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Parents
Students
Fund Raising
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
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Grissom Band Alumni Association
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Name: Jenny Ritter Naumann
Email: naumann@hiwaay.net
Years in Band: 1976-80
Instrument played: Flute & Piccolo
Personal Info: Earned a B.S. in Business with an MIS major from
UAH in 1990. Married Jon in Berkely, CA in 1992. Brought him back to Huntsville
and we both work at Dynetics. No kids yet, but we have black lab that is spoiled
rotten.
Memory: First of all, we played some beautiful music together,
Scherazade, Don Juan, Pines of Rome and Capricio Espanol. Elsa's Procession to the
Cathedral still brings tears to my eyes. I also remember our killer flute section
with Snyder, Reaves and Macpherson, all class of '80! I remember breaking my ankle
the summer between my junior and senior year causing me to miss the marching season.
The trips to Six Flags every year were fun, and our trip to Knoxville too. Remember
the Blues Bros. jazz band? And those crazy Waters brothers, both of them always
up to something.
I'd love to get a ghs alumni band (Ward Sparks era) together for one of the reunions
coming up. Anyone interested??
Name: Dave Nave
Email: davenave@rocketmail.com
Years in Band: 1976-1980
Instrument played: Trumpet
Personal Info: Went on to UAH (University At Home), increased my
pinball skills, and moved on to Auburn for a BEE. Moved on to Atlanta and later
got a BS in Computer Science and Math. Now in Berlin, Germany as a System Administrator
for a genetic research company.
Memory: Unbelievable that I have so many. One of my faves was on
the sideline before halftime. I was a couple of people away from Richard Amos, near
the 50, and he suddenly says "I smell Cruex!" A couple of the players (opposing
team) turn around, look UP to see who said it, and quietly turned back around. I
was in hot water with Sparks and Ward more often than I can remember, but had fun
nonetheless. I made a lot of long time friends between Whitesburg and Grissom bands,
and don't regret one minute.
Name: Martha (Lee) Swindall Nettere
Email: nettere.l@dreyfus.com
Years in Band: 1976-1980
Instrument played: Alto Clarinet
Personal Info: I work for Dreyfus Investments as a Vice President
and Regional Marketing Director. (That means I travel all the time.) My husband
- Mark is a financial consultant at Robinson Humphrey/Salomon Smith Barney in Huntsville.
Mark's son, Carl, is a junior at The University of N. Alabama.
Memory: Those hot summer mornings on the blacktop behind GHS practicing
our marching techniques.
Name: Keith Newbern
Email: knewbern@tidemark.com
Years in Band: 1979-1983
Instrument played: French Horn
Memory: Marching goal line to goal line and hearing the crowd roar
when we did that
Name: Jon Newby
Email: lobsternads@hotmail.com
Years in Band: 1986-1988/Jazz Band (Sept. '88-Nov. '88)
Instrument played: Drums/Percussion/Tama Swingstar
Personal Info: After graduating high school, I received a degree
in Biochemistry from an accredited 4 year university. I moved to the west coast
to start work as an independent contractor for the government. Climbing the corporate
ladder for 3 years left me unsatisfied with my profession. I then began to pursue
my interest in music. I started a band with 2 other guys (both of which were graduates
of Berkeley). We signed with a major recording label after playing the club circuit
for 2 years. After touring the east coast extensively, the band broke up. I am currently
employed at Paco's Taco Stand (#17) in Panama City Beach, Florida.
Memory: GHS Band has left me with many fond memories; however,
a couple is more than one. Oh. There was this time when Theo (a.k.a. Mr. Vernon)
was conducting our jazz band at a local performance. When he cued me for my upcoming
drum solo, I got up and went to the bathroom. Boy was he mad. Another time came
during one of our practices. When I forgot one of the drum licks, Theo sent me to
his office. He then proceeded to chew me out:
"What's wrong with you?! Look at yourself with your long hair...and your lack of
enthusiasm. Where are you going?! WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO WITH YOUR LIFE???!!!"
Sound familiar? So of course I had to say it:
"I WANNA ROCK!!!"
