Parents

Students

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Bands

Memories

Miscellaneous

7901 Bailey Cove Road
Huntsville, AL 35802
Phone:256.881.1075
Fax: 256.881.1075*
*(Listen to answering message for FAX instructions.)

Directors:
Bill Connell
Theo Vernon

Website maintained by
Melanie Baeske

Grissom Band Alumni Association

Back A-F G-M N-Z

G H I J K L M

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Name: Joe Gaddis
Email: joegaddis@yahoo.com
Years in Band: 1990-1994
Instrument played: Trumpet
Personal Info: Well, I went to Auburn for 4 years and had a blast down there. Its amazing how many former Grissomites become friends when you had no association prior to college. Anyway - did the band thing down there. That was pretty neat hanging out with Robert James, Dunham, Jerrod, and Rob Kincaid. My favorite times there were in the pep band going to all the tournaments and stuff. I graduated in Electrical Engineering and with a commission in the Air Force. Now I'm in pilot training at Columbus AFB in Columbus MS. I get to fly over Huntsville every now and then. My webpage is at: http://members.tripod.com/joegaddis/
Memory: Memories . . . this web page really brings back the memories. Yeah, we all miss Chuck Moore. That was a great freshmen year with him. I remember our little fiasco's when the parents went out of town. Where the heck is Paige now? SAEH lives on! Haven't heard from her in years. Thom the melodramatic wonder - until senior year. The marching days were great. Does the band still sneeze after coming to attention? the marine - Brian - who was looking for a few good men . . . Connell marking off the concentric circle form with a string . . . moving cars out of the parking lot . . . picking up pit gear with the huge dodge ram truck and hitting guard members . . . breathing bags . . . coordinate books with the annoying string . . . Allen Smith bragging about his $50,000 camera gear that he HAD to lug around to all the functions . . . Hilaritas with the automatic music stand raiser for the trumpets - - - that broke when the camera was recording our soli . . . all of the musicals - especially pajama game (we had a good angle, eh Robert?)

Name: Jeff Gallman
Email: jeff@polter.net
Years in Band: 1993-1997
Instrument played: Trumpet
Personal Info: Well, I went to Georgia Tech for 5 years and I was in the marching band there all 5 years. While I was there, I switched from trumpet to baritone BMTSF (Better Music Through Superior Firepower). Now, I live down in Dothan, and I am a flight test engineer for the Army. So, I ride around in helicopters and I get paid, not too bad.
Memory: Too many to list, with all of these memories from all the trips. Hawaii, Austria, Nebraska, Orlando, Chicago, etc.

Name: Laura Gardner
Email: LJG3nyc@aol.com
Years in Band: 1980-1984
Instrument played: Flag Corps, 80-84/ Bassoon
Personal Info: I have been living in New York City for the past 12 years.I have a Master's Degree from the Mannes College of Music. My days are spent teaching Orchestral Instruments to inner city kids full time in Brooklyn, as well as ESL Music Appreciation- My nights are spent in Opera Pits, Broadway, Off-Broadway and Orchestra Free-Lance work. I love my life. New York City is the greatest city in the whole world, and the absolute greatest place for a musician! I am getting married in November on Thanksgiving Day for the first (and last) time.
Memory: What a wonderful gift it is to be given the gift of Music. I feel that my early years in the GHS Band laid the foundation that further shaped my career in Music: Techniques, Discipline, Rehearsal, Critique, Rehearse more, Performance.
I think of Mr. Sparks very often- and realize that the tirades weren't ego, it was Tough Love. oh yeah- and the Hot Chocolate at the Football Stadium.
My fondest memory is of being the only person awake on the bus during a long trip home one night- I remember staring out the window watching the yellow lines fly by on the highway. I was listening to Journey on my Walkman. High School was really hard for me- my family was breaking up, my friends and I were growing up- I just remember feeling at that very moment that I was a part of an even bigger family. I felt safe, surrounded, and supported.It dawned on me that I had a huge family network in the Band. I somehow felt that everything was going to (eventually) be okay. ;)

Name: Carol Nelson Garland
Email: Contact Carol via the alumni band web site
Years in Band: 1980-84
Instrument played: Oboe
Personal Info: I am married to a fellow engineer and work as a safety representative for a chemical company. We have three children - two are in high school and one is in second grade. Our son plays clarinet in the DB band. I am still playing the oboe in my church's orchestra, which is a lot of fun.
Memory: I remember listening to the sound "scoop" off the mountains during summer band, marching in the senior parking lot, Mr. Sparks smashing many bullhorns and batons, feeling "one" with the music, taking fun trips with friends, getting "spit baths" when Mr. Sparks yelled at the trumpets, and experiencing the pure joy of playing awesome music in a truly great band

Name: Chip Garrett
Email: cbgarret@gateway.com
Years in Band: 1976-1980
Instrument played: Tenor Sax
Personal Info: Employee Assistance Counselor wife: Beverley Alex (7) Clint (4) Tuscaloosa AL

Name: Tom Garrett
Email: tjjgarrett@aol.com
Years in Band: 1981-1985
Instrument played: Trumpet, Drum major
Personal Info: Graduated from Tennessee Tech with a bachelor's in chemical engineering (1990). Married the former Jeannie Birks in 1994. We have two boys (imagine a Garrett family with boys!). We are living in Wetumpka, AL (outside Montgomery). I am an environmental engineer for the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, Air Division. Jeannie stays home with the boys.
Memory: I remember not wanting to leave the stage after the 1984 Spring Concert. We had more music, but no more chops and the audience was probably pretty tired of sitting there. Anyway, it was a great end to a fantastic year of music!

Name: Lisa Geiger Moon
Email: lisagmoon@aol.com
Years in Band: 1974-1978
Instrument played: Alto Clarinet/Flag Corp
Personal Info: I'm married to Nick Moon and we live in Chattanooga, TN. Nick is a Sr. manager for TVA and is working in the construction organization working on finishing Unit 2 at Watts Bar nuclear plant.  We have 2 boys, John who lives in Huntsville and Jay who lives here  in Chattanooga with his wife and he also works for TVA.
Memory: Hours and hours of practice!

Name: Gianna Bargetzi Gimenez
Email: giannabg@gmail.com
Years in Band: 1981-1985
Instrument played: French Horn
Personal Info: Graduated Birmingham-Southern B.M. in voice 1989, Married Michael Gimenez; 1 son, Adam, born 1990; now assistant music director at Asbury United Methodist Church in Madison, AL. I sing with the Huntsville Opera Theater also. I have a daughter, Elena, born 1999.
Memory: Excellence. GHS band taught me what it meant to work hard and achieve greatness; and it made me hungry to do it again and again in every aspect of my life. Some people never experience that, and I think that is sad. Thanks GHS Band!

Name: Jennifer Glover
Email: sfts90001@zdnetmail.com
Years in Band: 1994-1998
Instrument played: Euphonium, Section leader
Personal Info: I was attending Jacksonville State University, I marched with the Marching Southerners and had the best experience playing in the Georgia Dome. I am now attending The University of North Alabama. My major is Criminal Justice.
Memory: Ummmm well I had a lot of memories. This organization is apart of the person I am today. A few fond memories I have would be: Of course Mr. Connell ripping off his shirt and jumping on the hood of that car. My senior year held the best memories for me, that year I found the best friends I could ever have in my life. The long loud conversations in the mornings and Mr. Vernon saying "I can hear you all the way in the office" and of course me replying "kiss it". The day during band practice when i said shouted "da-- that is why we suck so bad" and Mr. Vernon stepping off the podium and holding music in front of his face as he laughed. The band trip kicked. And my last great memory would have to be when I gave a speech at the band banquet and Aaron and Brian got up in front of everyone and sang to me. This band was my family for 4 years. I wouldn't take anything back.

Name: Tony Goodloe
Email: kat512@juno.com
Years in Band: 78-81
Instrument played: Trumpet
Memory: "Goodloe, shut up or I'm gonna rip your arm off and beat ya ta death with it!" - Dave Ward

Name: James H. Godsey
Email: jgodsey@hiwaay.net
Years in Band: 1972-1975
Instrument played: Trombone
Personal Info: I am married to a wonderful woman ( Kyla ) and have 2 kids, 12 yr son and an 8yr old daughter. I work for Lockheed Martin Information Systems in Huntsville in the Information Systems Group ( phone PBX's, intranet, computers, Web Site creation etc etc) My kids will one day attend GHS.
Memory: On a Band Trip to Atlanta Steve Hughes and I along with some one else ( I can't remember who )bought a sack full of MD20/20 ( doesn't it make your head hurt to think about Mad Dog ??!! ) which we immediately dropped and broke when entering a bus to get back to the hotel. The Bus driver stopped at the next corner and removed us from the bus. Of course we bought more Mad Dog, but it was futile ... they raided our room that night and took it all away.

Name: William H Godsey
Email: whgodsey@possessors.org
Years in Band: 1976-1980
Instrument played: Percussion
Personal Info: William and his wife, Rhonda, have four children: Rachael, Samantha, Nathan, and Lydia. William received his first drum set at age 6 and began formal drum lessons at age 10. He marched in the drum corps of Whitesburg middle School and Grissom High School. His lifes ambition from age 8 was to be a chemist. In his sophomore year of college, William changed his direction from chemistry to theology due to a radical conversion to Christ at that time. He transferred from university to Bible college earning his bachelor of Theology degree (BTh). Since his graduation in 1990, William has operated a small business (ProWindow) to support his family while preaching and ministering in music on a volunteer basis. William has been a contemporary Christian worship drummer since 1984. He is currently playing in the band "Fishnet." "Fishnet" is a contemporary Christian band that plays a combination of high worship and slammin' alternative. William also teaches drum lessons.
Memory: My fondest memories of band are those of marching as a part of a drum corp. As a musician, it is always fun and exciting to play trapset with other musicians. However, as a percussionist, there is just something about working with a unit of other drummers that is a unique thrill and honor. I treasure the time spent marching in and out of stadiums and up the parade streets to cadence. I also loved the drum solo part of the field shows and playing go cheers during games. Unfortunately, during my years, our football team rarely had the ball so our go cheers were limited. At least, we always got to play G- Beat when the Bags Club came into the pep rallies. I still have my white cavalier's hat though I no longer have the plume and finally parted with the rest of my uniform last year.

H

Name: Mitchell Hagood
Email: mhagood@bellsouth.net
Years in Band: 1987
Instrument played: Trombone
Personal Info: Currently living in B'ham ,AL. owner of a computer company, and enrolled at UAB.
Memory: The band Trips, the Truck Crew, and turning the upstairs storage room into a lounge.

Name: Michelle Kelley Hammett
Email: MKHammett@aol.com
Years in Band: 1975 - 1977
Instrument played: Clarinet

Name: Christa Caughron Handley
Email: handley@usaor.net
Years in Band: 1979-1982
Instrument played: French Horn
Personal Info: After working in radio in Huntsville for a few years, I moved to Pittsburgh Pennsylvania in 1987, and continued in radio broadcasting until 1994. I am currently working at a Christian Television station. In 1996, I married Dennis Handley who is from this area. He is both a pastor and an A & P (small aircraft) mechanic. We dated for 8 years, then eloped to Nashville!
Memory: There are many great memories. Being part of such a highly talented group of people is truly unforgettable. I loved the consistent things like always playing "The Way We Were" at the end of marching season (although I think it was sabotaged my senior year if I remember correctly!), and playing "Sleigh Ride" at Christmas, but I enjoyed the hard work that went into playing the tougher stuff, too and of course the feeling of accomplishment that came with winning. I loved being in the horn section, too, and really miss the other horn players.

Name: Roger Haney
Email: Ford_Folly@yahoo.com
Years in Band: 1977-1980
Instrument played: Trombone, Sousaphone
Personal Info: Happily Married to the former Ms. Karen A. Link of Boise Idaho, one Son, Christopher James, 12 this year. Two pets, Folly the Silky Terrier and Moose the Papillion. About to retire after 20 years in the USAF as a Korean Linguist. Not sure what I'll be when I grow up - maybe teach Special Ed or Middle School...
Memory: 2nd fondest: I'm pretty sure it was the first year that we (Marching Band) did the goal line to goal line spread and high-step march at Regionals. We played 'Let it be Me" I think. We finished second to a band made up mostly of musicians in Spirit of Atlanta. Later Mr. Sparks and Mr. Ward played back a tape of the judges comments *recorded as we played*. You heard them saying "Okay, good so far, nice transition to OH MY GOODNESS YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING THIS IS JUST UNBELIEVABLE...".
Fondest: the great people I met, and especially the passion that Mr. Ward and Mr. Sparks had.

Name: John Harchanko
Email: johnh@aztechnology.com
Years in Band: 4
Instrument played: Trombone
Personal Info: Married Rachel Watts 8 years ago and now have two kids (Neil - 4, Emma - 2). Graduated from UAH with a degree in Physics, now employed at AZ Technology as head of the optics department.
Memory: Company front end zone to end zone while playing Jupiter
- The Mitch Haygood workout hour
- never being able to get more Cokes than Loyd Lowe during third quarter
- playing the parish at the end of Tiger Rag when Sparks said not to
- winning just about every competition we ever entered
- "Why are you playing so square?!!" - Mr. Rich in jazz band

Name: Beth Hardcastle (Gottlieb)
Email: percbeth@aol.com
Years in Band: 1976-1979
Instrument played: Percussion
Personal Info: Beth (former Hardcastle) Gottlieb lives in Orlando, Fl and NYC, NY and is a professional musician playing a variety of venues. She also is the head of the percussion department at Rollins College in Winter Park, FL. Beth has done a lot of work for the Disney Company (movies & commercials) and currently has a percussion duo with her husband, drummer, Danny Gottlieb. Beth has two sons, age 11 and 12 who are also percussionists. Beth attributes her success in music to the great teaching of Dave Ward and Jim Sparks and the wonderful Grissom Band Program.
Memory: There are many fond memories with the GHS Band, especially within the percussion section. One that stands out is when we brought in the live chicken to rehearsal one day and Mr. Ward was conducting "Don Juan" and the chicken (that was in the percussion cabinet) started screaming! I also have fond memories of the Six Flags trip, the Jazz Band going to South America and all the other festivals.

