..........trip to Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Last week, I took a trip with my steel drum band students that meant more to me than anything I've ever done as a teacher. We went to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center Hospital in Washington, D.C. and played a couple of concerts for our wounded American soldiers, airmen, naval, and Marine personnel. Words really can't express how special this experience was. It all began as an idea I had to give something back to the troops that are currently serving us overseas. I have ensembles that often play for veterans affairs and memorials; but, we haven't done anything for those currently serving. Most of the other stuff was in the way of memorials. There are currently somewhere in the neighborhood of 40,000+ American service personnel who have come back to us from duties in Afghanistan and Iraq who have been wounded. These gallant men and women took the oath to protect America and serve at the discretion of the Commander in Chief of the USA. They did so without question, and we owe them all the honor that we can possibly muster. Oddly enough, these wounded don't get very much attention from the general public. After realizing that, I contacted our Congresswoman, Virginia Foxx; and asked if she could provide me with some contacts on how we could go to Washington and perform. I got the necessary phone numbers from her staff and began calling. The people at Walter Reed were very excited about us coming and we set a performance date right away. I then went through the proper school channels to get our trip approved. For any overnight trip, I have to go to our local board of education and offer a presentation for approval. We were approved in a unanimous vote of the BOE. The timeline for raising the necessary money for the trip and the departure date were very close together. I was not really sure that we would be able to pull it off. I had two weeks to get things paid for. I talked to my church one Sunday morning and presented a ten-minute talk on our local AM radio station. In ten days, we raised $8,300 for the trip! Wow! It really warms my heart to know that our community supports our veterans this much. We raised enough money to pay for all our hotel accommodations and to charter a bus.

We packed all the instruments and luggage onto our bus (yes, it almost didn't fit) and departed for Washington, D.C. at 6:00 AM Saturday morning. We arrived in D.C. about 3:00 PM, checked into our hotel and went "monument hopping". I got us a hotel that was two blocks from Union Station and two blocks from the US Capitol - a great location. We went to Union Station for dinner and rode the Metro to the National Mall area. We then walked to the Washington Monument, on to the World War II Monument (this was my first time seeing this stunning memorial), over to the Korean War Memorial; then backtracked over to the tidal basin, walked by the cherry blossom trees and over to the FDR Memorial, went back to the Lincoln Monument, over to the Vietnam Memorial (this is always a very moving place to be), over to the White House, and back to the hotel - we finished by 10:00 PM; and yes, this was a lot of walking! The next morning, we visited Arlington Cemetery. We had enough funds to take the tour bus (it was raining). We saw the eternal flame at the grave site of President Kennedy, Audie Murphy's grave site, a memorial to Civil War soldiers, toured Arlington House, and saw a couple of wreath laying ceremonies and the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. In all, we stayed at Arlington about two and one-half hours. After visiting the National Cemetery, we went to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum (the American History building was closed). After that, I asked the kids where they wanted to visit - they all responded that they would like to visit the Holocaust Museum; so, that's where we went. I was impressed with their choice and their maturity in this very serious place. Following our day of sightseeing, we went back to the hotel, rested (not a typical band trip), and got ready for dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe.

The next day, we met our Congresswoman for breakfast in the Capitol Members Dining Room. This is a private dining area in the Capitol that you may visit only if a member of Congress invites you to do so. If you've never toured the Capitol, put it on your "things to do" list - what a beautiful building. Following breakfast, the Congresswoman and her staff took us on the full tour. Now, I really must sound like I don't get to town often; but, I was in complete awe that I was walking in places that George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Abraham Lincoln (just to name a few) have actually been. We got to go down into the Congressional Chamber and sit in the seats of Congress while our Congresswoman and another Congressman talked to us about the meeting hall and the goings-on in there. Again, wow! I'm sitting in seats where it all takes place! Now, when you see the State of the Union Address each year, the President comes in from the back and seemingly takes forever to make his way down to the podium of this massive hall. Let me just say this - camera angles. There are only eight rows of seats in the entire hall - that's right; only eight rows! The upper seats are only three rows deep. This is not the enormous hall that it appears to be. Following our tour, we all had a picture made on the steps - I'll get you some pics in the next post.

