A sad day of loss for me *PIC*

[shawn_a]

This past Thursday the person who was most influential to my appreciation of music passed away, my high school band director. Many years before I was in high school he was the instructor for a class in 'computer music' I attended. We're talking about making tunes on a Commodore 64 here people, hot stuff! Anyway, he was one in a million. He was tough, he was strict and he challenged his students to rise to the top which is something my graduating class did with zeal, culminating with a state championship in marching band competition. In the four hard years I spent in marching band, the class of '89 finished no lower than fourth place. We were equally as successful during the concert season winning several competitions and having a lot of fun being the cream of the crop. He pushed us to excel because he knew we could take the pressure and for that I'm forever grateful. Behind his cartoony looks was a man of no equal when it came to squeezing every last ounce of ability from his students.

I regret that I drifted out of touch with him over the years. I knew his health was starting to fail him but he died too young, only 62 years old. So if any of you reading this had any special teacher, no matter the subject, look them up and say hello. It's so true that you don't know what you had until it's gone. I'm saying bon voyage to a gifted instructor tomorrow and it really smarts. No other teacher I ever had poured as much of his soul into his job and that left an everlasting impression on me. Here's to you Mr. Varnell, Sir! And thanks for the gift you gave me. The music will never die.

shawn

[Paul Carmody]

That is sad that he died so young. He sounds like a fantastic teacher and director.

It's interesting that you suggest reaching out to favorite teachers. A few months ago, I wrote to my old Honors English teacher, Mr. CopperSmith. He really helped me understand HOW to read into literature, and deepened my appreciation for writing. He was so confusing to listen to; no one understood him, but his methods worked for me. He was the first speaker builder I ever knew. (He would sometimes work it into his meandering lectures) He also was one of a few male teachers that made me realize that men do have a place in schools. And now I'm a teacher

I actually ran into him at the retirement dinner of my old band director, and we talked about... what else? Speaker building and teaching.

People, I am with Shawn here 100%. Most everyone has had a few influential teachers. Don't be afraid to say Hi. Even if they're too busy to respond, they DO remember you, and are excited to hear what you are up to.

[edlafontaine]

A sad day for all of us. My mentor passed away several years ago. I often wonder how he would respond to some of the challenges I face. I cherish the positive effect he had on my life and how I grew under his influence. KEEP THE MUSIC ALIVE!

[biff]

Until you meet again - -

[Paul K.]

Other than meeting the girl in high school that eventually became my wife, the best part of high school was playing trumpet/cornet in concert band, marching band, orchestra and dance band. I, too, had a memorable instructor, Burnell Smith (aka: Smitty). He's been long gone but he was an extremely important person in my younger years.
Paul

> This past Thursday the person who was most
> influential to my appreciation of music
> passed away, my high school band director.
> Many years before I was in high school he
> was the instructor for a class in 'computer
> music' I attended. We're talking about
> making tunes on a Commodore 64 here people,
> hot stuff! Anyway, he was one in a million.
> He was tough, he was strict and he
> challenged his students to rise to the top
> which is something my graduating class did
> with zeal, culminating with a state
> championship in marching band competition.
> In the four hard years I spent in marching
> band, the class of '89 finished no lower
> than fourth place. We were equally as
> successful during the concert season winning
> several competitions and having a lot of fun
> being the cream of the crop. He pushed us to
> excel because he knew we could take the
> pressure and for that I'm forever grateful.
> Behind his cartoony looks was a man of no
> equal when it came to squeezing every last
> ounce of ability from his students.

> I regret that I drifted out of touch with
> him over the years. I knew his health was
> starting to fail him but he died too young,
> only 62 years old. So if any of you reading
> this had any special teacher, no matter the
> subject, look them up and say hello. It's so
> true that you don't know what you had until
> it's gone. I'm saying bon voyage to a gifted
> instructor tomorrow and it really smarts. No
> other teacher I ever had poured as much of
> his soul into his job and that left an
> everlasting impression on me. Here's to you
> Mr. Varnell, Sir! And thanks for the gift
> you gave me. The music will never die.

> shawn