I totally ripped that title off from Tony Hoagland. That’s the name of a book of poetry he put out in 2003 and it always struck me as funny. But seriously, it’s time for me to talk about me. It’s going to get super awkward, but trust me when I tell you it was much harder for me to write than it will be for you to read.
The Elvis show opened with “Heartbreak Hotel,” a solid opening number that showcased, among other things, Joel’s pelvis.
For Tom and Joel’s senior year, Blake decided we should to take on The King himself, Elvis Presley. Elvis was a good singer, and he probably knew three chords on the guitar. But it wasn’t his musical prowess that made him an icon. It was his legendary performances. Frankly, I can’t imagine a more perfect fit.
We haven’t spent a lot of time talking about the band director up to this point. So…I guess we should do that now. I guess.
So there’s these things called “huntin’ camps.”
Anyway, back to that indoor show. Back to The Spy Year.
I’ve never encountered a leader like Blake before. He had a way with people, with kids, that I have never seen equaled, and I doubt I ever will.
Deb was a senior. She was one of our best indoor cymbal players, but when outdoor season started in the fall she went back to her flute. That is, until her senior year, when she decided to defect. She became…ONE OF US.
1990 was a big year for Lock Haven’s marching band.
Do me a favor. Go get one of your junior high yearbooks and take a look at the eighth graders. Holy shit, what a mess! What a collection of Picassos! Noses shifted all over the place, acne scars, teeth that look like they belong in other heads. Eighth graders, man. Woof.