The next day I transferred to Buckhorn High School...where I graduated with both
academic and tennis scholarships.
Name: Toan Nguyen
Email: sillypantstoan@yahoo.com
Years in Band: 1995-1998
Instrument played: Sax and Auxiliary
Personal Info: Update time, folks. I took some time off from school
but now I'm back in mathematics and education at UAH. Math is just about done with,
but these education courses drag for real. I also train Tai Chi and Wing Chun when
I find the time. Currently I bartend at TGI Friday's on University here in town.
I'm not quite married yet (waiting to finish school) but I've been seeing a lovely
girl from school for a little over two years. I'm not sure where life will take
me at this point, but that's part of the deal, right?
Memory: Of course Mr. Connell going ninja on the car hood will
always stand out. Call me silly (lol look at my email) but the best memory is from
how I felt during band. Working hard with other people and feeling like you accomplish
ed something when you were done. The encouragement from Trisha and Brittany. Melissa
Hastings and of course Courtney to name a few. Everybody wanted me to do well :
] I also remember how gasps filled the stadium when the 99 was announced for the
auxiliary.
Name: Jim Nickle
Email: jim@tuck-hinton.com
Years in Band: 1981-1984
Instrument played: Trumpet
O
Name: Mike O'Brien
Email: obrie007@bellsouth.net
Years in Band: 1995-1999
Instrument played: French Horn
Personal Info: Well... a lot has happened since I left the halls
of Grissom High. I am married to a wonderful woman who teaches band at John Carroll
High School in Birmingham, AL. We have been married almost a year and own a house
in Alabaster. I currently work for BellSouth in Outside Plant Engineering and am
working on my MBA from Samford.
Memory: I truly do miss the people in the band. Its rare that you
get to work with 300+ people and see the type of results that you get in a program
such as this. I loved the trips to New Orleans, Chicago, and Orlando that we went
on as well. I do still keep up with many of the people that I got to know there
and am glad they are a part of my life.
Updated: 08/22/06
Name: Darla Orton (Jordan)
Email: darlaorton@netscape.net
Years in Band: 1981-1985
Instrument played: Trombone
Personal Info: It's been really long time!!!! Many things have
happened in my life since GHS. After graduating, I attended U of A for a year and
found that I wasn't quite ready for college. I decided to then join the Air Force.
I spent an incredible three years in the Air Force stationed in California and England.
Life did get pretty interesting during the Gulf War. After leaving the Air Force
I met a wonderful man and have now been married for almost 6 years. We have three
beautiful children; Rhys 8, Ryan 3 1/2, and Carly 19 months. Mike and I are keep
really busy with these three. I am now living in Albuquerque, N.M. and finishing
my degree in liberal arts. We hope to be moving our family back to the south very
soon. It would really be great to receive some info about events going on with the
alumni. Thanks, I hope to hear from the alumni association soon.
Name: Andy Ozment
Email:
andy dot ozment at_symbol cc dot gatech dot edu
Years in Band: 1992-1996
Instrument played: Trombone
Personal Info: I graduated from Georgia Tech in December 2000 with
a bachelors degree in computer science. After working in Atlanta, I returned to
academia (Im a sucker). In December 2003, I finished a masters degree in international
relations at the London School of Economics. I am still in England, working on a
doctoral degree in computer security from the University of Cambridge
Memory: Calling the Trombone Section to attention and hearing the
masses shout "We are Bones!"
We also had some pretty good times in truck crew - A&W, anyone?
P
Name: Britt Padgett (Gillespie now)
Email: brittepg@cs.com
Years in Band: 1989-1993
Instrument played: Color Guard/Rifles, Bass Clarinet Personal Info:
I'm living in Tennessee in the country (WAY BACK in the country) with my husband,
Scott. I spent three years in the Navy and am currently in the reserves. No kids
- yet (that I know of). I'm a senior at East Tennessee State University majoring
in Biology/Spanish and hoping to begin Medical School soon (yeah, I know, it's scary).
Also, I still claim my sisters - Sally and Katie - although sometimes they don't
claim me.
