I Play Trombone

In my small hometown band started in the summer of our 6th grade year. I did not want to be in or become a member of the band but my mother insisted. What mom wanted she got. I originally wanted to play the French horn but I remember the person at the time saying that with Mike rea I did not want to be in or become a member of the band but my mother insisted. What mom wanted she got. I originally wanted to play the French horn but I remember the person at the time saying that with My rather large lips that I should think about the trombone. Since my best friend was going to play trombone I thought what the heck I'll play too. Best forward a few years and I actually became quite a good player. I was first y my rather large lips that I should think about the trombone. Since my best friend was going to play trombone I thought what the heck I'll play too. Best forward a few years and I actually became quite a good player. I was first chair trombone as a freshman in high school in the band. It also helped that I and virtually everyone adored the band director who ultimately became the director of music at UW – Milwaukee. He left before my senior year. We were very sad to see him go. During my freshman year in high school band director asked me to become the drum major. I did not want to do this but again given my affinity for Mr. D. I agreed and was the drum major for four years. It was during this time that I also auditioned and became part of the Wisconsin honors band the summer of 1974. It's ironic that I never wanted to be in the band to begin with but ultimately went to college studied music and graduated with a degree in music education. That's another story but ultimately I did not pursue a career in teaching as at the time of my graduation I was offered a job that paid less than $10,000 a year. I could not see myself making such little money at the time nor down the road continuing to be a band director or teacher when I knew the kids would ultimately get to me and I would become burned out. So I chose a career in outside sales from which I am now retired. I still play my horn and plan on joining A group this fall comprised of music majors and music enthusiasts.