We then boarded the bus and departed for the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Now, Walter Reed Hospital got a lot of bad press in the past couple of years for their conditions there. This is a complex of buildings that stretches over many acres of real estate. The hospital has been in operation since 1909, and some of the buildings are showing their age. I don't know for sure; but, I bet my grandfather, who got gassed in WWI, came here for treatment upon returning from France. These are the buildings that were shown by the Washington Post, etc. None of our wounded soldiers should ever be recovering in anything but the absolute best; and the commander of the Walter Reed Healthcare System lost his job over that report. We were scheduled to play in the main dining facility for the noon meal. They serve, on average, over 5,000 troops in here each day. We came in, set up our equipment and started the concert. Our Congresswoman went with us and went into the crowd shaking hands and offering thanks for their service. We got a great response from the hospital workers and the patients who were able to attend. As I looked around the room, I saw that a couple of men worked their way up to a table right in front of us. They were "grooving" to the music and obviously enjoying themselves with our performance. As a glanced down, I noticed that both men had a titanium leg. I went over to one of them and asked about their unit. He told me that he was Army, and was a combat engineer. He also shared with me that he had lost his leg diffusing an unexploded ordinance. He went on to say that he appreciated so very much us coming to the hospital and playing for them. He couldn't believe that we had driven over 300 miles just to do a concert for them. At that moment, I was embarrassed. He was thanking me for doing something so very small for us in the light of his sacrifice to all of America. I also realized that we had completed our original mission with a high degree of success. These wounded deserve all the best that America has to offer. I can't believe that more groups don't come in to entertain them and help take their minds off of their hardships, if only for an hour or so.

During the concert, the Commander of the hospital, Col. Horaho; came in to greet us and listen to the music. Wow, what a small world. Colonel Horaho is an Appalachian State graduate, and she has over 1,000 troops in her command at the hospital! We also found out that our Congresswoman was her advisor when they were both at ASU. Wherever a full-bird Col. is, underling officers are trailing close behind. I counted 16 other officers there. The NCO ranks were represented by the Command Sergeant Major of the facility, and his underlings. Colonel Horaho came over to thank the students and me for coming to the hospital, and asked if we could wait for a few minutes longer - she had something she wanted to give to us. When she returned, she had a bag full of her Commander's Coins. Let me tell you something about this ritual. All upper level commanders have a special coin that represents the unit they command. The coins are elaborately decorated with their unit motto and depict what the unit is about. These coins are presented by commanders to others for exemplary service that goes above and beyond the norm. Colonel Horaho presented each student and me with one of these coins personally. She took the time to perform the "handshake ceremony" with each one of us. As this was going on, I noticed all the underlings whispering to one another. Following this, one of the officers, a Captain, came over and asked to see the coin. He said; "Wow, do you know how special this is? I've never even seen one of her coins. These don't get passed around for anything less than very, very special events." Needless to say, the coin will have a place of honor in my home. The coin is beautiful, with the motto; "Providing Warrior Care".

Another interesting thing happened at the concert. Whenever the automatic doors opened into the patient halls on the same floor as the dining hall, the patients said the music came down to their rooms as clear as a bell. The patients wondered what was going on, and asked if the doors could remain open. The Command Sergeant Major ordered the doors left open so all could hear the music. The patients that could not come to the dining hall were able to hear the whole performance as well. The Sergeant Major asked if we had time to perform again on a lower floor where the main foyer was located. His idea was to order all the hallways open so everyone could hear the music. All the patient hallways opened into this 40 ft. open area. With the help of parents and the military, we move our equipment downstairs and played again. Everyone had a great time. Following this, the Sergeant Major gave me one of his coins. Again, many of the underlings wanted to see the coin.

I can't tell you how special this was for the students and me. We were assured that we had done some good on that day. The Walter Reed Army Medical Center specializes in wounds to limbs. The head traumas and other flesh wounds go to Bethesda Naval Hospital. All branches of the service are treated at both facilities. Walter Reed Hospital will be 100 years old next year. Currently, work is being done at Bethesda Naval Hospital to expand services there. In 2011, Walter Reed will close and all hospital services will be at the newly named, Bethesda National Military Hospital. As a nation, we need to not forget the sacrifices of the many that defend us. Getting involved and doing something may be more appreciated that you may think.