Memory: Hanging out with the Buds (Jaime, Angela, and Lisa - of
course!) and being VERY loud; getting packed in Mark Moon's suitcase on the LONG
trip to Virginia Beach; Stan's rice krispie treats; Frozen grapes (the bridesmaids
even ate them at Angela's wedding!); getting yelled at ALOT by Bill and Theo (I'm
a grown-up now, I can call them that)... In the Navy I told my Commander that boot
camp was a piece of cake compared to four years of Band Camp/Guard Camp at Grissom!
Name: Katie Padgett
Email: kpadgett@utk.edu
Years in Band: 1993-1997
Instrument played: Color guard, Flags and rifles and Trombone
Personal Info: I am now a junior at the University of Tennessee
in Knoxville studying Engineering Science/Biomedical Engineering. No spouse, same
family I had in high school. I live with Heather Myres (she was on guard too). That's
all for now. Woo hoo! I've been so productful since I graduated.
Memory: The color guard kicking ass! Summer practices, Stan Gillispie's
rice crispy treats, guard sleepovers, and frozen grapes. And playing in the office
with Connell and Vernon when I was a band aide.
Name: Jennifer Wambeke Palmer
Email: paljen@woodruff-art.org
Years in Band: 1981-1985
Instrument played: Flute/Rifle corps
Personal Info: I graduated from Auburn University. I moved to Atlanta
in 1989. I married Bryan Palmer in 1991. I have had a very diverse career path and
am currently the Marketing Manager for the High Museum of Art.
Memory: I have many fond memories beginning with practicing for
Rifle Corps tryouts before my freshman year. Noreen Vento tutored me in her back
yard. She had me practice marching, knees high & elbows up to Chicago's "Good Days".
Getting up at 4am to go to Color Guard Camp in Guntersville, the same morning Princess
Di's wedding was on TV. Summer practice starting 2 days after school let out (it
seemed). Praying for a breeze and praying that the captain's would let us stop marching!
Filing into Milton Frank to the beat of the drumline, the anticipation of going
on to the field, death-defying feats on the field during drum solos, the thrill
of victory (marching and concert), and the pride of knowing we were The Best because
of our hard work. My recollections are all the brighter because they include those
of my best friend, Bridget Junen, who passed away several years ago. Here's to the
memories!
Name: Timothy A. Palmer
Email: tpalmer@hiwaay.net
Years in Band: 1978-1981
Instrument played: Trombone
Personal Info: I am married to Debra Rankin and have two children,
Christopher (6/15/82) and Matthew (4/12/86). We live in Huntsville (actually Monrovia).
I'm employed at CG2, Inc., a computer graphics company that I co-founded in 1995.
I still play the Trombone occasionally in big bands, combos, ensembles, etc.
Memory: The Jim Sparks Mobile Jazz Festival van ride incident (ask
me)
Name: Eric Pamperin
Email: epamperi@student.una.edu
Years in Band: 1995-1999
Instrument played: Trumpet
Personal Info: I am currently playing the trumpet at the University
of North Alabama. I am majoring in math in a hopes to become a math teacher.
Memory: Waking David May and Nick McDonald up at 3 in the morning
and telling them it was 6 and it was time to get ready.
Name: Jennifer Pang
Email: jennipang@mindspring.com
Years in Band: 1994-1998
Instrument played: Flute & Piccolo
Personal Info: I'm an Early Childhood Education major at Auburn
University. GO TIGERS!!!!!
Memory: I have a LOT of wonderful memories with the band. It is
an awesome organization and I don't know what I would have done without it! You
go to school to play music, not get an education, right??!! If you are still at
GHS and reading this, then enjoy what you have! Connell and Vernon may seem, uh,
moody at times, but they are awesome. Auburn has a great band, but I always think
back to the "good ole days!" My fondest memory has to be when Connell jumped on
that football player's blue Mustang. The runner up is when he was on the tower and
he ripped his shirt off to make his point. It doesn't get any better than that!
:o)
Name: Kelly Patterson
Email: KellyP18@aol.com
Years in Band: 1993-1997
Instrument played: Flute
Personal Info: I'm attending the University of Alabama majoring
in elementary education.
