For most people tracing their career path through the years, where we end up rarely resembles the hopes, dreams, and expectations of our youth. This was particularly true for me as my first career goal involved becoming a rich and famous trombonist! Well, after failing my first audition at Indiana University I quickly moved on to plan B – becoming a rich and famous composer with works such as atonal string quartets; extended works for prepared piano, vocal and bassoon multi-phonics; and various experiments with micro tuning (all actual college projects). This rather short-lived dream gradually gave way to reality, and I began to realize I had an affinity for working with young students. With role models like Ray Cramer at Indiana University I became excited at the prospect of a career in music education. Teaching was no longer just something to fall back on, but something I loved to do.
Looking back now, music education should have been the obvious choice from the start. My mother was a music teacher and started her career as a high school band director before eventually focusing on elementary and vocal music. Our house was a parade of students taking lessons or preparing for contest with mom accompanying on piano. I started piano early and was fortunate to have a teacher who encouraged me to learn tunes by ear and create my own little arrangements; in addition to the usual John Thompson method books. Then starting on trombone in sixth grade I was fortunate to have supportive band directors who encouraged my interest in writing and allowed me to test out arrangements with our band.
While in college at Indiana (accepted finally as a music ed major) my focus was trombone and jazz, but I managed to study composition on the side (Bernard Heiden, John Eaton and Donald Erb). Ray Cramer and Fred Ebbs were very helpful and supportive as I contributed several arrangements for the marching band. I was also writing jazz originals under the guidance of the legendary David Baker. Outside of classwork I was still writing marching band arrangements for a few high schools in Indiana and Kentucky.
Graduating with my bachelor’s degree in 1977 I accepted my first teaching job with the powerhouse band program in Defiance, Ohio under the leadership of the Ohio legend, Vince Polce. I was the third assistant director, and it wasn’t entirely clear when I applied for this job that the duties included being the band announcer for football games as well as driving the equipment truck for away games. This was an old bread delivery truck and, never having driven a stick shift before, there were some terrifying rides through the narrow small-town streets of rural NW Ohio! Thankfully the job also involved teaching beginning band and directing middle school and high school jazz ensembles. Writing for these student ensembles was a great learning experience with instant (and unfiltered) feedback and provided valuable insight into the middle school mind.
After two years in Defiance, I was offered the assistant band director job at Greenwood High School in Indiana. The outgoing director was Tom Leslie (currently at UNLV and former ABA President) who had built an outstanding program there. I had written marching band shows for Tom’s bands prior to this, so following his footsteps at this storied program was quite an honor, but also more than a bit intimidating. Tom remains a valued friend today.
As we pursue our career path in life, the best we can do is explore our talents and interests and then be alert for opportunities that present themselves and flexible enough to be willing to open those doors. Just as I was getting comfortable with a rewarding career in teaching came another twist of fate! I received a call from Hal Leonard Publishing offering me a position as editor/proofreader. Here was that fork in the road! I loved my students and teaching, but I had also always wanted to be involved with publishing and continue my writing. My wife and I made the difficult decision to make the plunge, so in January of 1982 I began my 43 years with Hal Leonard. We moved with our toddler daughter and two cats to Milwaukee, WI, to begin the next chapter.
At Hal Leonard my responsibilities quickly grew to include product development, editing, and recording. Studying the scores of some of the most respected writers in the country I became more interested in writing for concert band. After a few successful arrangements I was encouraged to try originals. I was particularly interested in creating exciting and unique pieces for young players using some of the contemporary techniques I’d explored in college. Guest conducting followed, becoming one of the most rewarding aspects of the process – the joy of sharing music-making with students.
Working in the publishing industry for many years has allowed me to develop life-long friendships that go way beyond the notes. The power of music is the human connection and it can bring people together. That’s partly why being elected to the American Bandmasters Association is such an honor for me. Being recognized for doing something you love doing is very gratifying, and the continued friendship with people in the organization is indeed special.
AmeicanBandmastersAssociation.org
