A Red and Blue Thank You – Finding My Career

o ctober 18, 2015

Red and Blue. Still make me smile. Lake Arthur. Tiger Land. The school. The teams. Community. And yes, of course, the Band.

Red and blue. A special place. There, my career did start. Five long years. Twenty-four/seven. Changed my life. Stole my heart.

The town. The people. Took me in. Gave me, first chance to teach. I grew. I loved. I worked. I cried…as all, I tried to reach.

Success did happen. And more. We bonded deeply, too. Much time has passed. Just want to say: Red and Blue, I thank you.

Students. Some now, grandparents. Are still young, in my mind. Their faces, voices, and laughter...memories, so kind.

Don’t know, how to tell each one, how much, they mean to me. I only hope, each understands. The things, they helped me see.

I learned so much, in those years. These students, taught me too. Their parents, patient. Stood by me. Together, saw it through.

Did much right. Some mistakes. Young man, finding his way. But in the end...was pure magic. These were, wonderful days.

Band directors, like coaches. Can be, much like nomads. Had lots of jobs. Good bands. Great friends. Each time I moved, felt sad.

Yes, I taught at many schools. Worked, over forty years. So many people, that I owe. So many, I hold dear.

Each place I taught. Filled my heart. Many moments, treasured. All, of my students. Parents too. First-rate, by any measure.

But Red and Blue. Set the tone. Gave me, such confidence. Over time, I became better. Wiser. More competent.

Ended up, in Hall of Fame. But that, is just a sign. Of what, my students did for me. Award more theirs, than mine.

As I’ve grown old...reflect...on history, we shared. The Red and Blue. Pride and Spirit. The Band. The bond. Still there.

Band Officers, Lake Arthur High School 1978