..........yes, our society is in crisis!

I don't know if I really have any words that express how I feel about this.

Do you fear that your child will mock you for your sagging chin, less than perky breasts, or crow's feet? Now there's a picture book for kids explaining Mommy's plastic surgery! Yes, it's real.

.........."no, not the Marine Corps Band!!!"

It seems that the Commander in Chief that some of you people elected, took the whole "President's Own"
thing a bit too literal. I can have only sympathy for the musicians, as he knows not what he does - in this capacity or any other!

.........."wuz mah memo concerning a red tie unclear?"

..........students, thinking?

For the past week or so, I've been working on the Gustov Holst, Second Suite in F. This is one of the staples of wind band literature that every serious band student should play sometime in their career. The piece was written in 1911, and continues to be a real focal point for wind band studies worldwide. Holst set the pace, so to speak, as to what many would do with the wind band for the next 90+ years.

The advances in technology since Holst wrote his famous Second Suite in F are enough to stagger one's mind. Oddly enough, the way that parts for the Second Suite in F were taught in 1911 are much the same technique that I use today in our band room. First, you have to learn to play the instrument and develop the characteristic sound associated with that instrument. This takes self-discipline and a great many hours of practice. Next, you have to learn to read the music. Knowing where to put silence and sound in time by reading a printed part is a lifelong skill for musicians. And finally, you must watch a conductor to receive direction for performance. All the things associated with learning to become a musician are still done the old fashioned way - work and persistence.

So often, we teachers hear the cries of the politicians, business people, and parents; "teach our kids how to think! Don't teach just the facts!" That would be great if we could convince them that thinking was not so obsolete. The age of technology, which was supposed to make our lives so much better, has taken the need for thinking right out of the mix. When I ask a group of students to spend time practicing a part, I get blank stares. These kids have been raised with a bottle in one hand and a wireless mouse in the other! Something that takes time and persistence is not what they want to hear! These people are used to typing something into the computer and having a choice of answers appear right in front of them within seconds. It's almost impossible for teachers to encourage thinking any longer unless you are right there with them and making them do it. Once they're out of your sight, they're right back there on the track to Google or search Wikepedia for the next answer. One doesn't even have to copy it from a book any more. You can just copy and paste the whole thing!

I bet you could bring traffic flow to a complete, grinding halt if all the GPS systems suddenly shut down! When I was a young infantryman of the US Army training to fight off the USSR, I was taught to use a military grid map, a protractor, and an 8-digit grid coordinate to call in artillery fire within a three meter area of my target. Today, it's all electronic, with the map as a backup plan. How accurate do you really thing the old method would be in today's combat zone; and would you want to rely on the skills of the average infantryman to call in some fire without his GPS?

Technology does our thinking for us. In fact, I plan to use "spellcheck" when I finish this post. I recently learned to send a text message while we were at Disney World (my kids taught me on the Disney bus). My mobile phone has a feature that will predict what word I want to use before I finish spelling it - the phone does my thinking for me.

I've been in teaching now for 26 years, and I've seen the difference technology has made in how people learn to think. It's not as much of an advancement as you might believe. The people who have a firm handle on things still read books, and use road maps to confirm that Mapquest is sending them the correct way. My trust is not so much in technology. It is handy and quick; but, it will never be smarter than me!!!

..........Monday Funny.

Yes, I know; that really doesn't sound as good as "Friday Funnies"; but, here goes. A student of mine told me this joke today.

John McCain, Barack Obama, and Hillary Clinton were on a plane together in the last days of the election. Sadly, the plane crashes and all three candidates are killed. The next scene finds the three of them before God Himself. God is seated in a large armchair as he receives the three candidates. God states to them; "If you can convince me why you should be allowed into Heaven, we'll be glad to have you join us." John McCain is the first to speak, and talks about his many efforts to help people here on Earth. God listens and invites him to sit on his left. Obama speaks up next and tells God of his concern and efforts for the children of the world. God allows him to be seated on his right. Oddly enough, Hillary doesn't say anything. She just stares at God with her chin resting in her hand, while thumping her foot on the cloud. God asks; "Well Mrs. Clinton, do you have anything to say?" Hillary quickly replies; "Aren't you in my seat?"