Name: Nicole Pelletier
Email: napelletier@hotmail.com
Years in Band: 1987-1990
Instrument played: Bassoon
Name: Jimmy Pemberton
Email: apollop@bellsouth.net
Years in Band: 1980-1982
Instrument played: Drums
Personal Info: Married for ten years and have a 3 year old little
boy. We are working on another one. After all "the working on it" is half the fun!
I still live in Huntsville because most places are just not as nice as they are
here. My Wife's name is Wendy and she went to Huntsville high school..oooooooohhhhh
no!
Memory: I guess my best memory is when old man sparks freaked out
at marching band practice and smashed his little megaphone to little pieces because
he was so mad that we couldn't get the show right. He jumped on the railing of that
stand out back of Grissom and just lost it! It was so funny!
Name: Steve Perkins
Email: steve.perkins@hsvcity.com
Years in Band: 1973-1977
Instrument played: Trombone, Guitar
Personal Info: I graduated from UNA (University of North Alabama)
in 1982 with a double major in Geography and Sociology. I work at the City of Huntsville
as a GIS Specialist in the GIS department of the City Planning division. I still
play guitar and write music with some local friends in my spare time. I have 4 kids:
a 23 yr old stepson, Andrew Lynch, who played clarinet in the Grissom Band back
in 98-99, is a gourmet chef, married and expecting a child in Aug 2007, a 22 yr
old daughter, Rhiannon who is also married, a 12 yr old daughter named Samantha
and a 6 yr old son named Simon.
Memory: I have many fond memories, but one that sticks out in my
mind is a surprise birthday party that Mark York, Chip Ledbetter and I arranged
for Mr. Ward. Mark's dad let us use Latham Methodist church for the party. Mark
and Chip brought Mr. Ward to the church that evening under some sort of false pretense
saying that they just needed to stop by and do something for Mark's dad. (Mark and
Chip may remember how they got him there, I don't remember!) Nearly everyone in
the band was there quietly waiting for them to walk in. When Mr. Ward walked up
the steps into the large darkened room, the lights came on and 300 kids stood up
and yelled surprise!! Mr. Ward nearly had a heart attack! He almost fell backwards
down the stairs. I think Mark and Chip actually had to catch him. After that, we
cranked up a large sound system that I had rigged using borrowed equipment and we
rocked for hours! It was a blast!
Updated: 01/11/07
Name: Jeana Watkins Phillips
Email: hugwat@traveller.com
Years in Band: 1986-1990
Instrument played: Alto Sax
Personal Info: Graduate of the University of Alabama. Married to
Derek Phillips from Demopolis, Al. Have a 1 1/2 year old son named Andrew Christian.
(He's already somewhat musically talented:) I work as a part-time secretary at Hillwood
Baptist Church and am a full-time mom! I still give sax lessons on the side.
Memory: So many friends, so many laughs, so many good times! Jazz
band seemed to always make a special memory. One of the many memories was playing
oldies for the nursing home and watching the old folks dance!! Wow! How Great!
Name: Alyssa Plemmons
Email: alyssa_plemmons@hotmail.com
Years in Band: 1995-1999
Instrument played: Oboe/Color Guard
Personal Info: I am currently a freshman at the University of Southern
Mississippi, majoring in Nursing and minoring in Deaf Education. I am loving every
minute of it.
Memory: I have many memories that I will carry with me for a life
time. But to name a few they would have to be: those 6 am practices, camps with
Stan, and all the road trips to competitions, games, and band trips. I would also
have to include the memories that Steven Anfield and I shared as I marched near
him for what seemed like forever our junior year and the time spent waiting on the
brass to learn what a circle was and how to form it. But all in all my years in
the Grissom Band were some of the best years and experiences of my life. Take advantage
of the time that you have in the Grissom Band program because you will miss it when
you get out. I sure know that I do.
Name: Amanda Poole
Email: ascranda@comcast.net
Years in Band: 1994-1996
Instrument played: Clarinet
Name: Michael C. Pope
Email: michael.pope2@comcast.net
Years in Band: 1989-1993
Instrument played: Trumpet
Personal Info: I am a police officer in Tuscaloosa. I am married
and have 3 kids and look forward to moving back to Huntsville soon.