Name: Jeff Harden
Email: jharden1349@charter.net
Years in Band: 1975-1979
Instrument played: Percussion
Personal Info: Married Mary Coley in March of 1988. Mary is a school teacher for Jefferson County School System and over the years, we have worried over some 450 4th graders. I am currently employed by Airborne Express in Birmingham supervising drivers. Air freight has been my career for the last 15 years. Still draw on the hard work, dedication, and commitment to team that was taught to us by Dave Ward and JIm Sparks.
Memory: Band trips with John McClean, Mark Schaeffer. Ordering pizza at 1 in the morning in Memphis. "Maria" in Mr. Ward West Side Story score. Throwing batteries on Bob Clarks tympani. Good times at percussion camp in the summer time. The thrill of winning Grissom's First marching contest at Oxford,Al.

Name: Laura Fay Hardy
Email: hardy@ro.com
Years in Band: 1976
Instrument played: Flute
Personal Info: My daughter is playing flute at Mt. Gap, and will be going on to band at Grissom next year.

Name: Mike Hartman
Email: fumcsco@worldisp1.net
Years in Band: 1977-1979
Instrument played: Tuba

Name: David C. Harwell
Email: harwell@cyberonic.com
Years in Band: 1979-1983
Instrument played: French Horn
Personal Info: Living in New York City. Set Design for Production Design Group, a Broadcast and environment company. Have left Opera and Theatre for CNBC, MSNBC, National Geographic Channel etc. Just designed the set for the Hillary/Lazio debate in Buffalo.
Memory: Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington '83. Got nailed in the head during a tricky flag toss '82. Also got my horn stepped on in the sidelines out in the back parking lot. Wrapped around her poor foot. Horn repair man read me the riot act.

Name: Melissa Hastings
Email: melissanhastings@hotmail.com
Years in Band: 1993-1997
Instrument played: Flute and Color Guard
Personal Info: I graduated in May (2001) from Mississippi State with a degree in Elementary Education. So naturally I'm a flight attendant with Southwest Airlines. I'm based out of Baltimore, so look me up if you're in town (and I know you).
Memory: Not specifically a memory that I have, but the friends I have made through becoming a member of the Grissom Band are what I am most thankful to the organization for giving me. I do have some fond memories, but the constitution protects me from self-incrimination. I can't even narrow it down, but it was a blast the entire time.

Name: Gaye Shockley / Haynes
Email: rhaynes@wjs.com
Years in Band: 1970-1974
Instrument played: Clarinet
Personal Info: Married to Robin Haynes; have 2 daughters, 15 & 10 (our older one attends Grissom); M. of Ed. in Early Childhood Ed. from Auburn. Currently staying at home to care for family.

Name: Jessica Heaven
Email: jnheaven@hotmail.com
Years in Band: 1996-2000
Instrument played: French horn, drum major
Personal Info: Graduated from Vanderbilt University May 2004

Name: Helen Roan Heffington
Email: heffington@mindspring.com
Years in Band: 1971-1974
Instrument played: Flute
Personal Info: I've recently moved to Fort Myers, FL to accept the position of Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church, quite a career change from 15 years of practicing law in Atlanta. I have been married to my husband Scott, also a lawyer, for five years.
Memory: Band trips, particularly to Six Flags over Georgia.

Name: Maureen O'Donnell-Hein
Email: moronh@mindspring.com
Years in Band: 1984-1987
Instrument played: Flute
Personal Info: I attended Florida State and ended up with a major in Music Therapy. I've been working as a music therapist in Atlanta for six years now and give occasional workshop presentations. I married Ron Hein, percussionist and fellow FSU grad last year. I'm also currently pursuing my Master's in Professional Counseling and Georgia State. Of course, I'm keeping up my playing as the principal flutist with Orchestra Atlanta, a chamber orchestra located in the 'burbs.
Memory: Freezing my a** off walking to the Sear's Tower in December (were we nuts?). Oh, by the way, how many times did we go to Orlando?

Name: Lisa Hildebrandt/ Hendrix
Years in Band: 1986-1987
Instrument played: Clarinet
Personal Info: I just got married last year to a wonderful man whose name is Derrell Hendrix. He is a jeweler and we are moving up to Portland, Oregon for him to attend Jewelry School. I graduated from University of Montevallo in 1997 with a degree in Early Childhood/ Elementary Education and music minor. I haven't played my clarinet much lately but I try to play in the church orchestra. The problem is they always want me to sing so I don't get to play as often as like. I wish I could attend the class reunion but we will be to far away. It is good to hear how well the band is doing still. Such great memories from my time in band. I am grateful.
Memory: My best friend Jeni Hill, and all the wonderful trips we took. My fondest memory is when we went to competition in Tuscaloosa. We won and we marched down the streets of Alabama proud as can be.

Name: Jennifer Herman
Email: jch@traveller.com
Years in Band: 3
Instrument played: Clarinet
Personal Info: I am currently designing and developing web pages for Traveller Information Services, also I am currently pursuing a Electrical Engineering degree at UAH. Also I have a wonderful five year old little boy.
Memory: Feeling sof Camaraderie, and Purpose....not to mention the band trips!

Name: Lara Hettenhouse (Kuschel)
Email: lkuschel@smecs.info
Years in Band: 1984-1987
Instrument played: Flute
Personal Info: Graduated from Auburn in 1991 with a degree in French. Immediately went to work for JVC, a Japanese company, where I have been ever since. Married in 1998 and am the proud parent of four cats. Still have my flutes, but haven't touched them since 1987. In fact, I believe I've forgotten how to read music even though I still remember the fingerings and probably have a few songs burned in my memory for life.
Memory: Mr. Sparks wadding up paper, throwing it into the band, and pretending it was a grenade. LOTS of marching band practices in the hot sun. Selling oranges, cookbooks, trinkets, or anything else they could think of. Chicago in the WINTER. Finally getting a new band room. Tons of road trips. The competitions. Winning! It was a fabulous run and I loved every second of it!

Name: Karen Hicks
Email: Carmencita158@comcast.net
Years in Band: 1989-1993
Instrument played: Clarinet / Flag Corps
Personal Info: Wow, I just logged onto this site and noticed that my info is way out of date! It is now the end of October 2003, and I am living in Nashville, TN, working in administration for music publishing. Would love to hear from people (where was everybody at our reunion this past summer?? very poor band representation, I must say).
Memory: So many wonderful memories, so little space. Above all, there were the long bus trips. A few highlights were sleeping in the isles, budding romances (oh, the drama), and singing myself hoarse (TABOO!). Also, I will never forget the early summer mornings with Stan, breathing bags, BOB, 7th period wind ensemble, and TENACITY!

Name: Mindy MaGill Hill
Email: hills_ms@yahoo.com
Years in Band: 1989 - 1991
Instrument played: Flute
Personal Info: Since graduating, I went to Livingston University for one quarter on a music scholarship, but came home (combination of homesickness and parent losing job). So, I enrolled in Calhoun Community College where I got my associate degree in Business Adminstration while working at night at the local restaurants making money to pay my way through school. In 1995 I moved to Oregon with my parents. My parents said they would pay for me to finish school if I would move out to the Pacific Northwest and a state I did not know much about. Well, I did, and I must tell you I live in one of the most beautiful states I have ever seen. Please come visit anytime so I can show you. Yes it does rain here nine months of the year, but it keeps everything clean and green. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with an option in International Business and minor in Spanish in 1998 from Oregon State University (GO Beavs!!!). This is where I met my husband Scott.! After working a few temp jobs, I finally found my pefect job. I work as an Accounts Payable Audit Clerk for Americold Logistics. I like this company because I can wear jeans and shorts to work. I tell you a casual work environment with great people, what more can I ask for. Well, the perfect man, and I found him. His name is Scott Hill and I met him in college. We dated for fours years, and were married on June 3rd, 2000. We live in the Portland Oregon area and will be moving into our first house in Tigard, Oregon in May (so excited, can't wait). My husband and I don't have any human kids, but we have two dogs that we like to call our kids. They are Pembrooke Welsh Corgis (brother and sister, a year apart). There names are Chase and Jasmine (Jazz for short), and are the highlight of our lives.
Memory: I remember summer band camp and standing outside marching in the morning on some of the most humid days. I also remember the longest bus trip to and from Virigina Beach. I was definitely honored to be a member of this band that achieved so many honors, and I am grateful for all the wonderful times I had and all the life lessons that I learned.

Name: Kristi Hinckley
Email: khinckley@mindspring.com
Years in Band: 1984-1988
Instrument played: Flute
Personal Info: I'm currently living in Atlanta with my husband David, but soon to be moving to Portland, Oregon. Graduated from Georgia Tech and then chose to ignore my degree to work in theatrical lighting. I also sing with Sweet Adelines International (a women's barbershop organization) in both a quartet and a chorus.
Memory: Obviously not filling out this form the first time as I managed to think I graduated 10 years later than I did. I would have to say the snowball fights during paper drives were excellent fun.

Name: Scott Hinckley
Email: scott@thehinckleys.com
Years in Band: 1983-1986
Instrument played: Trombone
Personal Info: Married to another Grissom Band Alumni Julie Adams (now Julianna Hinckley).
Memory: All those wonderful band trips.
Lori.

Name: Kent Holmberg
Email: holmberg@northernnet.com
Years in Band: 1972-1975
Instrument played: Trombone
Personal Info: I have a deep appreciation for music. I continue to play music. As a result of my experience, both of my children play and enjoy music.
Memory: There are too many wonderful memories to answer this question.

Name: Mark A. Hooper
Email: hemsi300@yahoo.com
Years in Band: 1972-1976
Instrument played: TUBA
Personal Info: Paramedic Supervisor with HEMSI, married to Kathy, a police officer. Employed by NASCAR at Talladega Super speedway as A track paramedic.
Memory: I have two fond memories getting caught with beer and BOONES FARM STRAWBERRY in the toilet tank in Atlanta and yelling at Sparks in front of the whole band for messing with my car!

Name: Adam "Leia Boy" Horne
Email: achorne@panther.bsc
Years in Band: 1993-1997
Instrument played: Sax (ATB)
Personal Info: My name is Leia. I live in the hood at Birmingham Southern College, where I am a biology and chemistry major. I don't have much more to say here.
Memory: Saxophones always getting in trouble, word to my boys. I can wheeze louder than that! Look at me! Unless he has got a gun.. Don't you be defiant...
"The time you are a part of the Grissom band will be the best times of your life. Live them to their fullest, and look back on them fondly. The force will be with you, always."

Name: Michele Hardesty Houston
Email: michele.j.houston@boeing.com
Years in Band: 1982-1985
Instrument played: Clarinet, Flag Corps
Personal Info: Graduated from Auburn in 1989 with a degree in Business Management. Currently (and intermittently) working on a Master's degree in Accounting. After living in Florida, California, Texas, and Georgia, I am back in Huntsville. I am the single mother of a six year old daughter, Taylor, who's social life and activities already keep me super busy. I work for Boeing as an Industrial Engineer on the National Defense and Commercial Airline programs. Not exactly the career path I would have chosen, but who knows how these things happen.
Memory: Lots of memories: Getting a chaperone to sneak several of us to Dauphin Island on our Mobile trip to lay out and Deborah Carroll and I getting so sunburned that we had to steal hotel sheets to sit on for the bus ride home. Guard camp at U of A, where we stayed in a gross, roach-infested dorm and survived on Gatorade because the food sucked so bad-not to mention Deborah bringing her teddy bear, "teddy freddy", and sprayed her boyfriend's cologne on it so she wouldn't miss him too bad (sorry Deborah!). One flag corp member who was so intent on marching that she marched right into a 3 foot deep hole and just about caused serious permanent damage. And definitely the day that everyone sat around and cried because Sparks quit, while two people, who shall remain nameless, just about jumped for joy.

