Dear friends,

At Butch's suggestion, I would like to start a dialogue of memories of being in the Mac Band.  We were all so fortunate to have our spectacular Band Reunion two summers ago, and was perfect timing in having John and Blanche Pearson and Mr. & Mrs. Adamcik able to attend.  I'm starting to do conducting clinics, and was recently in San Antonio for the TMEA Convention.  I spent the afternoon with Blanche and Johnny over the weekend, and as Blanche hasn't changed, John is getting frail.  He had a knee replaced, and is just now able to do some substantial walking.  I'll keep you posted.

As I was saying to the Pearsons, one of my most vivid memories was while I was head drum major.  I remember the feeling that I had immediately after the half-time shows: one of complete and utter exhaustion.  I was so completely spent from giving the show every ounce of my energy, I could barely put one foot in front of the other heading back into the bleechers!  It usually took me about a half hour to recover.  Remember, bottled water had not been invented yet!

 In the Spring of 1969, the symphonic band was rehearsing for the Spring Musicale, and on the program was the First Movement of the Grieg Piano Concerto, with soloist Richard Carnes.  Up until the final dress rehearsal, Richard passed over the cadenza, not only to save time in rehearsal, but so that he wouldn't have to play the cadenza on the ancient, out-of-tune piano in the band room.  So, on this particular morning, Mr. Pearson demanded that Richard play the entire movement.  Each time we came to the cadenza, Richard flatly refused to play it.  The stand-off lasted several uncomfortable minutes.  Finally, after running out of options, Mr. Pearson stared at Richard (the room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop), reached into his back pocket, and said, "Richard, here's a piece of candy."  He was finally humiliated into playing the cadenza after the room exploded into laughter.  Ironically, as he was in the middle of the cadenza, the morning announcements came over the PA system!  Double humiliation!!  One of the all-time great moments for me.