Memory: Hilaritas!
Updated: 01-01-03
Name: Amanda Poole
Email: Amanda76653@aol.com
Years in Band: 1994-1996
Instrument played: clarinet
Personal Info: I graduated from Mississippi State University with
a B.S. degree in Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising with a minor in General Business.
I'm currently living in Memphis, TN and working for Rich's/Lazarus/Goldsmith's as
a sales executive.
Memory: When Mr. Connell jumped on the hood of that guys car.
Name: Dale Powers
Email: pow88@tx.rr.com
Years in Band: 1972-1976
Instrument played: Percussion
Personal Info: I am currently employed by GTE as a System Support
Administrator for their National Telephone Operations Division. My wife (Juli) and
I have been married for 16 years. We have two sons (Joey, 10) and (Stevie, 8). I
hold a Bachelor Degree in Education from Auburn and a Master of Music Degree from
East Texas State University. I was a high school band director for 15 years before
deciding to change careers. Juli and I both play professionally in the Dallas/Ft.
Worth area. One of the groups we perform with; The Dallas Wind Symphony, has recorded
several CD's (10) on the Reference Recording label. I am the principal Timpanist
and Juli plays piccolo. I also play percussion/timpani in the East Texas Symphony,
Richardson Symphony and The Texas Wind Symphony. Music is obviously still very much
a part of my life!
Memory: Beating Christian County, KY at the Tri-States Marching
Contest and completing the silver stick toss!!!!!!. Winning the Six Flags Concert
Contest. Staying at the Trojan Inn in Troy, AL for some ridiculous contest! Going
rolling, streaking, and pursuing other forms of merriment after the football games.
Being a member of the All-State Band was great! Playing all those Mark Hindsley
transcriptions (they all seem to sound the same don't they?). Playing cards behind
the percussion cabinet and missing the next entrance for the percussion section.
(I thought Ward would blow a gasket several times!!!!). Playing all those "go-beats"
at the football games for so long you thought your hands would fall off. Basically
being in band with some of the greatest friends I could have ever known!!!
Updated: 07/21/07 (email address only)
Name: Mistie Pruitt
Email: Wolfcry 7@aol.com
Years in Band: 1994 - 1998
Instrument played: Flute
Personal Info: Hmmm, well I just graduated May 29, 1998. Yay me!!
:-) Living at home for the moment with plans to start college in the fall.
Memory: That day during my freshman year when Mr. Connell jumped
off the tower, marching in the rain was always fun, the day Mr. Vernon yelled, "I
am testosterone man!!", and the who-knows-how-long ride to and from Chicago
Name: Rachel Pruitt
Email: veloxlupa@aol.com@aol.com
Years in Band: 1994-1998
Instrument played: Clarinet
Personal Info: I'm a sophomore at Maryville College in Tennessee.
I'm majoring in Psychology and working as an English tutor for the school. Right
now, I'm writing an instructional paper on various aspects of writing (like how
to write a thesis statement) that will be included in MC's web page. I hope to train
guide dogs after I graduate.
Memory: Wow, there are so many. I remember that day Mr. Connell
jumped off the tower onto that car, Testosterone Man, and thu. I remember the car
alarm that went off during practice that kept repeating, "I've been tampered with."
That extraordinarily long talk I had with Laura in New Orleans, almost cutting Mr.
Vernon's hand with that knife, and the day he wore my Halloween mask to practice.
Death to Dr. Beat!!!
Q
R
Name: Rajesh Raman
Email: rr4@ra.msstate.edu
Years in Band: 1992-1996
Instrument played: dent-laden cornet
Personal Info: I'm currently attending Mississippi State University
majoring in Computer Engineering. In a couple of years, I'll be a professional computer
nerd.
Memory: I have so many fond memories, like before graduation when
Zach was one credit short of graduating and Kelly, Lisa, Jesse, Slater, Screech,
and I had to band together and do a school play so he could get that one last credit...wait.