Name: Cherry Jones Hovik
Email: cjhovik@home.com
Years in Band: 1977-1981
Instrument played: Trumpet

Name: Jeff Howard
Email: jhoward76@hotmail.com
Years in Band: 1983-1987
Instrument played: Clarinet
Personal Info: I received a bachelors of music from the Cleveland Institute of Music and my teaching license from UAH. I was a band director in Decatur for five years and LOVED IT!! It really is a great and wonderful life from that end as well. The interaction with all the kids is the best (and sometimes worst) part. It was also fun to go to conventions and hanging out with the directors I knew growing up. It's amazing what comes out after a few drinks, but don't worry guys - you're secrets are safe with me! In spite of how much I was enjoying life, I couldn't get over this nagging feeling that I should quite everything, sell my car, and move to Israel. So in the summer of 1999 I quit everything, sold my car (sob, sob) and moved to Israel. I am now an Israeli citizen. Since my arrival in the Holy Land I have learned to converse in Hebrew, shoot a rifle, and use the *&#% metric system. All of these are very useful skills in the Middle East. I would have liked a job just like I had in the States, but they don't do the 'band' thing in Israeli schools. Instead, I have been playing full time in the Ra'anana Symphonette, a professional orchestra just north of Tel Aviv. I also teach part time at the Hassadna Conservatory in Jerusalem. I'll soon be moving from Jerusalem to Haifa because I just won the job of assistant principle clarinet in the Haifa Symphony. We (Haifa symph.) are supposed to go on tour to China this summer. I can't wait! Haifa is a GORGEOUS city. Mountains, the Meditteranean, lush gardens (Jerusalme is in the desert), stunning views, etc. It's very clean and the people are more laid back than they are in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. I almost got married three years ago, but am currently single. I feel certain that one day the future will hold a wife and kids for me.
Memory: Geeeeze, where do I start? I suppose GHS band memories can be divided into two categories. One category combines pride, hard work and purpose. There's nothing like sitting on a stage or marching in a stadium and knowing that hundreds of people are going ape over the performance that you're a part of. Even better is knowing that they darn well ought to be wetting their seats because of how special and exciting the moment is. The hard work the led up to these events was also an insepparable part of the experience. I'll always be grateful to all the directors for putting those wonderful memories into my life. My first year was the last "Sparks" year, then we had Rich, Smith, Vernon, and - my senior year - Connell. I feel fortunate to have had a taste of these different periods of the GHS band. They are each wonderful and unique. There is, of course, just 'something' about this band that transcends all these different times. Something truly great. The other memory category is undoubtedly the friends and fun. There were so many special people!! If I am blessed with friends for the rest of my life that are as special as the people I was close to in the GHS band, I will be a very fortunate man. My best friends to this day came from that time and that place. I have to mention two events before the end of this novel. The time we stole a baby duck from Busch Gardens was kinda' classic! It died on the bus and we burried it behind a McDonalds. I also remember the trip to Knoxville when the chaperones busted me in my girlfriend's room at room check. A fairly serious infraction. My case was handed over to Mr. Vernon who handled the situation in an entirely appropriate manner: He did nothing. Thanks again!!! I want you to know, Theo, that your actions served as an example for me later in life. I ALWAYS turned a blind eye to my own band campers who broke school rules in the pursuit of blissful adolescent passion. Thanks for being a such great role model!!!

Name: Jay Howell
Email: Johowell@ro.com
Years in Band: 3
Instrument played: Trumpet
Personal Info: Working on getting a commission in the Army
Memory: Definitely the band trips! And when Mr. Connel jumped on the hood of that jocks car, that was pretty neat.

Name: John Howell
Email: JohnandRebecca@altavista.net
Years in Band: 1981-1984
Instrument played: Trumpet
Personal Info: John graduated from University of Alabama in Huntsville in 1989 with a BS in Industrial and Systems Engineering. He worked for Teledyne Brown Engineering for a couple of years before being hired at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center as a Technical Manager in 1991.
In 1995, he married Rebecca Heintschel (Grissom class of 1988). Rebecca is a dentist in private practice in downtown Huntsville.
On June 23, 2000, John and Rebecca had a son, Chase Andrew.
Memory: My best memories center around the band trips. The lack of sleep, riding in the back of the bus, the "break-ups and make-ups", seeing new places, and of course, winning the bulk of the competitions! What made being in the band the best was the people! The funniest guys and prettiest gals were in the band, and we always stuck together. Thanks to all my bandmates for making my time a Grissom a blast!

Name: Bud Hubbard
Email: BudHubbard@aol.com
Years in Band: 1980-1984
Instrument played: Trumpet, Band Captain
Personal Info: After high school I graduated from UAH with a BS in Finance, then from Alabama with an MBA. I stayed in Huntsville for a few years, then moved to Atlanta to work for Andersen Consulting.
While Atlanta is technically home, in reality home has been somewhere else for the last few years, as I've been on several long term out of town assignments. I spent a year in Manhattan, then Washington D.C., and as of this posting I'm living in Paris, France for the next several months.
I'm still single with no kids. (I guess I'm waiting until I grow up first.) As for music, I haven't touched my horn since the last note of the '84 Spring Concert. No great loss for the world, I never was that good anyway.
Memory: All the band trips, even though we did go to some cheesy places. Dan Keel actually knocking someone unconscious during a pillow fight in Orlando as we terrorized a room full of freshmen across the hall. The thrill of seeing people jump out of their seats when we would do the big goal line to goal line front. Even the bands we competed against would give us a standing ovation. The echo off the mountain. Selling oranges on cold rainy days in December. Sparks trashing all those bullhorns. Carnival Overture. Getting to listen to Ken Watters play his horn everyday and not having to pay a cover charge. Making friends that are still friends 20 years laterand far, far too many other great memories to mention here. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the reunion.

Name: Chana (Hubbard) Borgh
Email: chana.r.borgh@ac.com
Years in Band: 1979-1982
Instrument played: Oboe
Personal Info: After high school I graduated from UAH with a degree in finance. I moved to Atlanta, attended Georgia State University, and received an M.B.A. Two years ago I married the love of my life, a Swedish gentleman, and am currently living in the Washington, D.C. area working as a management consultant for Andersen Consulting.
Memory: The extraordinary music, camaraderie, and enduring friendships.

Name: Dorma Lee Hutcheson
Email: thutch@peop.tdsnet.com
Years in Band: 1973-1977
Instrument played: Alto clarinet
Personal Info: I have lived in Mentone, AL for 11 years and practice dental hygiene in Fort Payne, AL. I am also a member of the State Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama. My husband Terry Hutcheson is an attorney in Fort Payne and I have a step-daughter, Janet, who lives in Huntsville.
Memory: I can't imagine any former GHS band member printing something that would not be suitable for publication on this page. We are all such angels. There are so many wonderful memories from the Ward/Sparks era. The trips to All-State and Six Flags Over Georgia (the old timers did not go to such exotic locations as New Orleans, Chicago, Austria, etc.) were such fun! The best memories are the friends, the hard work, the fun, the incredible talent and the MUSIC! Many thanks and much love to all of you who were a special part of my life.

I

Name: Stuart Ivey
Email: iveystu@auburn.edu
Years in Band: 2001-2005
Instrument played: trombone, drum major
Personal Info: I am currently at Auburn University, double majoring in Music Education and Mathematics.
Memory: I can't get it down to one, so I'll have to give a few: Daytona Beach 2002, Indianapolis 2003, Alex City 2003, Hawaii 2004

J

Name: Andrea Jacks
Email: agolightly@aol.com
Years in Band: 93-96
Instrument played: Clarinet/Pit
Personal Info: Well, I am currently attending the University of Alabama (ROLL TIDE!) And really loving it - I really don't have any other "accomplishments" to speak of...yet!!
Memory: Of course, the Chicago and New Orleans trips were awesome ("I got the Pallas Hotel Blues"), and I'll never forget the time that Mr. Connell ripped his shirt in half during marching practice!! I miss you guys! Drop me a line!

Name: Beth (Hoover) Jamison
Email: bjamison@marykay.com
Years in Band: 1986-1990
Instrument played: Clarinet
Personal Info: Graduated from Bryan College with a degree in Psychology in1994. Married Matthew Jamison in 1994. Moved to Mississippi in 1998. Currently a full time Mom of 2 sweet kids with a part time home business with Mary Kay Cosmetics.
Memory: Sock tan lines from marching band practice - remember them? Cheering at football games. Being a section leader. Pretending like I was keeping up in A Band! Hanging out with friends.

Name: Kevin Janasak
Email: kjanasa@us.ibm.com
Years in Band: 1972-1976
Instrument played: Alto Sax
Personal Info: Wow, what a rush to find this site and spend several minutes on memory lane! I have sincerely enjoyed looking at the names of dear friends who I have not thought about for over twenty years. It's great to see what a positive impact the GHS Band had on all of our lives.
I have sadly not kept up with reforming music since graduating from Auburn in 1881 and I realize what void has resulted. I received my MBA from the University of Miami in 1985. I have lived in several locations since leaving the great State of Alabama, Boca Raton, FL, New Caanan, CT, and now Dallas, TX.
I have never married, choosing to enjoy my career instead.
Memory: It has been so many years since GHS that I only remember highlights... Six Flaggs over Georgia Concert Band Competitions, Band trips Marching competitions! I will always remember my friends, wherever they are today, Debbie, Pam, Nancy and so many more! And who can say enough good things about Dave Ward and Jim Sparks, people who were leaders, role models and helped instill so many great qualities in so many of us, not to mention their passion for music!

Name: Billy Jenkins
Email: angieandbill@earthlink.net
Years in Band: 1979-1982
Instrument played: Percussion

Name: Paula Robinson Jenkins
Email: paulaj74@netzero.net
Years in Band: 1989-1992
Instrument played: Clarinet
Personal Info: I stayed in Huntsville until 95, then moved to Nashville, to attend MTSU. I was married to Bobby Jenkins, a long-time family friend in July of 97. We have a home between Murfreesboro & Nashville in the somewhat small town of Smyrna. In May of this year (2000), I gave birth to possibly the the most wonderful baby on the planet, Emily...(just what the world needs, a mini-me!).I currently work at home for Ken-Tech Consulting updating existing web pages, and have begun designing my own.
Memory: Not sure if it the fondest, but one word....."Firebird"!!

Name: Jim Jernigan
Email: jimjernigan@home.com
Years in Band: 1970-1974
Instrument played: Trumpet
Personal Info: Married with one son, John, who plays alto sax (oh, well!). Living in Chicago area, working for Amoco doing environmental work. Graduated Vanderbilt in '78 and '82, Ph.D. in Pharmacology.
Memory: Winning our first Six Flags in 1970 tops the list (the bus rides go without saying...). Blowing Butler off the field in a marching competition (somewhere in Georgia) in 1970. Winning Six Flags again in 1974. Doing the Ward "tie touch" count during the rests. Hearing trumpet players from other schools screaming "Go, trumpets" as we left the football field during competitions.

Name: Debra Jessick/Woodrow
Email: dwoodrow@journeysinhealing.com
Years in Band: 1973-1977
Instrument played: French Horn
Personal Info: After graduating from high school, I attended Auburn University and then UAH. I went to work for Intergraph Corp and married at 21. I was married for eighteen years, traveled extensively for work for various computer companies and eventually ended up living in California from 94 until 2002. I returned to Huntsville in 02 and then recently moved again to Tennessee.
Memory: Too many to mention; but there were many memories of listening to Doobie brothers and Chicago during the many bus trips. I recall those trips every time I hear that music.
Updated: 01/11/07

Name: Cassie Johnson
Email: cassjohnson@hotmail.com
Years in Band: 1993-1997
Instrument played: flag corps.
Personal Info: I am living in Philadelphia, PA, working as a copy editor/writer and missing the south so much! I look back on my Grissom Band days as some of the best times of my life, and I would live them again in a heartbeat! "All the way to East Peru, Girls!" - Stan the Man
Memory: I loved the summer practices when it was just the guard learning the routines. Waking up early in July seemed brutal, but we bonded so much over ballet routines ("step sachet, step tour jete, step sachet, step step, jete step, jete step, skip step, bam bam!" Any guard girl from my day should remember that one!), jazz hands, and parking lot marches. My best memories from high school come from the band.

Name: Eric Johnson
Email: johnsone@hillsboroughcounty.org
Years in Band: 1972-75
Instrument played: Trumpet
Personal Info: Graduated from the University of Florida with a BA in economics in 1978 and completed my MPA at the University of South Florida in 2001.
As of 2003, Debra and I have been married 25 years and our daughter Kim is studying art at the University of South Florida. Spent 6 years as a federal government economist before switching to local gov't finance. I've been Director of Management and Budget for Hillsborough County in Tampa for the past 10 years and active with the Government Finance Officers Association. Missed the band reunion due to passing a kidney stone. I appreciated the pictures that were posted. Current hobby is backpacking on the Appalachian Trail. Would love to hear from others from my era.
.Memory: Being part of a great organization. Racing through the duet for trumpets on Sleigh Ride at the Christmas concert while Dave Ward valiantly tried to slow Arnie and me down. He wasn't successful. Trying out for drum major and having to direct to "China Grove." I met the Doobie Brothers band this year and told them how I still attempt to direct to it every time I hear it. Still have my Benge. I scare animals when I try to play it but can still triple tongue after all these years. My best to everyone past and present.

Name: Kay Graves Johnson
Email: johnson_k@ssainc.com
Years in Band: 1969-1973
Instrument played: Flute/flags
Personal Info: Married Vaughan Johnson of Tuscaloosa, two teenage daughters. Graduated 1977 from Univ of Al. Comptroller of Architectural/Engineering firm.
Memory: My fondest memories are of all the "firsts" we did for the brand new band and school. The fabulous winnings at Roswell, (the flags brought the crowd to their feet!) and Six Flags. The wonderful friends and all the hard work in the heat of the practice field as well as the band room!

Name: Kellie Johnson
Email: flooch@mindspring.com
Years in Band: 1981-1984
Instrument played: Trombone, rifle corp
Personal Info: After college, I moved to Atlanta, GA. I married my high school sweetheart, Marcus Kirby, in 1988. Our first 11 years of marriage were spent traveling and building our home. We now have a beautiful daughter, Lauren, born July 22, 1999 and 3 dogs -Alex, Zero and Eddie - and Miss Kitti to keep us company. Our home is on 7 acres on a dirt road in Monroe, about 40 minutes from downtown Atlanta. It is a peaceful life and a wonderful place to raise a family. I work for a start-up company based in Montreal, PQ and have my office in the house. Work takes place around Lauren's schedule. Marcus is busy selling software and makes the daily commute into Atlanta. Just by chance, Mark Erb ('79) and his wife Judy built a house right across the street from us! It's a small world...

