One of my earliest memories of my father is as a high school band
director, standing on a riser at Grob Stadium, at what was then Spring Branch High
School, a real-life leader of the band.
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| The Leader of the Band: Gerald Clanton |
As a small child, I got to ride on the Band Bus to all the
football games, and sit on the bleachers in front of the band--feeling the
pulse of the drum section, and drinking-in the richness of that big, brass and
woodwind sound.
Dad also took me to symphony concerts when Jones Hall was still
new.
Dad's life was music then...and now, at age-83...as he continues
to teach young students how to blow their first notes on a horn, or to tweak
their embouchure for the best tonality. The gift of music was also passed to
me, and whether it's a drum corps, a marching band or a symphony orchestra...I
think of my Dad, and thank him for his influence, and providing me with a sweet
soundtrack for my life.
Happy Father's Day, Dad.
