Important Anniversary Yesterday

[TXBryan]

My wife and I spent yesterday in Austin accompanying our local high school concert band as they played at the Texas State Capital. The youngsters did a fabulous job! As always. My wife is president of the school district's Band Boosters organization. The kids got to spend several hours at Top Golf and had a great meal at Buca Di Beppo to close out a long day.

Yesterday, May 2, marks the 17th anniversary of our "giving & receiving ceremony" in a rural province of Northern Viet Nam when we met our son. He was ten and half months old when we "received" him. In some ways this is a more important date for us than his birthday.

He made us a family and he's made us proud ever since. He's the clarinet in black in the front row right at the Capital yesterday and he cleaned up pretty well for his prom date last week.

Bryan

 

[Protocall_Design]

What a great thing to be able to celebrate! Best Wishes to all!

 

[arjay]

Band kids are the best [emoji4]

 

[soFlaNative]

Be proud.
Good looking couple and what was the song selection?
BDU's at the railing?

 

[robvious]

happy Family Day... and yes... a great looking couple

 

[TX-Dennis]

Stand proud, Dad!

 

[TXBryan]

Be proud.
Good looking couple and what was the song selection?
BDU's at the railing?

Yes, BDUs at the railing. Given the times and the nature of the protests going on at U of Texas, a short distance away, our governor has mobilized the Texas National Guard for Capital patrol. Between them and the state troopers it seemed pretty secure. Over a dozen of the TNG wandered over during the performance - most welcome.

If you really want to know here is the play list. It's already "practice time" for football season when this concert band becomes the Pride of Goldthwaite Golden Eagle Marching Band under the direction of Kipp Brewer (who, oddly enough, is also an accomplished beer maker).

Dreams & Nightmares, by Luke McMillan
I. Mr. Sandman
II. Talking to the Moon
III. Sweet Dream (Are Made of This)

Great Locomotive Chase, Robert W. Smith

Imaginarium, Randall Standridge

 

[Imissedagain]

Eddie and Bucky plus.
Hope he enjoys them.
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAA28Ytk72w[/ame]
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7dafOEAoyU[/ame]

 

[TX-Dennis]

Pride of Goldthwaite Golden Eagle Marching Band under the direction of Kipp Brewer (who, oddly enough, is also an accomplished beer maker).

Having a number of family members in the Brownwood area, I know exactly where Goldthwaite is. Last time through my wife picked up a conceal carry purse at the Mills County General Store / Ace Hardware.

 

[Rustyt1953]

Congrats all around. How proud you must be.

My freshman year (1967) I wanted to take band. I told them I was only interested in double bass. They said they had steamer trunks full of bassists and if I wanted to study the bass clef they would twist a tuba around me.

I declined.

I then became one with Mel Bay.

 

[TXBryan]

Congrats all around. How proud you must be.

My freshman year (1967) I wanted to take band. I told them I was only interested in double bass. They said they had steamer trunks full of bassists and if I wanted to study the bass clef they would twist a tuba around me.

I declined.

I then became one with Mel Bay.

Mel Bay taught me how to play guitar too. At about the same time as you! I get the feeling from your posts Mel's lessons took more root and lasted a bit longer with you!

I was always a choir guy and still am.

Bryan

 

[Rustyt1953]

Remember Roy Clark's "Big Note Song Book" and the "Hot Licks" instructional videos from the 80's?

 

[TXBryan]

Remember Roy Clark's "Big Note Song Book" and the "Hot Licks" instructional videos from the 80's?

Roy Clark. One of my all-time heroes. If it had strings he was counted among the virtuosos. An absolutely amazing, and under-appreciated, musician.

 

[Imissedagain]

Here is living proof that a Clarinetist can attract lovely young Ladies.
Guitarists do not rule.

 

[TXBryan]

Here is living proof that a Clarinetist can attract lovely young Ladies.
Guitarists do not rule.

Thanks for that! In fairness she sits next to him in the band and also plays clarinet so she likely has a natural appreciation for the axe. She is a lovely young lady and a fine player as well.