Name: Martin "Marty" Johnson
Email: mnm@pacificglobal.net
Years in Band: 1970-1974
Instrument played: Trumpet
Personal Info: It's really great reading about all our former classmates. I got my B.S. at 'Bama in "79, an M.B.A. at Columbia in '82. While in New York, I met my wife Malia. We moved to Honolulu in '87 and opened a retail business. Malia continues to run a metaphysical gift store called Sedona, (www.sedona-hi.com). I finished my doctorate in Clinical Psychology in October of '99, My office is one block from the store and across the street from the beach. Anyone from the early GHS days who's coming to Hawaii, just drop me an e mail. Still have my trumpet, haven't played in decades, but I can't bring myself to let it go.
Memory: So many memories, winning six flags twice, practically living in the Band Room my senior year, Jim Jernigan's mutton chop side burns, Dean Martin playing the piccolo part to Souza marches on the Tuba, all the cute girls in flag corps, playing an 11 minute Tschaichovsky piece in 9 minutes at State Contest (Mr. Ward brought a metronome with him after that!) Mostly I remember the practices and the mischief and the pride of working hard and excelling. Well, OK, making out on all those bus trips was pretty memorable too ;) I hope Dave Ward knows how much of a positive influence he has been on so many young lives. It's been almost 25 years since I lived in Huntsville, when I miss it, it's Grissom that I miss the most, and when I miss Grissom, it's the band experience that has the most meaning and fond memories.

Name: Mary E. Johnson
Email: melamm@attbi.com
Years in Band: 1979-1982
Instrument played: Flute
Personal Info: Hello from Dallas, Texas. Hope that life has been good to all of you. I am currently a mom of a 5 year old girl, and a 3 year old boy. Who thought marching in the summer was tough. I have been married for 8 years and have been in Dallas for 13 years. Went from studying medicine to becoming a Paralegal. Go figure. Thanks for all the wild and fun memories.
Memory: Early fun memories would be bus trips to games, etc. my freshman year with Richard leading the songs on the bus. Band trips to GA and TN. Those moving concerts where many were in tears including Mr. Sparks.
Updated: 07-31-02

Name: Cyndy Jones
Email: CYNTHIA.L.JONES@cpmx.saic.com
Years in Band: 1982-1986
Instrument played: Baritone/Drum Major (85-86)

Name: David Jones
Email: david.t.jones@gmail.com
Years in Band: 1988-1992
Instrument played: Tuba / Trombone
Personal Info: Married in 2001, and now have two sons. I'm currently working on a contract for the Army Reserve to keep their networks running. http://jonesfamily.webhop.net/
Memory: Trying to find the missing bus on a spring trip. Being a part of the '90 band. (still one of the best I've heard anywhere.) All the Jazz band gigs held under a tent.

Name: David T. Jones
Email: david.t.jones@gmail.com
Years in Band: 1988-1992
Instrument played: Tuba/Trombone
Personal Info: Working at Hibbett Sporting Goods main office in Birmingham, AL keeping the PC's and the network running. Also going to school at nights at Herzing College of Business and Technology.
Memory: Too many memories, can't decide on the best...

Name: Jessica  McShane Jones
Email: mrsjones3389@gmail.com
Years in Band: 2003-2007
Instrument played: French horn, Alto Saxophone, and Mellophone
Personal Info: I married a man named Ben Jones. We are currently expecting a baby boy in September. We live in Omaha, Nebraska. I work as an Interviewer/Operations Assistant at Opinion Research Corporation (part of InfoUSA). I miss being in the band very much. I can't wait to come home and visit and see everyone!
Memory: The first time ever marching with the band. It was so amazing. I will never forget the feeling of putting on a good half time show!
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Name: Kristen Jones
Email: kajhu@arkansas.net
Years in Band: 1993-1997
Instrument played: Clarinet
Personal Info: I am currently attending Harding University as a Elementary Education major with a minor in music.
Memory: My best memories of high school are with the band. The trips were great, and nothing can compare. The Chicago trip my senior year was the best. "Oh Captain, my Captain!" I sincerely hope all of the current and future students take advantage of the awesome resources they have, especially the directors. Thanks, Mr. Connell and Mr. Vernon.

K

Name: Janene Turis Kalb
Email: jakalb@access.digex.net
Years in Band: 1973-1975
Instrument played: I've been married for 5 years and my husband and I live near Washington, DC because of his job. I've spent my work life since graduating from UAH with business admin degrees working in the information systems field: UAH for almost 10 years, Intergraph for 4.5 years and Marriott Distribution Services here in Maryland for 4.5 years. I am currently working for Business Information Technology as a PeopleSoft consultant and loving every minute of it. We have 4 cats: Simpson, O.J., Pete and Tater. I do stained glass work as a hobby and spend a lot of time web-surfing. I keep in close contact with my siblings: sister Michele - GHS Flag Corps, brother Tim - GHS band (Baritone) and brother Jon - no musical inclinations! Hi to all my band friends and thanks for this great web site!
Memory: I moved to Huntsville from southern California as a sophomore and it was traumatic, but Dave Ward and "the band" made me feel like part of a very special family almost immediately. I have a lot of fond memories: How a group of us (Steve Collins and Cynthia Womack to name a few) threw Dave a birthday party at the Holiday Inn (in February 1973 - I think it was his 27th and I remember thinking how old that was at the time - I was 14!). Cynthia Womack and I being the first female bus captains (in 1975!) Being named Outstanding Band Student my senior year. The echo off the hillside during practice. The crowd's reaction when we played the "Budweiser" song the first time. Gerry Higgins. Marching at Legion Field when the football team went to the State championship, the streaker on stage in Tuscaloosa at the state contest in 1974. "The Rebel" restaurant. Dave's blue VW Bug parked outside the bandroom. Pizza runs at lunchtime to Mando's. The back seat of the bus with someone special :-). Marching in the Christmas parade and having some heathen child pull the end of my flute off. Frozen fingers and weak hot chocolate. Steve Collins using a mike stand as a periscope out of the sax section during "Victory at Sea". Nerve-wracking & gut-wrenching tryouts. Challenges for first chair. Fuzzy band hats and wool uniforms in August. Music so intricate and difficult that it was beyond the talent of most high school students, and how it we rose to the challenge. Performances so powerfully emotional that they made you cry. I am still not sure how Dave managed to inspire such exquisite genius in a group of hormonally-challenged teenagers, but I am grateful to have been along for the ride. We were the undisputed best at what we did and it was a real head-trip to go somewhere and have our reputation precede us. "The Band" was the best thing about Grissom High School and made the rest of high school life tolerable. Thank you, Dave!

Name: Pamela Crawley / Kanik
Email: pkbab5@ieee.org
Years in Band: 1994-1998
Instrument played: Clarinet
Personal Info: (As of 1/03)- Recieved a BS in Computer Science in Aug '01 and will finish my MS in Software Engineering in May '04. Married to Thomas Kanik in Sept '01. Bought a nice little house in Madison AL, no kids YET. Tom's working as an Electrical Engineer for the Department of Defense, and I am working full time as a Software Engineer for a private defense contractor in town, sometimes working in National Missile Defense, sometimes working on the Comanche helocoptor. It's a lot of fun, and it's wonderful to know that I'm helping to keep our country safe.
Memory: Playing a solo in B Band my freshman year. That girl that always picked on me coming up to me in my Senior year crying and apologizing for picking on me for 4 years. Missing the bus to the contest whilst on a band trip my freshman year and taking a cab from the hotel to the contest. Sitting on the bus my junior year on yet another band trip overhearing the chaperones talk about "there was this freshman once who missed the bus and took a cab..." Getting snowed in at the Heart of Auburn Motel during All State, going out into the snow to the Arby's to try to get some food, failing because Arby's didn't have electricity, and getting back to the motel and having to put my feet in the bath to thaw them out. Playing the Nutcracker in a Christmas concert one morning, then running over to the VBC to dance in the Nutcracker that very night. Playing Schaharazade better than the UAB band. Marching single file in our crisp white uniforms into the football stadium in time to the drumline with almost military precision, and hearing the spectators go "wow" under their breaths. Performing at a competition during a band trip, and seeing other bands file into the auditorium right before we played and then leaving right after we played - their directors had made them come just to listen to us. But, as always, my fondest memory was the music itself, and the part I played in creating it.
UPDATE: 01-29-03

Name: Jeff Karr
Email: jeffnbama1@excite.com
Years in Band: 1972-1976
Instrument played: French Horn

Name: Don Keel
Email: don.keel@theaustin.com
Years in Band: 1979-1983
Instrument played: French Horn, Mellophone, Band Captain
Personal Info: After leaving high school, I spent a little time playing in a rock band for fun and later for the Air Force. When that fun meter was pegged, I went to Auburn and received a "EE" degree. I spent most of the 1990's building things and blowing them up as an Air Force officer. If you turned on CNN and saw something really bad going on in the world, I was probably there (Panama, Middle East, Bosnia, Haiti, Korea, South America). I moved to Southern California in 1997 and went to work developing theme parks for the Walt Disney company. That work was amazingly similar to designing and building air bases. After a year of that, I had an excellent opportunity to drive projects for The Austin Company in Irvine, CA where I am able to use the MBA it took me seven years to complete. All of that wallows in comparison to December of 1999 when I finally married Ellen (Little). Its truly amazing how you can know someone for twenty years and still find out things about them every day you never knew, but we're having a ball. Ellen, Morgan (2/91) and Katie (11/94), and I were joined by (William) Bryan Keel in March of 2001. I was picked up for a senior management position in the Atlanta office of my company in the summer of 2001 and we now live in Duluth, GA with a guinea pig, hamster, fish, and a great dog named Scarlett.
Memory: I have many fond memories of the band, but playing Santa Esmerelda in the Fall and Jupiter in the Spring really stand out. Also, the aftermath of Kenny Watters falling through the ceiling will always make me laugh...
UPDATE: 11-20-02

Name: Ellen Little Keel
Email: ellenkeel@comcast.net
Years in Band: 1979-1983
Instrument played: Flute/Band Librarian
Personal Info: Graduated from Auburn University in 1987; dabbled in various graduate programs but never finished... Married (unwisely) and divorced (showing more wisdom) a former band member but did get two beautiful little girls out of the fiasco. Was working writing code and doing missile defense analysis for a Huntsville defense contractor when I became "reacquainted" with Don Keel. We finally decided to "get it right" and were married in December of 1999. Currently living in Southern California as the adventure continues....
Memory: Painting the band library that hideous blue because Don and Lloyd thought it would "keep me calm"...bus trips and making sure my mom did NOT ride on mine...the thrill of standing at perfect attention during marching competition awards presentations and watching Mark Hagood and Scott MacPherson perform fabulous salutes when we were announced as the WINNER!!...Hearing the immortal words over the PA: And now, Ladies and Gentlemen, the Virgil I. Grissom Marching Tiger Band!!...Goose bumps from the crowd volume in response to the traditional goal-line to goal-line stand...Catching Sparks completely off-guard with mine and Susan's "combined" try-out: Susan Little??? Who the he** is that???

Name: Cortni Colvin Kelley
Email: cortnik@striker-systems.com
Years in Band: 1991-1995
Instrument played: Flag Corps and Flute
Personal Info: I was married on February 5, 2000 to Richard Kelley of Moody, Alabama. We have recently moved to Nashville and bought our first house!

Name: Paul Kessler
Email: paul_kessler@comcast.net
Years in Band: 1996-1999
Instrument played: Trombone (Symphonic I and II)
Personal Info: I will never forget my years in the Grissom High School Band. Although things were tough at times, you never forget it. I have an M.S. Aerospace Engineering degree and a Bachelors in Biology. I am currently working with Raytheon in Denver, CO. I have a wife of two years and no children just yet. I would like to thank Mr. Connell and Mr. Vernon for everything they have given me. I am currently trying to mail Mr. Connell's Dennis Wick 5AL mouthpiece back to him. He lent it to me in 1998. I forgot that I even had it. Sorry for the long wait. I normally return things to people in a timely manner. I don't think that this would qualify since it has been 8 years.
Memory: My fondest memories with the band have been the travelling. I loved going to the Bands of America competition in Indiana, the competition in Chicago, and the Universal Studios competition in Orlando, FL where the chaperones wouldn't believe me when I introduced them to my brother who visited me in the hotel room. That was the first time that he had to prove that he was related to me. I remember the stomping of Mr. Connell's foot on the marching tower. I couldn't believe that thing stood up to so much abuse. GHS Band Rocks!!

