A 102-year-old conductor from Baldwin raised his baton for the last time on Wednesday.

Bobby Ferrari and the Golden Tone Orchestra delighted the crowd at the Merrick Golf Course. Ferarri played a clarinet solo. He also plays the flute and the saxophone.

“My uncle was a music teacher in Italy. When he arrived, he taught musical instruments and singing to the family…that’s how I started,” he says.

Ferrari, born in 1920, worked for 30 years as a factory engineer at Grumman while pursuing his love of music. He played with big bands and swing groups in New Orleans and various clubs on Long Island.

Ferrari has also played with big names, like Burt Bacharach.

Ferrari began conducting the Golden Tone Orchestra in 2000 at the age of 80. Wednesday marked the end of an era for the band as he left his role as band leader.

However, he says he will never give up his love of music.

“It’s emotional…it’s something you feel inside. You don’t just read it like a newspaper, those notes mean something,” says Ferrari.

Ferrari still lives alone and drives itself, including until its last performance. He credits his sharpness to hard work and staying active.

“Being active with people, keeping up to date with news…participating in activities. Don’t just sit back and accept things, you can also change things,” he says.

Ferrari also says a little gratitude goes a long way.

“There’s so much to do in this world, I wish I could live another 102 years,” he says.

The Golden Tone Orchestra is made up of volunteers. It is staffed mostly by older adults, but is open to people of all ages.