader of the Class. He makes a concerted effort to stay in touch with his Trinity-Pawling classmates. He is someone who is sincere and takes an active interest in the lives of his friends and classmates.
Gedney Webb is an award-winning, veteran Hollywood music editor. He has spent the majority of his career in the music side of the film industry, spanning more than 30 years. He has collaborated with top Hollywood talents, including Ron Howard, Robert De Niro, Wes Anderson, Adrian Lyne, Lasse Hallström, Ang Lee, and Jon Watts. Mr. Webb received a Golden Reel award for his work on the Oscar-winning film Chicago. In September, you can catch his latest film, Wolves, which reunites actors Brad Pitt and George Clooney for the first time since the Ocean’s 11 series.
Mr. Webb has taught Masterclasses, been a judge at several film festivals, and a mentor to many exploring a career in the music industry, including students at Trinity-Pawling through the SIP with Distinction Program. His career in music was inspired by his skills on the drums and keyboards, which he explored at a young age through many bands, often playing alongside his brother. At Trinity-Pawling, his musical exploration included singing in the Trinitones and sneaking into the Chapel late at night to play the piano in the dark.
After Trinity-Pawling, Mr. Webb continued his formal education at Kenyon College, graduating in 1990 with a double major in Music (with honors) and Psychology, which I might add, had greater distinction than a previous Kenyon graduate whom I know rather well. After Kenyon, Mr. Webb moved out to Los Angeles and launched his career in the film industry, learning from each film he worked on. After a decade in Los Angeles, Mr. Webb returned to the East Coast, settling in his hometown in New Jersey with his wife Nikki and son Nolan, who join him here today.
It is my pleasure to welcome Mr. Gedney Webb, Class of 1986, back to his alma mater to give the Commencement Address to the Class of 2024. Watch Gedney Webb’s full speech here.