Name: Michael Kilpatrick
Email: soulboy7@hotmail.com
Years in Band: 1981-1985
Instrument played: Percussion
Personal Info: After the whirlwind of GHS, I earned a B.A. in Communication from Auburn University in 1990. I stayed in music all through college, and eventually I began singing in a couple of bands with Jim Troglen ('87), David Wester('87) and John Loshuertos('87). I began a career in television in Huntsville with WAAY-TV. In 1991, I formed a rockabilly band called "the Frigidaires" who played all over the South. I lived in Atlanta for few years working in media-related businesses. I had enough of Atlanta, so I made the jump to Birmingham, AL, in 1995 where I worked in television, both behind and in front of the camera. I wrote and directed commercials, jingles, promotionals and the like. Met my future wife Karen Hostetter in 1997. I also was singing and playing guitar in a 60's soul-influenced band called "Mercy Mercy" during this time, even playing a gig in New York City in St. Marks Place. I married Karen on November 13th, 1999 in a small ceremony in Anniston, AL. Moved back to Huntsville in September, 1999 to take the position of Customer Service! Manager for a company called Moon Town Disc, manufacturing CDs, CD-ROMs and DVDs. I'm currently singing with a group with Jim Cavender('80)on guitar. There it is.
Memory: Memories...funny stuff...Sparks STAYING mad at me...out-of-town football games (an excuse to go nuts)...band trips to Washington and Florida, where the drummer's bus became funny farm/concert hall for David Anderson and the rest of us to sing filthy words to lame radio hits (punishment courtesy Sparks)...Villa Rica insanity...being pushed off a cliff by Fat Billy, with Malcolm Tagg in tow...winning parade at Villa Rica '83 by NOT rehearsing...hell-rides with Freshmen down Green Mountain at 100 per...the best color guard THERE EVER WAS(best looking, too)..."No Chops" Ron Smith...the Hindemith...where the Hell is Pete Smith, we miss you, big daddy...Carla Azar('83)stickin' up for me, going on to play with Mick Jagger(is this what Sparks had in mind?)...Mark Smith('83)is really Ringo's son...Milton Moorer('85), what's up with the freon???...all female percussionists '81-'85, what a brave group you were...where's Robbie Cruse's bike?...drummers' bus: the rolling party!..! .Ken Watters rules...breakin' my nose at waterpark in Florida...whatever happened to the Dead Kennedys?...Sparks STILL mad at me!...we love you, Bridget...summer band---I can think of a million things I'd rather have done...blacklisted at Burger King..."The Ride of the Valkries" with Chris Thackston...fell thru ceiling in old band room (thanks David A., Ken W. , Billy J. for turning out the lights!)...what did this all have to do with playing music??? We played some incredible music with some incredibly talented people, but the best part was just LAUGHING SO HARD at all the fun we had along the way. And did we laugh!

Name: Robby Kincaid
Email: pitspecial@earthlink.net
Years in Band: 1991-1995
Instrument played: Drum Major/French Horn
Personal Info: I graduated Auburn University in June of 1999. I got commissioned as a 2Lt in the Air Force on the same day. I started undergraduate pilot training in November of 1999 and will graduate in November of 2000. After that I will be flying the F-15C "Eagle" at Tyndall AFB in Panama City Beach, FL. From there it is anyone's guess. I will be at Tyndall for at least 6 months starting around May of 2001, which means that I will be there for Spring Break!! Send me an e mail message when you get a chance, I like hearing how old friends are doing.
Memory: All of it.

Name: Amanda Kindred
Email: amk65@msstate.edu
Years in Band: 1997-2001
Instrument played: flute and piccolo
Personal Info: I'm a student and Mississippi State University. Oh and GO DAWGS!!!
Memory: Band was the best thing ever! I met so many people. Hmm....my fondest memory would have to be going to New York City and marching in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. I will never forget it, especially now with all that has happened in New York City.

Name: Jim King
Email: psi_melb@digital.net
Years in Band: 1982-1983
Instrument played: Trumpet (A band, Jazz Ensemble)
Personal Info: Residing in Melbourne, FL since finishing graduate school in March of 1990. Married to Lesley in 1994 (no kids yet). Control system engineer with Harris Corp. 1990-96, now one of four member group who left to form new office for Planning Systems Inc. (still in Melbourne). Hobbies: SCCA road racing, blues guitar.
Memory: Watching Mr. Sparks sprint down the observation tower to yell at (fill in the blank) and seeing that (fill in the blank) was grinning. Fighting Jeff Lindner for his hand warmer at frigid marching band contest. The flagline in shorts on a hot summer day. I'll think of more later.

Name: John R. King
Email: JRKing@Foxsports.net
Years in Band: 1976-79
Instrument played: Baritone
Personal Info: Hi gang - was a member during the Ward/Sparks era. Living in Los Angeles and working for FOX Sports (please watch the NHL and NFL on FOX - I need the ratings).
Memory: Too many memories to list here but one sticks out in my mind and he was not even a member of the band. At the beginning of every football game as the band was taking the field you could hear Ray Reynolds booming over the PA system "The Grissom High School Marching Tiger Band - The Going Band from Tiger Land".

Name: Kellie Johnson Kirby
Email: kelliekirby@mchsi.com
Years in Band: 1981-1984
Instrument played: Trombone, rifle corp
Personal Info: Update! We have moved back to Huntsville just in time for the band reunion, actually 2 days before the band reunion. We have a daughter, Lauren (1999) and a son, Stephen (2001). Still have lots of dogs, 2 border collies and a mutt. Hopefully, we will be moving up to New Market in the next year with more room to spread out.

Name: Gail Kirchner (Queen)
Email: candjbsmom@aol.com
Years in Band: 1982-1985
Instrument played: Oboe/Rifle
Personal Info: After graduating I went to the University of Alabama and graduated with a degree in Math. I worked as an actuary for a couple of years and then returned to UA for a Masters in Math. I currently work for the UA College of Engineering. In June I will celebrate my 10th wedding anniversary. My husband, Jeff, and I have two children. Courtney Hannah (5 in May) and Jonathan B. (just turned 2). My husband is a K-9 officer for Tuscaloosa County. I do not play my horn anymore. I'm afraid if I tried I would only upset our dog - trust me, you don't want him mad at you!
Memory: My fondest memory comes from one of the many long after school practices that we had. There was a part of the show where the band members knelt and the flags did a toss over them. Mr. Sparks was so mad that he stormed down from the stairs, ran over and grabbed a flag, shoved it down his shirt and proceeded to carry on as if he had been impaled. It scared the freshman, but the rest of us got the message.

Name: Mike Kirkpatrick
Email: mkirkpatrick@dese.com
Years in Band: 1972 to 1977
Instrument played: Alto Sax
Personal Info: I graduated from Auburn in '81. Now living in Madison, AL and working at DESE Research, a missile defense company, as VP of marketing. I married Hope Hankins. We have a seven year old son, Wes. I'm still driving a convertible and playing with boats on Guntersville lake. I am continuing my education and will graduate soon with a MS in management.
Memory: The concert band competitions were great fun. What a feeling of satisfaction to complete the music and hear the thunderous applause.

Name: Eric D. Kirsch
Email: ekirsch@ua1vm.ua.edu
Years in Band: 1983-1987
Instrument played: Tuba
Personal Info: Employed as a police officer with the University of Alabama Department of Public Safety.
Memory: -The "Truck Crew".
-The Chicago trip in 1986.
-Seeing what we could get away with the chaperones on trips.

Name: Larry Klabunde
Email: lklabunde@worthington.k12.oh.us
Years in Band: 1970-1974
Instrument played: Trombone
Personal Info: Director of Bands, Thomas Worthington HS, Ohio Wife, Donna; children, Joshua (11), Jonathan (8), Hannah (7)
Memory: All the trips...playing GREAT music under Dave Ward's baton...making terrific friends.

Name: Carl Kloock
Email: ackloock@ingr.com
Years in Band: 1973-1976
Instrument played: Clarinet
Personal Info: I graduated from Auburn University in 1982 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. I am married with two daughters, 18 and 13 years old. My oldest daughter is a senior at Bob Jones High School, and is a part of the Bob Jones Band, which strives to be on the level of the Grissom Band program. I am employed by Intergraph Government Solutions, as a Program Manager for a Navy contract.
Memory: I always remember marching out on the field during football season and competitions, and crowds quieting down to hear us play. We would have standing ovations from opposing teams fans, because they were so impressed with our size, and quality of halftime show. No matter where you went in the southeast, people who were involved with a band program, knew about the Grissom Band. It was such an honor to say that you were part of the Grissom Band program, and still is!

Name: Kristie Johnson Kuzy
Email: albasmom@aol.com
Years in Band: 1977-1981
Instrument played: Bassoon
Personal Info: I have been married to Nick Kuzy since 1982. We have a daughter, Alison, born in 1984 and a son, Dominic, born in June 1999. I worked in childcare for 10 years before Dominic was born and am now staying home with him. We also have 3 very spoiled mixed-breed dogs.
Memory: Band trips!

L

Name: Mary Johnson Lamm
Email: blamm39@aol.com
Years in Band: 1979-1982
Instrument played: Flute
Personal Info: For now just a great big hello to anyone reading this message. Hope that you are healthy and happy!! Write me. Can you believe I still have dreams (periodically) about getting ready to march and being on the wrong side of the field. Go figure. Some fears never go away.
Memory: Has to be the first summer practices in '79 coming into this huge band and having the trumpet section serenade me on my birthday. You seniors of '79 were great role models.

Name: Stephanie Lamy
Email: stephi2377@aol.com
Years in Band: 1985-1989
Instrument played: Flute
Personal Info: I am currently living in Charleston, South Carolina (the most beautiful city in the world!!) Following my stint at Auburn, I got my Master's in Counseling/Play Therapy at a university in Texas. I am currently a "child life specialist" at the local children's hospital. Basically, I provide play therapy/emotional support for hospitalized children and their families. If you all are ever in the "Holy City".. look me up!! And, you all know who you are.. I miss all of you!!! smiles
Memory: Hmmmmmmmmm.. so many. *laughing* I remember band camp.. and drills.. "one-and-two-and-three.. ". That was such a sweaty bonding experience. But, I did love the long band trips on the bus... *laugh* It was all fun, and so many memories... *smiles* Oh, and loved throwing Mr. Connell into the pool..............

Name: Jeff Langhout
Email: langhouj@stricom.army.mil
Years in Band: 1978-1981
Instrument played: Trombone
Personal Info: After leaving Grissom, I went to Auburn and played in the band for one year. I then went on to graduate in Industrial Engineering. Auburn is where I met my wife Jackie and we now (1998) live in Huntsville and have two children (Grace 6 and Robert 3). Life is great. Jackie and I both received our Masters Degrees in Engineering Management from UAH and have both had rewarding careers working as civil servants for the Army. I have not really played the trombone that much since college but with all the many hours spent playing from 6th grade through college, I guess you don't ever really forget how to play. I am so appreciative to my band directors (Dave Ward and Jim Sparks) for their dedication to us and the work ethics and discipline they taught us.
Memory: Mike Parish and Harry Watters dressing up as the embryo twins for one of the Halloween basketball games. They even had the umbilical cord attached. Besides being excellent trombone players, they sure added a lot of fun to High School. Believe it or not another fond memory is one a Dave Ward's famous quotes. If you ever really screwed up at marching practice you could count on hearing over the megaphone... "fool, idiot, what do think you're doing!!??" Thanks Mr. Sparks, Mr. Ward, and all my friends for giving me a great four years at Grissom.

Name: Carolyn Howard Lasker
Email: chlasker@aol.com
Years in Band: 1973-1975
Instrument played: Flag Corp, band aide
Personal Info: I went out to Utah after graduation where I met my husband after 2 years of college. I have 4 children: 20,19,16,15. We just recently moved to Jacksonville area. With all that beach, I just had to retire and enjoy it while Craig supports me. Prior to moving I had been a paramedic/firefighter for 11 years and had taught pediatric and advanced cardiac life support. Very rewarding career but is a young persons job, which I am not any more. I have kept up the piano and played the organ in church and still do since moving.
Memory: Early morning flag practice in the summer. Great music that would give me shivers and/or bring tears to my eyes.

Name: Andrew Lawrence
Email: andrew@veritas.com
Years in Band: 1989-1993
Instrument played: Euphonium
Personal Info: I went home to California so quickly after high school that I missed graduation. I graduated from UC Berkeley with a BS in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in '96, and have been working as a programmer at a little place called VERITAS Software ever since. My euphonium lives under my desk at the office, and has been known to confuse my coworkers when I'm here really late at night.
Memory: Happily, most of my memories of band are good ones.

Name: David Lawrence
Email: sigmund@bellsouth.net
Years in Band: 1976-1980
Instrument played: Trumpet
Personal Info: Undergraduate degree from University of South Alabama in 1984
Married to Barbara in 1985 Two kids: Dylan - born in 1991; Alyssa - born in 1993
Graduate degree in Information technology from AIU in 2001 We live in Roswell, GA, just outside of Atlanta. Barbara works for Bellsouth and I teach math and science in a small, private high school.
Memory: Riding the bus late at night on the way back from marching contests. Everyone is tired, the lights are all out, and WE WON.

Name: Samantha Lawrie
Email: lawrisa@auburn.edu
Years in Band: 1980-1984
Instrument played: French Horn
Updated: 5-5-2003

Name: Virginia Lawrie
Email: whimsycl@yahoo.com
Years in Band: 1983-1984
Instrument played: Trombone
Personal Info: At the end of the summer in 1984, my family moved to Hampton, VA. The high school band there was the worst. I graduated and went to the University of Virginia for two years and then transferred to Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA, where I graduated with a degree in psychology and counseling. I bounced around different jobs for awhile then ended up in Richmond, VA, where I spent time working for a credit card company as a customer service manager. I moved back to Huntsville about two years ago, and I currently work for Dynetics as an Internet Specialist. I really love web design and development.
Memory: My fondest memories of band are the football games, pep rallies, the trips, and of course waking up early on a Saturday for the paper drives. I remember practicing mornings during the summer, especially when Sparks would yell and then yell some more if I looked at him while he was yelling at me and I was supposed to be at attention. I remember sectionals and being one of the only girls in the trombone section (male humor is quite hysterical). I can almost hear Lee Russell and David Anderson singing (The Sound of Silence) in the band room after a pep rally. There are so many things I can recall. It was only a year, but it was one of the better ones I've experienced.