No, really, everything was pretty cool, I guess. I can't really single out one particular
moment. It was definitely a good experience. Oh yeah, one more thing, don't go here:
http://trapped.base.org
Name: Kerri Colbath Ransom
Email: kerriransom@excite.com
Years in Band: 1975-1979
Instrument played: Clarinet
Personal Info: Married Don in 82 Graduated from University of Montevallo
in 83 with a BA in Business. Spent 8 years in the Mortgage industry, left that to
stay at home with the kiddies (Calvin'87 and Sara'90) went to work when Sara went
to school. I am the librarian at Indian Valley Elementary in Sylacauga. Don is a
Sales Supervisor for Bama Bud (go figure!!!). I do not play my clarinet even though
it is still in my closet. My son plays drums in the jr. hi band and is a soccer
nut. We travel a good bit with the soccer and we spend any spare time at the beach.
Memory: First of all, Steve Fronfield, you and i shared that heavy
last chair position all through high school. I don't remember who was last when
we graduated. Martha, do you still remember the Cat Tongue? What a great life it
was to be in the GHS band. I married a jock and believe me, he has no understanding...my
son is (unfortunately) in a very small time band program and i don't know if he
will ever understand the thrill. Can't wait to see everyone!!!
Name: Jenny Rass (Forsythe)
Email: mrsforsythe@aol.com
Years in Band: 1994-1998
Instrument played: French horn/Mellophone
Personal Info: Stephen and I got married in June 2002 and we are
now living in Orlando, FL. I graduated from Jacksonville State University and am
now teaching elementary school. Stephen is a music major and is teaching elementary
music at the same school where I teach. I marched for 3 years with the JSU Marching
Southerners and haven't played my horn since. If anyone is ever in the Disney area
then please look us up.
Memory: My memories are too numerous to name. Some of the most
important ones were my trip with West Side Story to Nebraska my junior year (we
rocked Greg!). My senior year was the best though. I had great years before then
but that year I met a great group of friends and had the best times of my life.
I hope everyone has enjoyed their time after high school but always remember those
friends, family members and teachers that helped make you who you are today.
Name: Angela Slate Rawls
Email: rawls710@bellsouth.net
Years in Band: 1989-1992
Instrument played: Trombone/Flag Corps
Personal Info: I live in Atlanta with my husband Rick and our daughter
Audrey, who was born in June 2003. I graduated from the University of Alabama in
1996 and Emory Law School in 2001. I am currently working at a law firm in Atlanta.
Name: Lesley Ray (now Zebrowitz)
Email: fsufrenchie@yahoo.com
Years in Band: 1990-1994
Instrument played: Clarinet
Personal Info: Wow, what a trip back in time here! Let's see, I
went to Florida State University, marched in the "world renowned" Marching Chiefs
(go 'Noles!!), actually graduated in 4 years with two majors (French and Criminology),
etc. etc. Just got married, and quit my job to go back to school. Now that I have
a little time on my hands I'm trying to make up for losing touch with so many people!
Memory: Waaaaaay too many to list here! Can I come back later when
I've thought of something nice and original and interesting? I remember cutting
a lot of PVC tubes for breathing bag exercises... fun fun! I loved being a section
leader (fun to yell at people!) and even (later) loved all the hard work. Best memory
would probably be my senior year - winning grand champion in competition. I am actually
living in Atlanta now, not too far from that very school where we had the competition.
Life's funny like that.
Name: Angela Slate Rawls
Email: rawls710@bellsouth.net
Years in Band: 1989-1992
Instrument played: flag corps, trombone
Personal Info: I live in Atlanta with my husband Rick and our daughter
Audrey, who was born in June 2003. I graduated from the University of Alabama in
1996 and Emory Law School in 2001. I am currently working at a law firm in Atlanta.
Name: Giles Reaves
Email: selig@mindspring.com
Years in Band: 1975-1979
Instrument played: Drums
Personal Info: I've been living and working in Nashville since
1980. I have managed to keep music in my life and career and I'm thankful for the
start I got in the Mt. Gap/Grissom music program!