..........Friday Funnies!!!

Wow, it's been a while since we had some good Friday Funnies! Enjoy..............

"And according to a recent poll, one out of five people in their 20s believe you can love more than one person at a time. Yeah. Is that shocking? Hey, two out of two New York governors believe that." --Jay Leno

"In case you forgot, taxes are due next week. You know, we all hate paying taxes, but the truth of the matter is without our tax money, many politicians would not be able to afford prostitutes." --Jimmy Kimmel

"Did you see what's going on with the Olympic torch? A lot of protests. It arrived in San Francisco today on its way to China. The Chinese that were traveling with the torch were stunned by the number of protesters. They have never seen this many protesters alive." -Jay Leno

"John McCain's the only presidential candidate who is not currently using Secret Service protection. So far, McCain's only protection is the life insurance he bought from Wilford Brimley." --Conan O'Brien

"Hillary Clinton on Tuesday said she is not a quitter and compared herself to Rocky Balboa -- the washed-up, over-the-hill, white contender who despite a Herculean effort is soundly beaten by the charismatic black guy." --Seth Meyers

"Hillary Clinton's campaign on Friday released her joint tax returns showing $109 million in income over the last seven years. Though most of that comes from Bill Clinton's speaking engagements, book royalties and stud fees." --Amy Poehler

"I feel for John McCain. He has a tough road to hoe now. He's trying to distance himself from George Bush. First off, by completing sentences with punctuation." --Bill Maher

..........just stuff.

I'm really getting tired of hearing about politics, and this is only the tip of the iceberg for us all. If you watch any TV at all, you're going to be bombarded with political hate ads until November. Man, that's a long time! I think I'll watch a lot of DVD's during this time. As I was watching American Idol the other night, the major presidential candidates each did a spot on the Idol Gives Back show. It was pretty sickening, to say the least; especially the Hillary Clinton spot - she is so plastic with here stupid opinions. John McCain didn't help himself with some of his comments. This wasn't really the show to make stab-type comments. Well, they're all idiots! Who, in their right mind, would want to inherit the mess this country is currently in? I just read an article in our local paper concerning yet another plant being closed, and another 200 jobs lost to our local citizens because of the slow new homes market. These banking-types who caused this mess, and any politician, or economist that didn't stop the snowball should be tried and jailed on treason to this country! They knew what was coming and did nothing but save their own pathetic butts!

Well, on to other matters. I'm currently working on a great piece of music in my band class - the Gustov Holst, Second Suite in F for Military Band. The arrangement we're playing is a recent adaptation for younger bands, but holds all of the excitement and movements of the original. The Holst suites (there are two - Eb and F) are two of the greatest and most celebrated pieces for wind and percussion band. In fact, any serious band musician should play these tunes at some point in their musical career. The Second Suite in F was written in 1911, and uses some outstanding folk tunes from Great Brittan. The students are challenged and are very well engaged in the learning. I've always wanted to have a group of mine play this - exciting!

The steel drum band is coming along quite well. Each year we add several new selections to our repertoire. We've got several tunes arranged by my good friend, Josh; who does an outstanding job with steel band arrangements. I'm really looking forward to starting our work on his arrangement of the Beach Boys, Kokomo early next week. Next Saturday, we are headed to Washington, D.C. to perform at Walter Reed Army Medical for some wounded war veterans and their families. We've really gained a lot of support here locally for the trip. It's going to take between five and six thousand dollars to fund the trip, and I currently have about $1,050 that I've collected in the form of donations. I think some more will be coming in over the weekend. I've been moved by the number of local citizens this has touched. Quite a few of our locals have sent me donations who stated that they were either in Walter Reed as a patient, volunteer, or staff member at some time during their life. This will be a real education for my students, and hopefully, something uplifting for the people we perform for. As part of the trip, I thought it would be fun to perform out on the National Mall lawn on Sunday afternoon. That should be an east task, right? I called the National Park Service yesterday, and it is a possibility for us; but, I had to fill-out the four page Application for a Demonstration/Special Event and send it next-day mail to NPS. We'll see how that goes. The NPS people will love all those big cases going from the trailer to our performance location!

