Scholarship Fund Established Honoring Timothy J. “Slipperman” Gilles to Support Local Students Pursuing Music Education 

Herkimer and Oneida County students with a passion for music now have a new opportunity to pursue their dreams, thanks to the establishment of the "Slipperman” Music Scholarship in Memory of Timothy J. Gilles Fund at the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties. The fund was created in memory of Utica native Timothy “Slipperman” Gilles, who passed away unexpectedly in January 2022 at the age of 60 at his home in Beauty Point, Tasmania, Australia. It will provide financial support to local graduates seeking to continue their education in music-related fields, ensuring his legacy lives on through the next generation of musicians. 

A passionate and self-taught musician, Tim built a remarkable career rooted in creativity, dedication, and an unwavering love for music. A talented heavy metal drummer and audio engineer, Tim performed in several bands, most notably Luftwaffe and Fear Tech, which developed a devoted following throughout the 1980s. Known for his exceptional ear and technical skill, he was mentored by respected audio engineer Bob Yager, an experience that helped shape his future in the recording industry. 

In 1991, Tim founded Big Blue Meenie Studios in the basement of his home in Hackensack, NJ. The studio quickly gained recognition, leading him to purchase the former Quantum Sound Studios in Jersey City, where he produced more than 800 records over the course of his career. His work included gold and platinum recordings with influential acts such as Thursday, Taking Back Sunday, and S.O.D., cementing his reputation as a respected figure in the music world. 

Tim was also widely known throughout the international rock music community for his wit and insight as “Slipperman” on industry forums, as well as for his role as an original panelist on “The Mixerman Radio Show.” He further shared his expertise through his widely circulated online guide, “Slipperman’s Recording Distorted Guitars From Hell.” 

Throughout his career, Tim helped shape the paths of countless young musicians and audio engineers. While he had many interests, a deep love of music remained the defining passion of his professional life, a legacy this scholarship fund will carry forward. 

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must be graduates of a school district located in Herkimer or Oneida counties and demonstrate a commitment to pursuing a career in music. This includes, but is not limited to, fields such as performance, composition, conducting, music education, sound engineering, and more. Applicants must also be enrolled in an accredited two- or four-year college or university, certificate program, vocational school, or continuing education program. 

To make a charitable donation, visit www.foundationhoc.org/slipperman or send checks payable to the “Slipperman” Music Scholarship in Memory of Timothy J. Gilles Fund, and mailed to the Community Foundation, 2608 Genesee St., Utica, NY 13502.