The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Frank Mochol
Date: 2002-09-12 15:31
I recieved an email from a high school buddy I have not seen in almost 27 years. He wanted to let me know our high school band director had passed away at age 71. Although I've only seen him a couple times since graduation, it hit me hard....I don't think I've picked up an instument in the last 27 odd years without thinking about him...wondering if he'd like what I'm playing....maybe it's mid life crisis, but I remember him and those days in his bands so clearly and fondly. He is pretty much the reason I got into music in the first place. I was hardly the model high school student, but I dearly loved the clarinet....and him. Thanks, Mr. P....you made a huge impact in my life , and I'm sure hundreds of other lucky students lives. If I have a fraction of the influence on my students that you've had on me, I'll be a fullfilled person. Goodbye. LHS class of '74
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Author: Keith Ferguson
Date: 2002-09-12 19:35
Frank, I can certainly empathize with your post, although my situation is a bit different. I started playing the clarinet again a few months ago after a career-length layoff, working with my old method books and recital pieces which still bear my teacher's pencilled notations. The combination of playing the music again and looking at the notations has brought back many wonderful memories of a great player and teacher who, like all good teachers, taught me much more than simply how to play the clarinet. Fortunately, my teacher is still with us, and your post has prompted me to make sure I say a long-overdue "Thanks" while I still can.
KF
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Author: janlynn
Date: 2002-09-12 20:40
i recently did that. it had been atleast 17 years since i saw my 'old' band director. 5-8th grade but i still saw him around when i was in high school. took a trip to ireland with him and the rest of the band when i was in 10th grade. i didnt really appreciate it as a kid. just went with the flow, cuz thats what all the other kids were doing. now i see it as an experience of a life time in which i will never forget. im still very involved in music and its becuz of my wonderful music teacher from when i was a kid. a few months back i decided i had to thank him and found out his address and wrote. im so glad i had the opportunity to tell him. and frank -im sorry your band directors passing has hit you so hard but i bet he knows how you feel too.
JL
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Author: Bob
Date: 2002-09-12 23:16
We have had a high school Alumni Band get-together for the past two years and the results have been very gratifying and lots of memories. At our last concert our former Grade School Band Director age 89 directed one piece and also played a cornet solo. Lots of nice memories.
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Author: William
Date: 2002-09-12 23:31
Your old band directors love to hear from you--I speak from personal experiance.
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Author: diz
Date: 2002-09-13 01:20
Frank - hop into your car, drive to your local music store, buy a clarinet, some reeds and get playin' again - you'll love it, promise!
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