Random thoughts about many interests and people, with a realization of the blessings of life. I try to follow my mother's advice, don't discuss politics or religion.
Last night my wife and I attended a Banquet held to honor the Mercer Community Band's 35th anniversary. The band, led by Dr. Hendley D. Hoge, is labeled as "The Best Free Entertainment on a Friday Night. Indeed it must be, for each Friday night the Court House Square in Mercer, a community in Western Pennsylvania, is crowded with band and audience.
Patterning the concerts after the popular concert master and composer, John Philip Sousa, Dr. Hendley has arranged highly entertaining programs that appeal to a wide range of people, both in the audience and in the band. He adds spice to the concerts with skilled vocal and instrumental soloists, and treats his musicians with respect and appreciation. Not only has the Mercer Maestro found a key to success with music, he has included other All-American favorites such as an ice cream social and home-made pie. There is always an aura of excitement and a feeling of community Americana on a Summer Friday night in Mercer thanks to the energetic Dr. Hoge and the wonderful staff of volunteers he is able to recruit. The 35th Anniversary Banquet was an opportunity to reflect on the success and growth of the Mercer Community Band and a chance to recognize the contributions of individual members. Needless to say, a good time was had by all.
Surfing the web the other night I came across a video of the Indiana University Marching 100 from November 19, 1955. I played clarinet in this band. The game was at Memorial Stadium against IU’s great rival Purdue University, ah yes, I do remember the Golden Girl from Purdue. Anyway, it was quite a treat seeing this video and recalling moments from those days. I knew we were a great marching band, but I never saw how we looked from the stadium, until I saw this video posted on YouTube. My how times have changed.
In 1955, only men played in the Marching Hundred. As I recall there was a first that year in using women as baton twirlers. As a Music Major I was required to be in the band, although I would probably have joined regardless. I liked being part of the activity of the university, and especially playing in the band. I also played in a volunteer pep band for Hoosier basketball games. We had two uniforms: a new one--the one you see in the video, and an older one, with a cool cape, we used for the pep band.
Our entrance into Memorial Stadium can be seen in the video, but not as clearly as I remember. Herald trumpeters lined the top row as the band quick stepped down the aisles onto the playing field. After a spectacular beginning, we maintained a lively pace with dance steps and precise formulations that transformed into pictograms that required dedicated rehearsal. Some of the results can be seen in both the pre-game and half-time shows. There is no sound, but I can still hear the strains of “Indiana, My Indiana.”
Among the memorable moments for me was playing at Ohio State before a crowd of 80,000 people, and at Notre Dame during its glory years. A special moment for me came at Notre Dame as I started marching out on the field. I heard my name called from the stands. Our neighbor from across the street, a high school classmate, was attending ND and his father was a grad. When I turned to the stands, I saw my classmate’s mother and father, smiling and waving. I had great respect for them, and their recognition made me proud.
I enjoyed the Saturday morning preparations on campus. Cool, crisp, Fall days at Indiana University brought excitement to the air as alumni gathered, students were out for a break from studying, Big 10 Football was about to be played, and I knew many of the players on the team. Most of all, I loved being a part of the collegiate atmosphere by playing in the Marching Hundred.
Been a long time since my last blog post, so I’ll do a little catching up. First of all, for those who have been concerned about my health, I’m doing great. My 71st birthday just passed and I’ve renewed my resolve to enjoy everyday of my life for what’s it worth, ups and downs. I don’t always succeed in appreciating the small pains and frustrations of daily existence, but I’m making headway in gaining a larger perspective. Why not, at my age you realize how quickly time flies and that the precious days ahead are dwindling to a few.
I’m proud of my daughter who graduated, Cum Laude, this Spring from Edinboro University. Her Commencement ceremony featured a short video clip of each graduate as she or he came to the platform to accept their diploma. On one screen behind the platform of dignitaries was a screen featuring a close up of the graduate announcing their name and major study; on another screen, the graduate was seen as they received their diploma and the congratulations of the university President. This multi-media event actually added to the celebratory nature of graduating from college.
My wife and I once again wintered in Boca Raton, Florida, a location we have grow to appreciate more each year, as we have made more friends and Boca has become our winter home. The most significant activity for me is playing clarinet in The Gold Coast Band at Boynton Beach.
The Gold Coast Band is a community band that cheerfully accepts snowbirds and watches it’s sections swell in size each winter, only to have them dwindle again in May. However, they have what must be one of the most entertaining concerts of the year after most of us have gone. During the season, each concert features one or two medleys of big band hits or old standards, and these numbers are gathered together to create a “Senior Prom.” The seniors, in this case, are the golden aged members of the Gold Coast, who remember the songs from their youth. The audience’s chairs are placed along the walls and the floor is open for dancing. A very nice finale to the season, but one I have yet to participate in.
There is much more to tell, but I’ll save these stories for another day, this post being long enough as it is. I hope your life is as pleasant as mine in Pappy’s Paradise.