My student teacher isn't here today, and I'm looking forward to directing the band later this morning. He's out observing a general music class today. He told me that later this weekend he plans to go home and propose to his girlfriend. I gave him a bit of advice yesterday when, of course, he asked me for it. He was in the process of buying the ring; which is one of the most important purchases he will make in his life. He found a $2,000+ ring that was exactly what he was looking for; but, found another ring for 75% off. With the 75% off ring, the carat weight was the same; the gold was just a different color. She likes white gold and the 75% off ring was yellow gold. He asks me; "what would you do?" My immediate answer was to go with the discount. She's going to love it anyway, right? Man, I hope this doesn't go south for him. Is it written in law that the ring has to be expensive?

.........."Um, wait. That's not where I hid
the bottle of Cuervo..."

..........makin' 'Murika safer.

"Ah'm signin' mah own release!" The Second Chance for Ex-Offenders Act is a bill that amends the federal criminal code to allow former convicts to file a petition to expunge their conviction record for certain nonviolent criminal offenses. I'm sure the definition of said crimes will be clear and without loop holes as to insure the safety of all American citizens. Is a sin not a sin? Is a crime not a crime? That bronzer on Joe Biden is certainly a crime!

..........simple consideration!

I always go completely out of my way to be considerate of others. This is something I do without hesitation simply because I don't want to disrupt other people and whatever it is they are doing. By doing so, I'm often am pushed into a corner and forced to become difficult. It's tough to be considerate of others in a society that values "me" more than "us". Am I a socialist? No, Glenn Beck, I'm quite the opposite; but, I will always believe that being a team player is important. Teaching public school is, at best, a thankless job. Not only is it extremely difficult dealing with the general public; one also has to consider dealing with the different administrative bodies, and worst of all, the other people in other programs within the school itself. Many of you know where I'm going - hmmmm, he must have had another athletic department conflict. If that's you guess, then, you are correct on all counts. Here's how I got there (robbed that one from Glenn Beck - right wing extremist). For the past 24 years, I've had our annual Marching Band Camp during the week that proceeds the beginning of school. It has never changed and everyone knows when this camp happens. I even took special efforts this year to send a copy of my band calendars (July-December) to the athletic director early last month as to avoid any conflict. I talked to the football coach to confirm everything, since we use the same practice field areas. In our discussion, I learned that my camp, which was to run Monday - Saturday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM would present a conflict for football practice. With that in mind, I simply changed our camp to Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, so football could practice early on Saturday morning. Team player, right? That was my intention. I made an obvious sacrifice to be a team player. Now, just this morning, I get a message that the football coach wants to have a three-day camp for Kindergarten - 6th grade students here at the high school on the first three days of my camp! The athletic director asks me if he [the football coach] has talked to me about it. The answer was, of course; "no". There is a battle on the horizon. I will tell all of you Beware of the Elephant In Tall Grass readers out there (both of you), that I will not lose this fight; and, in fact, there may be casualties. An offensive strike is coming on this one. These sports people better get their head out of their hind quarters and look around them. I can be nasty to deal with and it's about time these half-witted, narrow-minded, twits get a taste of someone else being in the world besides them! After I publish this post, I will be preparing for battle! Will I continue to be considerate of these people? You're darn right I will. I'm better than them, and my character is much stronger. There will; however, be a distinct line drawn in the sand over this situation, and I'll dare anyone to rattle my cage from this point on! I do a pretty good job at modifying the behavior of others - thanks to the U.S. Army Drill Sergeant School, Class of 1987. Get down and give me 20!

..........Safari Guide Barbie™ campaigns for John McCain.

..........When the world seems to shine,

like you've had too much

wine,

that's amore...

..........so, what's the deal?

