Damn...just found out my old high school band director died yesterday.
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Damn...just found out my old high school band director died yesterday.
While it might be of little consequence for most, it's a big deal to me. I owe my career to this guy. As the director of a U.S. Marine Corps band (you've seen me on TV if you've seen the Tournament of Roses Parade recently), I still use many of the same techniques and tools I learned from him when I work with high school bands, and even in my own band on a daily basis.
He got me started on trombone back in 4th grade. He helped me prepare for my instrumental audition for the Marines way back in 1983 and followed my career as I rose through the ranks. I'll never forget the look on his face when I told him I got selected to become a band director for a Marine Corps band. He was so proud.
Many teachers go through life wondering if they've touched anyone or made a difference in a student's life. This guy didn't have that problem.
LJ - thanks for being a great teacher, a trusted confidant, a superb mentor, and most of all a true friend.
He got me started on trombone back in 4th grade. He helped me prepare for my instrumental audition for the Marines way back in 1983 and followed my career as I rose through the ranks. I'll never forget the look on his face when I told him I got selected to become a band director for a Marine Corps band. He was so proud.
Many teachers go through life wondering if they've touched anyone or made a difference in a student's life. This guy didn't have that problem.
LJ - thanks for being a great teacher, a trusted confidant, a superb mentor, and most of all a true friend.
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Joined: Jun 2000
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Hey Man, at least he died knowing he did excellent at his job on this planet.
You as part of his professional carrer are a great acomplishment for him. Teachers really don't get enough thanks, esp. today.
Don't feel sad. Be happy that he was proud of you and you we're one of the few he touched.
Sorry
Bret
Don't feel sad. Be happy that he was proud of you and you we're one of the few he touched.
Sorry
Bret
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I sympathize completely. My favorite prof. from undergrad. passed a few years ago...
He was the reason I further pursued the study of economics. He was a brilliant man, with a rapier wit, and with an incredible sense of self-worth, yet he had humility. I was more profoundly affected by his passing, than anyone else I knew to date, or since.
My homage to him was to start a collection of first-edition economics texts at the library at that school. As a book collector and a junior economist, I could think of no more poignant gesture. I have contributed to it significantly, as have others, both his colleagues and former students. I one day hope to be able to find a really nice copy of Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations, to add to the collection, but that might be several (or many) years from now... ;-)
Anyway, the reason I share the above, is to let you know know that I understand your sense of loss... This project has not only allowed me to pay appropriate respect to a great mind, but has brought me some closer to reconciliation with his absence.
:-)
My homage to him was to start a collection of first-edition economics texts at the library at that school. As a book collector and a junior economist, I could think of no more poignant gesture. I have contributed to it significantly, as have others, both his colleagues and former students. I one day hope to be able to find a really nice copy of Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations, to add to the collection, but that might be several (or many) years from now... ;-)
Anyway, the reason I share the above, is to let you know know that I understand your sense of loss... This project has not only allowed me to pay appropriate respect to a great mind, but has brought me some closer to reconciliation with his absence.
:-)
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Whilst my high school band director is still alive (hmm, and still directing!)....
I owe him a lot too. I played in the First US Army band right out of high school and thanks to him I got very high scores on the audition tests (what the heck were those called?) and ended up second chair within months (first chair was a Sgt First Class whose tone sucked big time but the C.O. told me himself, rank had to rule sometime). At any rate, it's fascinating to "meet" another TT'er AND a military musician!
You have my sympathy and understanding in your loss. Best regards,
Nancy
You have my sympathy and understanding in your loss. Best regards,
Nancy
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