Memory: The trip to Columbia, South Carolina... I mean South America...
with the jazz band(1979). What a way to end my high school experience!!!
Name: Jennifer Rebman
Email: jhennypher@yahoo.com
Years in Band: 1986-1990
Instrument played: Oboe/English Horn
Personal Info: After high school graduation I left for Baton Rouge
where I earned a degree in Oboe performance. During my time at LSU I had the pleasure
of performing with many wonderful ensembles, some of which were the Baton Rouge
Symphony, New Orleans Philharmonic, and the American Waterways Orchestra. I then
moved up to Champaign, Illinois where I received my Master in Music Education at
the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. I am currently living in Columbia,
South Carolina teaching music at Busbee Middle School.
Memory: There are plenty of fond memories I could share about the
GHS band, but I always thought there was nothing more amusing than when we marched
out onto the field at competition, heads held high, seeing (peripherally, of course)
all of our competitor's mouths drop open because we kept coming and coming and coming...
It's either that or seeing Theo Vernon look out of his motel window in just his
underwear during one of our band trips.
Name: Erik T. Reichers
Email: EReichers@aol.com
Years in Band: 1990-1993
Instrument played: Alto Sax
Personal Info: I am going to school at MTSU pursuing my degree
in audio engineering.
Memory: Being in band and on the football team my fondest memory
would be senior recognition night. I was the last senior called out onto the field.
I got the loudest cheer of all the senior football players because 150+ of my band
mates/friends cheered for me.
Name: Valerie Simmons Reynolds
Email: Frankkreynolds@comcast.net
Years in Band: 1973-1975
Instrument played: Flute/ Rifle Corp
Personal Info: I had to move to NY state after my sophomore year,
and boy, did I miss playing with an accomplished band! It took me a long time to
get over that move! You don't find the kind of hard work and aiming for perfection
like we had with Mr. Ward. I have been married for 22 years, have four daugthers
and live in Jacksonville, FL. I still play the flute in my husband's church and
work in the education system here in Duval County.
Memory: The friends I made. Jill Blackstock, Sandy Rouse, Lind
Powell, Beth Congdon, all my Delta Phi sisters, Winning Six Flags, going to Six
Flags, being goofy at the hotel, but most of all the beautiful music we produced
for every performance!
Name: Sandy Morris Rhymes
Email: rgoddess3@aol.com
Years in Band: 1983-1987
Instrument played: Clarinet
Personal Info: I am marrying the love of my life on September 4,
1999, and am currently managing Lane Bryant at Century Plaza in Birmingham.
Memory: BAND TRIPS!! What a blast! And it doesn't matter which
one...pick one! We had a great time on all of them...the three musketeers plus one.
Sandy, Lori, Julie and Carrie.
Name: Keri Richardson
Email: keri.richardson@law.duke.edu
Years in Band: 1990-1994
Instrument played: Marched Trombone 1 yr., Color Guard (Flag) 3
yrs., Concert Band 4 yrs.
Personal Info: I realized how long it had been since I'd updated
this and thought I might replace the incessant rambing of my previous posting -
I am currently living in Chapel Hill, NC and am a first year law student at Duke
University. My parents are still in Huntsvegas but I have been in Atlanta so long
I call it home as well. I graduated from Auburn back in 1998 and again in 1998 with
accounting degrees and worked for three years with IBM and a start-up networking
software company called Network Genomics, Inc.
Memory: It's hard to name just a couple...the whole time rocked.
Pep rallies, homie chicks, trombone chicks, Gamma Phi, the infamous cubby holes,
wearing the gold drum...loved every minute of it.
UPDATED:10-08-02
Name: Veniz Melikian Richenberg
Email: venizr@yahoo.com
Years in Band: 1971-1975
Instrument played: Flute
Personal Info: I'm now living in Northern CA. Married, have 2 kids,
a girl and boy 15/13. My husband, Russ, and I are semi retired having sold our pharmacy
2 yrs ago. We are working a few days a week, at least while the kids are still in
school.