Name: Jeremy Lawson
Email: lawsoja@mail.auburn.edu
Years in Band: 1992-1996
Instrument played: Trombone/Band Captain
Personal Info: Physics major at Auburn University.
Memory: My senior year when we played the Big Noise show. That show was more than awesome. I remember almost quitting band for my senior year but now I'm glad I didn't, very glad.

Name: Chris Ledbetter
Email: christopher.p.ledbetter@boeing.com
Years in Band: 1976-1980
Instrument played: Percussion
Personal Info: Married, 1990, Deborah
Daughter, 1995, Sarah
Live in Fayetteville, TN
Played in Auburn Marching Band w/brother (Chip)
Played in Tennessee Tech Marching Band w/sister (Connie)
Graduated from TTU in 1987
Work as contractor (doing drawing check) at Boeing
Memory: Summer practice; it was nice to be with everyone before school started.

Name: Robert Lee
Email: rdklee97@gmail.com
Years in Band: 1983-1987
Instrument played: Baritone
Personal Info: Married to Deidra Shuck. We have two children, Kathrine and Joshua
Memory: Too many to list but I remember all the good times.

Name: Julie Leonard/ Julie L. Freitas
Email: eireann@attbi.com
Years in Band: 1984-1988
Instrument played: Trumpet
Personal Info: After graduating from Grissom, I left the South for college in Indiana at St. Mary's College. I decided that 4 years of higher education wasn't enough so I went further north to Marquette University (Milwaukee, WI) to get a Master's in history. I am currently finishing my Ph.D from MU though I no longer live in the midwest. After getting engaged to a Bostonian I moved to the Boston area, where I've lived since the fall of 1998. We've been married for 3 1/2 years, and I love Boston! I am currently finishing up my dissertation and plan to graduate from MU in Dec. 2003. In the meantime I work in the adminstration at Harvard University.
Memory: Oh, there are so many memories!
Updated: 12-02-2002

Name: Jeffrey A. Lesher
Email: jlesher@bellsouth.net
Years in Band: 1969 to 1973
Instrument played: Euphonium

Name: Cindy Levaas
Email: clevaas@utk.edu
Years in Band: 1993-1997
Instrument played: Color Guard/Clarinet (bass & contra!)
Personal Info: I'm a freshman at The University Of Tennessee (GO VOLS!!) and right now I think I'm majoring in Geology and Environmental Studies. I'm a member of the Pride Of the Southland Color Guard (which rocks!)
Memory: Too many to list!! The guard getting 99 two years in a row was awesome, but I would have to say that the trips to New Orleans and Chicago were the greatest! I'll never forget 6th period, Melissa H. We'll always have the lay-back!!

Name: Ricky Levens
Email: grissom@levrik.com
Years in Band: 1984 - 1986.5
Instrument played: Percussion
Personal Info: After school, worked at SCI for a couple years, got married and had a daughter, Monica. Later worked into a position as a CAD Programmer developing custom software. Remarried in '95 and moved to East Tennessee - the very place I'd been making fun of most of my life. In August 2002, my son Rance was born...so far, he is never without a drumstick in hand...trying to get tone out of anything from glass tables to unsuspecting dogs. Currently, I work as a Network Administrator at a multi-site manufacturing company with approx. 150 client computers, 14 various servers, and endless challenges with software development. Music has stayed in my life throughout, playing in various bands, including a stint with Craig Smoot - a fellow Grissom Drumline buddy.
Memory: So many to choose from... My favorite would have to be Summer Band Camp...I'm still pulling stories out from those days. Sparks sending me to A-school for poking holes in the bathroom ceiling with drumsticks while Mike K. hid in a stall, Sparks giving me 3 licks for passing out Robbies candy none of which I got to eat for myself. Ron Smith. Band trips, especially the A, B, and C Band sweep in Orlando (Wet-n-Wild). Damon Greene in a cast. Kilpatricks Dodge Aspen station wagon on Green Mountain. Steve Gaaaaaaad, man. Dave A. and Reeses Pieces. Woods in white pants. Pete always had the best cadences while we practiced marching. Does Tishs hair still turn green in the cold? VILLA RICA...Mr. Clean. Most of all...laughing, watching, learning, and being a part of something truly special. I miss all of you.

Name: Jason Lewis
Email: JasonL36@mindspring.com
Years in Band: 1994-1998
Instrument played: Trumpet
Personal Info: Freshmen at U of North Alabama, major in commercial music, plan to do grad work at Belmont or U of North Texas.
Memory: Everyone's fondest memory: Mr. Connell jumpin on an antique '65 Mustang to save Brad Moore from death in the "Block".
Swearing that Newby and I would not make it to the end of the first semester in band because of our "bad attitudes".
Mr. Vernon plottin to kill me (again)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Name: Jeff Lindsay
Email: jtlindsa@novanthealth.org
Years in Band: 1982-86
Instrument played: Horn-Band/Keyboard-Jazz Band
Personal Info: Auburn - Undergrad UAB - MS in Health Systems Admin -- after a 3 year stint in the cold, harsh North (Pittsburgh, PA), I'm back in the sunny South -- Cardiovascular Administrator for a health system based in Winston Salem, NC. Married Maryanne Wolf ('85), and in our spare time we SCUBA and hang out in the mountains with our 2 dogs. Unfortunately, I haven't touched a horn in so long I've forgotten which end is up.
Memory: Fall 82 -- Jupiter Company Front.

Name: Maryanne Wolf Lindsay
Email: MLindsay@mail.com
Years in Band: 1981-1985
Instrument played: FLUTE, piccolo, flag corp
Personal Info: I graduated from Auburn in 1989 and from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in 1993. I am now practicing emergency medicine in Mount Airy, NC near Winston-Salem. I married Jeff Lindsay (82-86) in 1990, and we have two boys. . . a Great Pyrenees and a Shetland Sheepdog. Our favorite leisure activities are gardening (and, at times, actually landscaping!) and SCUBA diving. Our favorite dive site so far is in Little Cayman.
Memory: I believe that being a part of the GHS band literally shaped my life. Primarily due to Jim Sparks, I learned the power of mental and physical discipline at the same time that I was learning that hard work would result in "pride", "greatness", and "awesome"-ness. I have many wonderful memories of the band, but my favorite is my husband!

Name: Eric A. Linn
Email: elinn10342@aol.com
Years in Band: 1973-1974
Instrument played: French Horn
Personal Info: I moved to the Seattle area in January 1974. I've been married for the last 15 years and have 3 children ages 10,11,13. The youngest plays the flute and loves it. Working in research in the Bio-tech field. Still have my horn but do not play. This trip down memory lane makes me want to dust it off and see if I can still play the Tiger rag.
Memory: Even though I played just 1/2 my freshman year at GHS I did get to experience the back practice parking lot in August, practicing the halftime show over and over again for the HHS game and having VP Ray Reynolds just about do cartwheels because we blew everyone's hair back in the stands, Nancy Brockway, Harriet Behr(sp), Sandra Rouse, John Rose, Connie Kennedy, Theresa Pope, and all the other members of the horn section. All these and many more make up the great memories of GHS. I wish I could have spent all four years at Grissom because the band at my High school in Seattle was not anywhere near the quality I was used to. Oh, well... It was great finding this site and hello to anyone who remembers me.

Name: Ryan Livingston
Email: st0478@student-mail.jsu.edu
Years in Band: 1991-1995
Instrument played: Bassoon/Alto Sax
Personal Info: Well I'm currently a Criminal Justice major at JSU. I'm no longer in band. I hope I will get out sometime soon. My minor is history. I own several fine vintage autos of the 1970s. I'm involved in car several car clubs. I plan on attempting some sort of auto racing either circle/drag or autocross. I also plan someday of opening a huge junkyard and auto shop. While at JSU I joined the Rugby team and enjoy it. (Nothing better than B-side!!)I have another e-mail address it is: fd71@hotmail.com
Memory: Going to Europe. That was the best.

Name: Pam Logan
Email: wpaynehome@msn.com
Years in Band: 1980-84
Instrument played: Trumpet
Personal Info: I am currently living in Denver, Colorado. Graduated from Vanderbilt with a degree in math. We have two children. I have a daughter (named Logan) and a son named Freeman.
Memory: I will forever remember the band and my years there very fondly. They did a lot to mold the person that I am today. I ahave had a ball reading everyone's bio's. Most memories are truly wonderful
Updated: 04-29-03

Name: Paolo Longo
Email: tychorns@aol.com
Years in Band: 1983-1987
Instrument played: Saxophone
Memory: Listening to Eric Lay talking about a bus trip and the fun that was going on (since he was in the back seat), only to find out that the band directors were in the front seat of the following bus, with the lights shining through the windows.

Name: Barbra Steinman Love
Email: bslove@juno.comcom
Years in Band: 1975-79
Instrument played: French horn
Personal Info: After graduating from the U of A Tuscaloosa with a BA in Music Management, I got a job with the Atlanta Symphony managing volunteers. I did that for about 6 years, until I met and married Keith Love and moved to Prescott, AZ. We lived there 4 1/2 years, had two daughters (Emily, now 6, and Janie, now 4). Then almost two years ago moved to Asheville, NC. I had stayed active with my horn until the move to Asheville, and haven't really gotten it out of the case yet, but intend to soon. I am in touch with a couple of band alums, but would love to hear from more people from my "era".
Memory: Sparks and Ward's costumes for the Homecoming Pep Rally - especially Dave Ward dressed up in jeans and straw hat with a BR-549 sign. Nothing compares to the feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment when you finish a performance that has gone so so well. I can't think of any musical experience since high school that has been such a "high" - and we had many of those in that band.

Name: Todd Ludwig
Email: sentra84@aol.com
Years in Band: 1995-1999
Instrument played: French Horn & Mellophone
Personal Info: I am attending the University of Auburn and plan to study Electrical Engineering. I also will be in the marching band.
Memory: My fondest memory with the band was during my freshman year. During the spring trip to New Orleans. It was such a fun trip and I learned a lot about how the band is like a family. Everyone is nice to each other, even the people who you don't know. The band is a great way to meat people and I have some life-long friends because of it.

Name: Andrew Lynch
Email: chefandrewlynch@hotmail.com
Years in Band: 1982-2002
Instrument played: Clarinet
Personal Info:Wow........ I can't believe I am an alumus. Well, I went to culinary school, traveled and learned how to cook, got married to a beatiful woman from Chicago named Amy and settled down in Alexander City, AL as Chef for Willow Point Golf and Country Club on beatiful Lake Martin. I have a wonderful baby boy that is the joy of my life named Ayden. Come by and say hi if you are in the area.
Memory:That little parade we went too in NYC......The fellowship reflecting on our time in NYC after 9/11.

Name: David Lynch
Email: dlynch01@comcast.net
Years in Band: 1991-1995
Instrument played: Trombone
Personal Info: I went to the University of North Alabama, while I was there I join R.O.T.C and won third place in the rifle shooting contest. The Army seem to be a really cool thing to do, but due to medical reasons I was not able to join. I have finished almost two years of collage, I am currently a swim instructor at the Jim Williams Aquatic Center. Teaching swim lessons has been a great joy, It is amazing how you can turn somebody who is totally afraid of the water and transform them into really good swimmers. It is a great enjoyment working and helping people, This is something I really like to continue doing, and someday I like to be teacher. I intend to get back into playing the trombone again, after all, it was the best thing I have ever done in high school. It will be my major goal to get my teaching degree.
Memory: Well I hope you have some time on your hands. Being a part of the Grissom High School Band was greatest thing I did in high school. When I first started as a freshmen, it look like to be a real drag, for one thing, the long band practice schedule made me tired by just looking at it. But as I started to get into the swing of things, it turned out not to be that bad at all. I met new friends when I went in, I met people like Bret Hollowell, Daniel McCauley, Corey Lewis, and Nathan Malm who I still keep in touch with. The marching season turned out to be my best seasons (regardless of the long band schedule), it was the best time because we as a band were together. When concert season came around it was not as fun. As time went on, we got to go on band trips, this where I got to meet a great guy known as Jon Brown (I really like to know how he is doing these days). It is really hard looking back at all the people I met and most of which I have not seen sinse graduation. The times I spent in the band will always be remembered. These are times that meant a lot to to me, and if you think about it, these are times that will never come again. The person I looked up to the most was Mr. Bill Connell. Mr. Connell was like a second father to me, I could talk to him about anything, rather it was band related or not. There was times I was having trouble in school and Mr. Connell help me through it. There were other times when I was having personal problems, he was there to pull me through. The band could not be directed by a better person than Mr. Connell. I always feel touched when he can still remember me when I see him at the football games. Out of 250 plus band members every year and he still has not forgotten about me, that is something to be proud of. My freshmen year he told the band that if you do the best you can, you will always come out to be #1, regardless of what the judges think. I still go by that to this very day. I will never forget the time I spent with the band. My advise to the kids who are in the band today, Do the best you can and enjoy what you do, because you will remember it for the rest of your lives.

