Wow! I was a band Mom to 3 girls, 2 in color guard and one in band. This article is so true, eloquently written and heart warming. Of course, I cried through several portions lol. I was that Mom waiting impatiently for my Girls to finish the never ending band practice. I was that Mom who watched my daughter literally pass out in the over 100 degree temperature during band camp. Of course she went right back in line after quickly recovering. I thought Mr Smith was the best Director ever! He was teaching my Girls so much structure, discipline and showing them that they can accomplish any and every goal through hard work. His legacy will forever live on and we will never forget his level of discipline, love and care for his students. Thank God for blessing us with such a legend!
The man is a legend. And I can honestly say the lessons of hard work and discipline reverberate with me today. I have no doubt those lessons live on in your kids as well....Also, thanks for freezing your buns off in that parking lot waiting for us lol
May he rest in eternal peace. Needless to say he sounded like a phenomenal instructor and a lot of what you mentioned I think also applies to you young Guilbert, do the old man justice and make the new generations work just as hard!
I got a good bit more work to do to get kids to live up to the legacy...but you definitely experienced a piece of him through me. Think about the old man all the time
While I am sorry for your loss, I wanted to tell you you've written an amazing piece. Your best yet. Loved how you saved the twist of his death and how you played with structure by bookending with the State Championship announcement. Several moments of legit goosebumps throughout. Well done.
Appreciate it! The piece I'm emotionally attatched to the most usually come out the best. Playing around with the structure was something I wanted to try and I'm glad it payed off.
Thank you for writing this piece for all of us. Really very moving.
I've always liked the idea that a past Norwalk High School drum major is one of our state representatives. Thanks for the appreciation Mr. Duff.
Wow! I was a band Mom to 3 girls, 2 in color guard and one in band. This article is so true, eloquently written and heart warming. Of course, I cried through several portions lol. I was that Mom waiting impatiently for my Girls to finish the never ending band practice. I was that Mom who watched my daughter literally pass out in the over 100 degree temperature during band camp. Of course she went right back in line after quickly recovering. I thought Mr Smith was the best Director ever! He was teaching my Girls so much structure, discipline and showing them that they can accomplish any and every goal through hard work. His legacy will forever live on and we will never forget his level of discipline, love and care for his students. Thank God for blessing us with such a legend!
The man is a legend. And I can honestly say the lessons of hard work and discipline reverberate with me today. I have no doubt those lessons live on in your kids as well....Also, thanks for freezing your buns off in that parking lot waiting for us lol
May he rest in eternal peace. Needless to say he sounded like a phenomenal instructor and a lot of what you mentioned I think also applies to you young Guilbert, do the old man justice and make the new generations work just as hard!
I got a good bit more work to do to get kids to live up to the legacy...but you definitely experienced a piece of him through me. Think about the old man all the time
While I am sorry for your loss, I wanted to tell you you've written an amazing piece. Your best yet. Loved how you saved the twist of his death and how you played with structure by bookending with the State Championship announcement. Several moments of legit goosebumps throughout. Well done.
Appreciate it! The piece I'm emotionally attatched to the most usually come out the best. Playing around with the structure was something I wanted to try and I'm glad it payed off.
Lovely tribute to an educator who clearly made a difference for the masses. You're blessed to have had him in your life. Thank you for sharing.
Incredibly happy to know that thirty years worth of students got share the experience.