As usual, I listened to the Bob and Sherri Show on my way into school this morning. One of the topics for discussion today was Michael Vick. The former NFL quaterback is now serving a 23 month sentence for hosting a dog fighting ring at his Virginia home. With good behavior, he could be released by July, 2009. This release date is pending an additional sentence on state charges from Virginia. I expect those charges to be a suspended sentence of sorts, but who knows. Anyway, both Bob and Sherri (rabid left-wing nut jobs) were talking about how he [Vick] should never be allowed to play professional football ever again. The former coach of the Atlanta Falcons has publically stated that he will not be returning to their club. My question is this; "why not?" The guy serves his time and pays his debt to society. Why not allow him to return to the NFL? Am I to believe that the NFL only employs good citizens to play for them? Listen, there are a great many more thugs out there playing professional sports that have done and still do worse things than hosting a dog fighting ring. It's almost a weekly thing that we hear about some professional athlete abusing his wife or being arrested for drugs. As a collective whole, professional athletes are not the role models they are portrayed as being, and I don't really think it's their falt. The athletes are a product of the American consumer, who thrives on controversy and always being on the edge of acceptable behavior. Granted, many professional athletes do use their fame and fortune to help others. I don't want to belittle that. There are some great family-oriented individuals in professional sports who do set a positive example. The late Reggie White is one that comes to mind. I sure wish we could hear more about their efforts, and less of the failures in character. Recently, I saw a spot on a professional basketball player (I can't remember his name) from Africa who, by using his own money and funds from his professional athlete friends, builds multi million dollar hospitals in Africa. Who knows? Michael Vick may come out of this mess as a very positive role model for others. I sure think he should return to the game. Let's save the banishment from society for those who choose to drive drunk, murder, produce and sell drugs, abuse children, and steal from the elderly.

.........."Wow, farts really echo in here!"

..........I hate it when....

1. .....people reach onto the middle of a roll of paper towels with wet hands. I have a wall mounted paper towel roll in the band room music library just over the sink. After I wash my hands, I always pull some excess paper towel down so the next person can grab onto a towel with ease, while not getting any other towels wet. I'M THE ONLY ONE HERE THAT DOES THIS!!!! It makes me soooo mad when someone reaches into the middle of the roll with wet hands. No one else wants to use a towel that has water from your hands on it.

2. .....rednecks won't turn on their headlights in the rain, dusk, or early morning. These idiots just turn on the parking lights. What's the deal? Why not turn that one extra click so that we can all see you!

3. .....people talk on their mobile phones while attempting to conduct a transaction of some sort. I was at Lisa's school the other day while she was hosting a book fair. Kids and their parents come into the school library to buy books and such. While this mom was purchasing books for her kid, the mobile phone rang. She answered it and carried on the conversation while she was paying for the books - unacceptable!!!!!! I also got behind some idiot woman in the bank drive-through the other day who was talking on her phone while "attempting" to carry on her transaction. It took forever for her to get her stuff together and get the hell out of my way! I can't stand it when people talk on phones in restaurants and other public places. I just think one should talk on the mobile phone in a more private place; in other words, NO ONE WANTS TO HEAR YOUR CONVERSATIONS! Sorry ladies, but about 98% of these infractions are a result of bad judgement from your gender group.

4. .....people come from another direction to the fast food drive through line, and expect me to let them in the line when there are clearly others waiting behind me. This really aggravates me. Who do these people think they are? There is a clear path to follow and the line does form to the rear - enough said! I got a dirty look at Hardee's the other day when I wouldn't allow a woman to enter the line in front of me. There were five other vehicles behind me. What makes her think that she should be special?

5. .....people tell me after a band performance; "Oh, these kids are soooo talented." Are you kidding? If these people were to suddenly have to live or die based on their talent, there wouldn't be enough students to form a quartet! No, it's the result of a lot of blood, sweat, and tears on my part that these kids perform well. I usually don't get to bent out of shape about this; because, the general public is pretty stupid and mainly musically illiterate. As students get lazier and lazier, it gets to me more often. Side note: three years until retirement!

Okay, that's enough for now. I just had to blow off a little steam. Let me know if you share my grief, and what your special "I hate it when.........." is.

.........."Hey, how kin Ah be up there.....

when Ah'm down here?"

..........The Top 100 April Fools Hoaxes Of All Time:

#6: Nixon for President

In 1992 National Public Radio's Talk of the Nation program announced that Richard Nixon, in a surprise move, was running for President again. His new campaign slogan was, "I didn't do anything wrong, and I won't do it again." Accompanying this announcement were audio clips of Nixon delivering his candidacy speech. Listeners responded viscerally to the announcement, flooding the show with calls expressing shock and outrage. Only during the second half of the show did the host John Hockenberry reveal that the announcement was a practical joke. Nixon's voice was impersonated by comedian Rich Little.