Posted on August 17th 2005, 6:57 pm
Today I got notice that my high school band director died. He was
52. That man was one of strongest influences on my life. I actually
almost majored in music because of him. I have some pretty great
memories too. We had become friends by the time I left school.
Unfortunately we had lost touch since I went off to college.
After he retired from my high school, he got his doctorate and moved up
in the world. He was the head of the jazz music program at Marquette
University. He had been in that position for only a couple years. I
went to high school with both of his children. His daughter was in my
class and I played 1st chair trombone with his son. We sat next to each
other every day.
He taught me what music really is. He taught me how to really play, how
to lead, and how to love music. He even sold me my trombone, a rare
1950's Martin Committee lead trombone. I had intended on selling it
back to him, since it's not getting the use it should be. He had told
me that he wanted it back if I ever thought about selling it.
I had dreams that I would run into him. Every time I went home I would
worry about it. A lot of things have drastically changed about me that
many people in high school don't know about. Some of them probably wont
approve at all...but all the same, I still wanted to meet him again.
Now I wont get that opportunity. His memorial service is this weekend.
I'll be there. I never thought I'd cry, but I am.
Luv,
Jess