Name: Anna Lyon
Email: aclg@netzero.net
Years in Band: 1992-1995
Instrument played: Fute/piccolo/piano/pit
Personal Info: I still live in Huntsville as of Nov. 2003. Married Cameron Grace, my high school sweetheart, in 1997. We have two beautiful boys, 5 and 1. I am a stay at home mom. I am very involved with my oldest son's school. Music is still a big part of my life. I teach piano and am loving every minute of life. I would love to get back in touch with some now "OLD" aquaintances.

M

Name: Christene Michael MacDonald
Email: christene_76@yahoo.com
Years in Band: 1990-1994
Instrument played: Alto Sax
Personal Info: After graduating from Auburn in 98, I moved to Atlanta briefly and then moved to Washington, DC. I have lived there ever since. I work for one of the universities (George Mason Univ) there in Human Resources Management. It is quite a different world there.
Memory: Not sure where to begin...I think the best times were in Jazz Band. Jim Dolezal, Scott Killmeyer, me, and Gary Wheat. Good times. We were always screwing around when we were suppose to be practicing in the practice rooms. Jim Bob!!!!!!!!!!!! Jazz band was full of great memories! Oh and of course being in the pit orchestra for "The Pajama Game" in 94. The chicks singing "Steam Heat". haha. That was a ball.

Name: Melanie Madden
Email: v283dq@YAHOO.com
Years in Band: 1992-1996
Instrument played: Clarinet
Personal Info: I attended college for a while after high school, but I had no idea what I wanted to do. I worked for my family's company for a while. Last year, (2002) while working there, I had a customer from St.Paul, MN. I year later I'm living up here with him, and we're getting married next year in AL. I'm going to finish a degree in Occupational Therapy up here.
Memory: Band camp two weeks before school started. It was killer! The Dinkle shoes. The Chicago and New Orleans trips were cool.

Name: Jerry Mahone
Email: jmahone@comcast.net
Years in Band: 1979-1982
Instrument played: Percussion
Personal Info: Kat and I were married on 4/25/1999, and our son Tyler was born
on 1/25/2000. Haven't really played since GHS, but I finally did start taking piano lessons for awhile. Being in band and having exposure certainly helps, but I still wish I had taken lessons back when I was a kid like everyone else in band! We live in Annapolis, MD, and we return to Huntsville every couple of years. Kat really enjoyed my nostaglic trip back to GHS for the Alumni reunion. Our son really enjoys drum corps and music in general, so maybe he'll be a percussionist like Dad or play clarinet like Mom!
Memory: Marching: two things stand out. First, the drumline surprising various other bands' drum majors (and lines) by saluting as they (or we) passed. Always thought that was a particularly class thing to do.
Secondly, the 'bounce'. I loved listening to the horn line (and the whole band) getting that bounce off the hills behind GHS during practice. Also, the band's warmup chorale piece was always so thrilling every game, concert, year.
A not-so-fond memory, but we can laugh now: between the prelim and final show in Valdosta, '91, the drumline decided to do a Bridgeman "point" at the end of the drum solo. MacPherson thought it was great and smiled at us from the podium, until half the line missed the 16-count silence preceding the next piece. Apparently, the color guard used that time to get to the next position; we never realized how fast they could run! Thankfully, we still won the finals, but no thanks to us that night.
Concert season: Although I loved performing in A-band (as we called it back then), I really have the fondest memories from being a B-band member and getting to listen to A-band play "Pines of Rome" and "Jupiter" at contest and observing the audience reaction. Very, very moving. As a member of A-band (and B-band, for that matter), I never got to enjoy the music the same way, though I'd never trade my experiences!

Name: Cherise Malm
Email: cm7870a@american.edu
Years in Band: 1994-1998
Instrument played: Oboe/Pit
Personal Info: I am a sophomore at American University in Washington, DC majoring in political science. I love AU and the city!
Memory: My best memories are from the time spent hanging out with the pit. We had such a great time and I loved every minute of it.

Name: Elizabeth Manning
Email: elmannin@bsc.edu
Years in Band: 1995-1999
Instrument played: Clarinet
Personal Info: As of now, I'm a freshman biology major at Birmingham-Southern College. It was a major adjustment moving from an impressive 300 member band, where during concert season we played things like "The Pines of Rome" and Hindemith's "Symphonic Metamorphosis" to a 40 member band where there's not nearly as much commitment and/or challenge. But I *do* have free time now, at least!! : )
Memory: The spring trips, of course, were always great. My senior trip, to Indianapolis for BOA, where we had conversations with people from different floors and different states, yelling across way to the other side of the building, is a fond memory. (As I recall, Mr. Vernon didn't like this too much... : ) My senior year as a section leader, all the great music we played each year in concert season. Who could forget the "Homage to Leonen" (is that how it's spelled??) where we got to chant, in "B" band with Mr. Vernon... And of course, my very favorite, "Symphonic Metamorphosis" my junior year in "A" band... To this day, it's one of my favorites. Thank you Mr. Vernon and Mr. Connell, for giving me the change to be a part of such a wonderful program. I honestly think I'm a better person because of it. : )

Name: Ellen Marchman
Email: emarchman@earthlink.net
Years in Band: 1990-1994 (is that right?)
Instrument played: Flute (concert, marching 1 yr); Color Guard (3 yrs)
Personal Info: I graduated from the University of Alabama in 1998 with a B.A.
in English and Creative Writing. After working for a couple of years, decided to go back to school (what they won't hire an English major for!) and get my MBA, which I am a little over halfway through. I will be moving to Manhattan next June, hoping to work for an investment firm for a few years until I start a Ph.D. program in Finance. Feel free to drop me a note!
Memory: The time David Jones and I both cut our hair on the same day (contest) and walked into the band room and the only people who recognized us were each other...Connell getting really fired up and turning red... Theo teasing Andrew Thomason and Leia mercilessly on a strange outing to some backwoods catfish joint...Pathetic attempts at jazz flute...6 a.m. and 90 degrees for guard practice in the summer...troll hands...It was all in all a pretty good time.
Updated: 10-31-02

Name: Carl Marker
Email: minos@sbcglobal.net
Years in Band: 1976-1979
Instrument played: Tuba
Personal Info: After spending 4 years in the Marine Corps (where I met my wife Lynne), I got my degree in Computer Engineering, and am now a Systems Engineer working in San Diego, CA. We have one daughter, Hannah, who just started Tuba this year in middle school.
Memory: Marching Band and the various contests -- especially Six Flags. My favorite pieces were "Legend of the One-Eyed Sailor" (Marching Band) and Shaherazad (Concert Band).
Updated: 01/11/07

Name: Bud (Dean) Martin
Email: Martinld@hiwaay.net
Years in Band: 1970-74
Instrument played: Tuba
Personal Info: I currently have a (sophomore) son, Adam Martin, attending Grissom and was treasurer of the Football Booster Club this last year. I was also liaison to the Band and got to know both Theo and Bill very well this season. I know many band students thru years of teaching chess on the side. Having bought much cheese, sausage, candy, seat cushions & fruit in 1998, I consider myself a band booster at least in spirit though not a card carrying member.
Memory: After not playing any music for over 20+ years, I still can't stop playing music in my head, especially Sousa marches. Occasionally I look down at my right hand and find that it's playing those notes on imaginary valves that I only vaguely remember. This last year at football games (when the percussion pit didn't annoy me to death), I found myself humming scales and trying to remember the finger positions. I thought this would be like a nightmare, but I got this warm fuzzy pleasant feeling that made it somehow all right.

Name: Kelly McCarty Manheimer
Email: kellyman@pacbell.net
Years in Band: 1976
Instrument played: Trombone
Personal Info: I got my Bachelor's in Chem Eng. from GA Tech in 1984, and stayed on in Atlanta for several years working for the EPA. Transferred to San Francisco, then to Boston, then quit the EPA and moved back to San Francisco. This is truly home for me. Got married in 1998 (didn't think I was EVER going to), and we had a son in 2000. I am now working part time for an environmental consulting firm, being a full-time Mommy and loving it! If anyone is out visiting our left coast - look me up!
Memory: Although I was only in the Grissom band one year (moved to CA for my sophomore year, and then found other pursuits after finally realizing that I really didn't have much musical talent), I have very fond memories of my time there. As so many others of the Ward/Sparks years, I have (now) great memories of the (seemingly endless) practice sessions on the blacktop, Sparks breaking the megaphone, band trips, and the community of belonging to such a great organization. I didn't appreciate Sparks and Ward enough at the time. Greetings and peace to all of you!

Name: Daniel Mccauley
Email: st3326@student-mail.jsu.edu
Years in Band: 90-95, I really can't remember them to well.
Instrument played: Trombone and truck crew
Personal Info: I am at Jax state and will be attending forever. I pawned my trombones long ago. I play rugby for JSU and I am hoping to graduate as Occupational safety and health major in maybe 2 or 3 years.
Memory: The fondest would be when truck crew stole the directors chair from Samford spring 95 then when we got back to Huntsville we put it on the podium and Mr. Connell and Mr. Vernon got really mad and we had to take it back the next day when A and B band went down.
Even fonder is when Mr. Brewster ran into Mr. Connell's car with the ryder truck, yes I saw it with my own eyes, it was great.

Name: William McCleskey
Email: wmccleskey@hotmail.com
Years in Band: 1991-1995
Instrument played: Trombone/Section Leader
Personal Info: I work as a computer programmer at STATS, Inc. in a suburb of Chicago. Graduated Northwestern University with a degree in economics that has no relationship whatsoever to my job. Anyway, send me some email...
Memory: The friends I made and all that. The trips were also fun. Especially the D-Day Europe trip.

Name: Nancy Holt McGinnis
Email: mcgnancy@nortelnetworks.com
Years in Band: 1977-1981
Instrument played: Clarinet
Personal Info: After high school graduation, I moved to Atlanta and stayed. I graduated from Georgia Tech in 1986 with a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering. I worked in the Network Engineering department for BellSouth for 9 1/2 years before leaving to go to work for Nortel Networks (still "telephone" engineering). I met my husband David through the Atlanta Ski Club and we married in 1990. We have two beautiful children - Michael is 6 and Kimberly is 2. We still enjoy snow skiing, but our latest hobby is T-ball. We live out near Stone Mountain in Atlanta, so if you're ever in the area, come on by!
Memory: There are so many - I loved both marching and concert band. I was reminded at the reunion how cool it was to hear all the different parts of a piece of music during sectionals, and then how much more I appreciated the sound when we put it all together. I think we learned as much about "teamwork" as any group could. The feelings of awe when we achieved near musical perfection as individuals and as a group. A funny - Mr. Ward telling the "Wide-Mouthed Frog" joke!

Name: John McGuire
Email: jmcguire@soultrain.music.ua.edu
Years in Band: 1991-1995
Instrument played: French Horn/Section Leader/Jazz Trumpet
Personal Info: I'm still at Alabama and still majoring in music performance. I think I'm in music cause I am not good at anything else. I should be graduating in a year and a half. I'm about to start auditioning for orchestra jobs, so I might be in the real world soon. And yes, college is great. Someday I'll be making my own cds, someday if only in my dreams. Peace.
Memory: Having competitions with the low brass (Andy Bennett, Joel Mason, Duane Bellamy,etc....) in after school A Band rehearsals.

Name: Matt McGuire
Years in Band: 1995-1999
Instrument played: Bass Trombone
Personal Info: As of right now, I am going to Bama to become a jazz studies major. Not much has happened since graduation, so there isn't much to tell. I'll update when something does (which might be a while).
Memory: I think my best memories of band are when we took our trip to Indianapolis and we finished our performance and looked out at the audience with the pride of our best being done. The other memory is when Will told Mr. Vernon that he could grow facial hair better than he could.

Name: Jimmy McMillion
Email: nomour925@excite.com
Years in Band: 1970-1973
Instrument played: Alto sax
Personal Info: Note my email name> I have been self-employed for almost 16 years now and hope to stay that way. Somehow I make a living selling newspapers. I am not getting rich but I like my boss. Ha ha ha.
Memory: Watching Mr. Ward play sax or really anything he was good at. It seemed as though he leaves the room when playing. Hearing all the crazy stories from my old friends Ken Feese about the a-band trips to Atlanta. That feeling of euphoria when the notes all work and POW you have left the room and float about in the sound in another dimension of time and space.

Name: Melissa McNeal
Email: pamcneal@hiwaay.net
Years in Band: 1993-1996
Instrument played: Trumpet
Personal Info: I'm still living in Huntsville. I'm majoring in systems engineering and I work at the Space and Rocket Center.
Memory: We went to Austria my senior year and our during our last performance it started pouring down rain. Everyone was under a canopy except for the trumpet section so we were soaked by the end of the evening but it was lots of fun. During my freshman year in jazz Mr. Vernon made us run laps around the building for messing up part of the song.

Name: Dwight McPeak
Email: dmcpeak@hiwaay.net
Years in Band: 1976-1981
Instrument played: Trumpet
Personal Info: Currently in Birmingham with my wife Lisa (Pettis) and our 4!!! kids Chase 9, Alex 7, Hope 2, and Evan 3 months. Working as an Application Architect for BellSouth.
Memory: Band trips of any form, marching halftimes in the rain or Six Flags competition. Maybe I just liked getting out of town. Basketball Pep Band where you could swap instruments and no one seemed to mind. Being in the band was my favorite part of high school, hard work and long hours included.

