Who was your most influential teacher? Why?

My first band director. He was teaching his first year out of college and it was my first time in a band (7th grade), though I’d started playing in 4th grade.

Why? Because he taught me I could do anything.  I could be #1 in my huge state without a single private lesson. I could get a scholarship. In short, and in words, he told me I was as good as anyone on the planet. It might sound wrong, but I’d have had no problem academically, either…but music was my love I thought.

I had him for 7-9th grade, then in high school. I was in a different band class but had him for marching band. I was rifle captain…yeah surprise? Also, he needed a french horn in his band class so I took it up and had two band classes. Senior year, I was in the same symphonic band and joined the jazz band.

I had another teacher for wind ensemble. Though #1 in the state, solos at every performance, especially competitions, he was a small town moron and made the mistake of leaving his grade book open where I saw he gave a 7th chair flute a higher grade than me. Why? Parent money.  Donations. Piece of shit.

I will never forget the look on his face as he stupidly tried to justify it. I reamed him a new asshole on the band bus with kids everywhere.

I also got sent to detention for a week after a fight with a girl who hit me first. During that time, the state competitions were taking place so I couldn’t go. I liked that because of bad grade ass not having a soloist! Let the rich heifer do it! You’ll get your money’s worth.

He pitched a fit and demanded they let me go to the competition. They said I could. I said I wouldn’t because I shouldn’t be in there in the first place! Also, they weren’t going to let me play with the jazz band and I had a “Snoopy” solo. No go. Let me out or not at all you hypocrites. The threat of calling my mom was no help as I was 18 and could drive myself home any time I like. They looked so stupid!

They let me out, and I went to both. Oddly, the beauty queen who accosted me and got a beatdown wasn’t allowed out.. and she played the flute, too. Small town ignorance and politics. Loved seeing those in my rearview!

On the best teacher ever, he’s still there being amazing and taking names. He played Billy Joel’s “Stilleto” like he wrote it.