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Hey Don, great to hear from you. 60 years of playing is quite impressive! I hope all is well.

Very cool! I totally agree on starting with piano. I took 3 years starting in 2nd grade before starting trumpet. It really was a great basis to start. I’m sure you’ve seen todays drum lines. Absolutely ridiculous what these high school kids are accomplishing!

Yep, that’s how it usually works - whatever instrumentation the band director needs at the time. 😁 Most of my work is with professional musicians, but I have the utmost respect for music educators. It’s a labor of love for sure!

Thank you! I love that you want to encourage your kids to explore music. Just being part of a team is such a valuable experience for young people. I have found that so many of the best students at schools are involved in music.

I cut my teeth listening to the name big bands at the park in the 70’s - Buddy Rich, Count Basie, Louie Belson, Woody Herman, and Glenn Miller. That was such a great learning experience!

After reading through the “Worst Halftime Ever”thread this morning, I thought I would share my positive alternative yesterday. I had the pleasure of conducting the All Southern CA High School Honor Band, 102 of So Cal’s finest musicians. While there may be plenty of frustration where various...

Just found out that my step sister lost her house in Pacific Palisades. 😢

I remember that event well. We used to do a Rose Bowl event for the competing teams and coaches every year. Sadly, they don’t do it anymore. It was always a cool event.

Thank you! I’m dealing with the hearing issues just fine now, which is a good thing. I’m conducting 3 concerts in the next few months along with about 50 clinics for Disney. It seems as though I’m getting busier in “retirement“ than when I was working full time!😂

20 years ago today, celebrating the start of Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary at the Rose Parade. I led the Disneyland Band and Fanfare Trumpets for the event. The good news was we only had to go through the camera area and then cut off. The Disney float continued and the musicians and dancers...

Starting here tonight. Happy Holidays everyone!

There are quite a few cats that live at the park. I would guess about 10 or so. But no, they don't release cats at night.

Looking forward to hearing all of the stories. Have a great time you guys!!

This video is so cool and very poignant. Dick Van Dyke is truly an amazing man and a terrific entertainer. I had the opportunity to work with him on a Disney event 9 years ago - he was nothing but kind, and so fun to work with. He’s making 99 years old look young!

We went the 15lb brisket route.

Thanks for asking. I’m about the same as when I posted this thread. I just had a follow up appointment with my ENT doctor a week ago. He wants to wait for 4 months before retesting and then figuring out a game plan, probably a hearing aid in the affected ear. I should know more after my early...

We just got home from there. We absolutely loved Sydney and are already thinking of a trip back!

Sydney Harbor from our room. This should work for the next few days. 👍

This table is from an old friend of mine and comes with plenty of stories. May it live on!

Fiji