Name: Sarah Meadows
Email: smeadows@auburn.campus.mci.net
Years in Band: 4
Instrument played: Sax and Mallet Instruments (pit)
Memory: While on the Austria trip, watching Mr. Vernon get hit on by an Austrian woman in a disco...she kept dancing over to him. What can you say? He was looking spiffy and gettin' down with the best of 'em... Also, when I was in "B" band, (when it was "B" band), I loved playing "Timestorm" in Chicago. That was a great trip.

Name: Margaret Medley
Email: margaret_medley@pobox.tbe.com
Years in Band: 1990-1994
Instrument played: French horn/Color guard
Personal Info: I am going to Athens State University in Athens, AL and will graduate in May with a BS in mathematics. I presently co-op at Teledyne Brown Engineering here in Huntsville.
Memory: The trips were always great, especially Chicago and DC. My favorite times would have to be the crazy guard practices with Stan! I always enjoyed concert life with the French horn guys in the back (John, Matt, and Robby)! I will always remember my band days with great fondness. You really do miss it when you leave.

Name: Meg Jobczynski Meyer (August 24, 1960 to September 4, 2007)
Email:
Years in Band: 1974-1977
Instrument played: Clarinet
Personal Info: Went to college, everywhere, and then some more, and some more, ...etc. Lived all over. Finally married a Minnesotan. Then had a boy and a girl. Returned to music when my son insisted at the age of three he must play violin. Now he plays violin & cello. My daughter plays viola. And me I play all three. Took some time off for some major cancer battling. But I am still here.
Memory: Getting to go home before 6pm.
Update: From Meg's older sister Kathryn Jobczynski, submitted 9/18/07:
Meg was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer in June 1997. She was given a life expectancy of 12 to 18 months. Meg triumphed over the cancer for over ten years. With multiple tumors in her brain, two of which were inoperable, Meg passed away 11 days after her 47th birthday. She leaves behind: a saint of a husband, Jeff; a son who is in his senior year of high school and turns 16 today, Joe; a daughter who is a freshman in high school, Sophie; four sister who will miss her mirth and mayhem; two parents whose child preceded them to greater glory.

Name: Cynthia Nichols Milbourn
Email: nicholcy@slcc.edu
Years in Band: 1979
Instrument played: Cornet
Personal Info: Sending a BIG hello from Utah.
Memory: My fondest memory with the band is when my best friend Mary Hooper and I were mascots. We were in the first and second grade at the time and that would of been around 1970-1974.

Name: Thomas Millar
Email: tmillar@usa.net
Years in Band: 1992-1996
Instrument played: Trombone
Personal Info: Still alive.
Memory: FOOF!
Yay!
etc.

Name: Lisa Marie Sumrall Madison Minor
Email: LIMASUMA@AOL.com
Years in Band: 1978-1982
Instrument played: Alto-Clarinet, Contra-Bass Clarinet
Personal Info: I played around (operative words there) with college (UAH, Calhoun, Auburn) for a few years but finally gave it up to get married in 1985 (bad move). Had a beautiful daughter, Lara Michelle on April 28, 1997. She was followed by a wonderful son, Shane Matthew on October 15, 1989. This just goes to show that good things can come from not so good experiences. I stayed home with them until finally needed to get out and get a job in June of 1998. I have played around with photography for years and was able to get a job close to home. I am the Manager and Photographer at the Wal-mart Portrait Studio at the South Huntsville Supercenter. During this time I got divorced, met a WONDERFUL man and married him, Jeffrey Minor on June 17, 1999. We are now expecting a little boy around the end of June or first of July 2000!!! MAN< when we were in school and were wondering what the year 2000 would bring, NEVER did I think of a new baby!!!!! We are all very excited though. We still live in the same neighborhood that I lived in in High school and my kids are at Mt. Gap Elementary and Mt. Gap Middle. Looks like they will go to Grissom as well unless we happen to get a new high school on this end of town. I am looking forward to the reunion. It should be an interesting experience.
Memory: I think the fondest memories I have are definitely the trips we took. I know it was NOT the HOT practices in the summer!!!!!

Name: Chris Mitchell
Email: mitchell_005@yahoo.com (as of January 2002)
Years in Band: 1992-96
Instrument Played: Horn (Section Leader 95-96), truck crew
Personal Info: After Grissom, I spent 5 years at Auburn University getting a BA in Operations Management. I also met my wife of almost four years there and received an officer's commission into the US Air Force. After spending three great years at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, we've finally come back home. I'm currently a Software Program Manager at Maxwell AFB-Gunter Annex in Montgomery, AL. My wife and I welcomed our first child (Molly Elisabeth) into this world on Halloween Night 2004. We've been enjoying her ever since. If you're ever in the Montgomery area, let me know. It would be great to catch up! (Updated March 2005)
Memory: Great memories. Bands of America in Chicago was a highlight; Time Storm rocks! Great marching band performances, and great friends whom Ive (unfortunately) mostly lost touch with. I know times change, but I hope the Grissom Band always remains the powerhouse and class act it is. And I hope that band members now tap into the great resources and friends that are Bill Connell and Theo Vernon. I also wish Id practiced a little more, but hey, I still had an experience I wouldnt trade for anything.

Name: Karen Duke Mitchell
Email: kemitchel@hotmail.com
Years in Band: 1971-1973
Instrument played: Clarinet

Name: Matt Mitchell
Email: mattmitchell0@yahoo.com
Years in Band: 1987-1990
Instrument played: Euphonium
Personal Info: Top Secret
Memory: Ed Briscoe, Jon Popsicle, Rob Brown, Duane Pickett, Liz Michael. When's the reunion?

Name: Jason Moe
Email: jasmoe4@mac.com
Years in Band: 1994-1997
Instrument played: Trumpet
Personal Info: I've since moved to Hampton Cove on "the other side of the mountain" and have plans to move to California. I'm interested in a writing career and enjoy creating poetry in my free time. I'm finishing up my college career (having switched majors 3 times) and will have a degree in English with a focus in Communications (funny, considering my shyness in high school). I'll be going back and getting an education degree and then it's on to elementary school, this time as a teacher..
Memory: My fondest memory was my Senior year band trip to Chicago. I love Chicago and was very pleased to hear that we were going back to the windy city. The pressures felt during previous trips the wrath of the directors, fear of not maintaining the perfection associated with the band, and proving to myself that I can accomplish great things were no longer at the forefront of my thoughts. They were still present but found themselves in the shadows of something bigger: a realization that this was the last of it. This was the last time to see all of my friends together in the same way, the last time to be apart of this organization, the last relatively carefree time before the weight of other, larger responsibilities (college, career, family) were placed on my shoulders. Understanding that this trip wasnt just an opportunity to show a few judges that we were the best but rather showing ourselves the same gave me the motivation to try my hardest while facing lifes challenges. Grissom High School Band, Mr. Connell, Mr. Vernon, my friends, my classmates, my family, thank you for the memorable places and the most amazing time of my life.

Name: James D. Montgomery
Email: jmontgomery9@juno.com
Years in Band: 1977-1980
Instrument played: Trombone
Personal Info: I attended the University of North Alabama and received my degree in Commercial Music. I was in the marching band at UNA for a semester, but as others have said, the Grissom marching band is a hard act to follow. I moved to Los Angeles in 1985 to work for an entertainment law firm whose clients included Roy Orbison, Paul Anka, Elton John, Gloria Estefan, Kenny Rogers, Frank Zappa, Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac, and others. I attended received a paralegal certificate from UCLA and married Ellen Davidson (Grissom Class of '82)in December of 1991. We moved back to the South from California in July of 1993. I have been working as a paralegal in Intellectual Property in Memphis, Tennessee since March of 1994. I have one daughter, Evelyn Mary, born August 13, 1997 and have another daughter due in the beginning of May of 2001.
Memory: There are so many great memories. Probably one of the first things that I remember is when I was a freshman, the marching band went to a contest in Tupelo, MS. The band covered the entire sideline--goal line to goal line. The announcer introduced the band, said that Grissom is a class triple A or quadruple A school or whatever it was, which meant the school had a a student population of 2500 or whatever it was and the announcer went on to say "and from the looks of it, most of them are in the band!" Another funny memory was the year that Ward chose the song "Send in The Clowns" for the Homecoming Court portion of the halftime show.

Name: Susan Dawson Moon
Email: Hville-Moons@Worldnet.att.net
Years in Band: 2
Instrument played: Flag
Personal Info: Married Joe Moon, 2 sons, Mark & Rick; currently teaches biology at Grissom.
Memory: Tupelo bans contest fall '78

Name: Lisa Geiger Moon
Email: lisagmoon@aol.com
Years in Band: 1974-1978
Instrument played: Clarinet/Flag Corp
Personal Info: I'm married to Nick and we have 2 boys. John is 18 and graduated from high school in 1999. Jay is 15 and is a freshman in high school. We live in Chattanooga where Nick works as a manager in nuclear power at TVA's corporate office. I have a degree in elementary education but just stay home being lazy. Can't beat the life!
Memory: Hours and hours of practice and lots of fun

Name: Bradley Moore
Email: Moore015@Bama.ua.edu
Years in Band: 1992-1996
Instrument played: Trombone/Drum Major
Personal Info: Majoring in finance or something at the fine University of Alabama. Shots out to all my brothers.
Memory: All of it. Except for my freshman year when Mr. Vernon picked on me everyday. Oh yeah, and when Mr. Connell told me that my head wasn't a windshield wiper on my very first day of band camp. Man I couldn't stay out of trouble, but it was the most fun that I ever had. Current students, enjoy the time you have left with the organization. You will miss it when you are or it is gone!

Name: Brian Moore
Email: IWantSmMor@aol.com
Years in Band: 1991-1995
Instrument played: Trumpet and Drum Major
Personal Info: I am currently living in Birmingham, and I am the assistant manager of Vincent's Market at the Summit.
Memory: The political wall, and all the other writings on the storage room walls. "We're supposed to listen"...Tim Hastings. The "Don't you wish your boyfriend was Tim Hastings" cheer. The time a breathing bag filled with shit was found in a snare case in the drum closet. The infamous "BLACK LIST". The pentagram burned onto the wall of the "sexual" hall. Swass point full deduction!

Name: Mark Hall Moore
Email: mark.moore@sci.com
Years in Band: 1974-1978
Instrument played: Tuba
Personal Info: Married Scarlett Dawn Roberts (Flute 1979) on June 2 1984 2 children Daniel and Jarrod. Brother Philip Moore III (Tuba 1970-1974)who still plays with ROCKET CITY BRASS And started "A TUBA CHRISTMAS" here in Huntsville I am an engineer at SCI Systems Inc. here in Huntsville
Memory: A lot of fond memories, enjoyed marching season best, enjoyed the band trips for reasons all band members understand.

Name: MeChelle Beasley Moore
Email: mmoore@vc.edu
Years in Band: 1982 - 85
Instrument played: Clarinet
Personal Info: I am at present a single mom with 4 children. I am a full time student lacking 4 quarter from a BS in Management Information Systems. I work at Virginia College in Birmingham at the Palisades Campus.
Memory: I will always remember how awesome we were on field and how honored I was to have been the first female Drum Major that Grissom ever had as well as be a part of the first dual Drum Major teams. Thanks for a great two years Tommy and band! Some of my memorable saying that seem to have stuck with me are, Hey Band, Hey What and "K" and how will ever forget about the curly Riches.

Name: Michael Morenilla
Email: magguu@ufl.edu
Years in Band: 1994-98
Instrument played: Saxophone
Personal Info: I'm at the University of Florida, its always warm and sunny, I'm a Gator, and I love it!
Memory: Being Drum major; the excitement of being onstage right before we start playing, in front of a huge, expectant crowd, with Mr. Connell talking to us quietly, smiling and winking, and raising his baton to start; but most of all I miss jazz band, the fun during rehearsals, the excitement of performing, and the great people I got to meet and play with.

Name: Andrea Morgan (Densley)
Email: adens@juno.com
Years in Band: 1971-1973
Instrument played: Flute/Majorette/Rifle corps
Personal Info: Currently living in Shelton, WA. Vocalist with a 20-piece swing band, work as freelance editor, and as substitute librarian. Have six children--oldest in college, youngest in 2nd grade. We're a busy family! Graduated from Brigham Young University in 1978 with a BA in Fashion Design. Have sung in Las Vegas showcases, belted the national anthem at ball games, and appeared on the "new Gong Show"--and no, I didn't get gonged. I was also a Colorado state finalist with the country show-down and sang for awhile (brief) with a rock band. Its been an interesting journey, I really love the band I'm with now. Best Wishes to everyone! Andrea
Memory: The first year of attending rifle camp--none of us knew what we were doing and we ended up earning first place at the camp by time the week was up.

Name: Nichole Myers-Cavin
Email: nicholecavin@hotmail.com
Years in Band: 1993-1997
Instrument played: Flag Corps
Personal Info: I am now married and living in South Carolina. I am also in graduate school at Clemson University majoring in Bioengineering. I received my bachelors from Mississippi State University in Biomedical Engineering.
Memory: The trips to Chicago and New Orleans were great. What guard member will ever forget Stan the Man and summer practices at 6 in the morning.

Name: Heather Myres
Email: hmyres@utk.edu
Years in Band: 1993-1997
Instrument played: flute/color guard
Personal Info: I am a freshman at the University of Tennessee and I am currently majoring in biology with a minor in psychology and education, but who knows if that will stick! I can also read lips.
Memory: The trips to New Orleans and Chicago were probably the best ones. . "There is no E cup, Mr. Connell!!!!"