In our spare time we enjoy boating and skiing on the Delta. We put our 40' houseboat,
ski boat and 2 jet skis to good use. Our motto: there's never to much fun in the
sun.
Check out our web page at: http://netpaysyou.homestead.com
Name: Daniel Rider
Email: drider@avenew.com
Years in Band: 1988-1992
Instrument played: Saxophone
Name: Melissa Roberts
Email: trogdor@uab.edu
Years in Band: 1999-2003
Instrument played: percussion: tenors/timpani
Personal Info: Currently (July 2004) I am a sophomore at UAB. I'm
pre-med, majoring in biology and in the honors program here. I'm loving college!
Although I don't have the time to participate in UAB's band or percussion ensemble,
I am playing at my church down here, The Church at Brook Hills. We have three bands,
so I play every third week; I play latin percussion and whatnot. I invite all of
you to come down and visit!
Memory: This is tough, because I have so many great memories! However,
I think my favorite memories are during warm-ups before the football games and especially
the competitions. I was delighted with how great our tenor section became and how
admired the drumline was!
Name: Robby Roberts
Email: robby@theredforge.com
Years in Band: 1978-1981
Instrument played: Percussion
Personal Info: I recently freed myself from incarceration in the
Juarez Mexico city jail, where I was wrongly accused of trying to overthrow the
local Government (trust me, it's really pretty simple, just $5 U.S. and a nice smile).
I'm currently on my way to the North Dakota/Canadian border to make sure that those
Damn Canadians stay on their side. You can all sleep well tonight just knowing that
those fascist Canucks won't be streaming across the border slinging lead on my watch.
This of course is all just a hobby as I previously spent most of my time in Orlando
Florida working for The Golf Channel FOX Sports and Nickleodean, before semi-retiring
back to Alabama in 2004. I did graduate from The University of Alabama in 1984 with
a degree in Broadcasting. It wasn't that difficult as I graduated in only three
years. I was a broadcast major, how hard could it be?...."What did you think of
that TV show? You liked it!?....Good here's your diploma." I must have learned something
because I got those great cable TV gigs, and they thought I knew what I was doing.
I did finally get married, but I waited a long time (why didn't you call!?). For
hobbies, I officiated College Football for C-USA and use to water ski every day
on the lake behind my house in Florida, before a horrible knee injury pretty much
brought me back to earth. As far as music goes, I did march with the 1981 Guardsmen
Drum & bugle Corp. (remember them), the 1980 Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corp.
& The Million Dollar Band (though my presence devalued them quite a bit). I did
play in a couple of other Rock style bands most notably "Reign" & "Ernie Douglas
on Dope", before walking away from my music career, much to the delight of everyone
I know, and a few I didn't. This of course allows me much more time to protect your
American way of life from the invading Canadian horde.
Memory: Chicks.
Updated: 6/28/06
Name: Susan (Steimle) Roberts
Email: sroberts6239@charter.net
Years in Band: 1986-1990
Instrument played: Sax
Personal Info: earned a degree in Marketing from the University
of Alabama in 1994. I married my husband, Tim, in 1995 and we have 2 children.
Memory:
Name: Danny Robinson
Email: dannyk@hiwaay.net
Years in Band: 1988-1990
Instrument played: guitar/jazz band
Personal Info: Hmmm, let's see..... After graduating with a useless
pre-MED degree I entered the world of computer networking. I have done contract
work for several places including NASA. Currently, I am interviewing with Nintendo.
Not really sure if this is what I want to do with the rest of my life, but we'll
see. Music however has remained a constant. I play guitar in a local band and it
looks as if we might finally get some major exposure. But how is one supposed to
write home and tell mom that you joined a rock band?
Memory: Fondest memory of (jazz) band? That would have to be any
one of the 83 times that Mr. Vernon has looked at me square in the eye, point to
the door, and shout "Leave!".
Oh, and he crumpled up and threw away several ballads that I wrote about Sonya Raney
(probably because it was while he was conducting).
Name: Sam Robinson
Email: tucsonpainter@yahoo.com
Years in Band: 1986-1990
Instrument played: Trombone
Personal Info: BSEE from UAH and proptly left town. Married to
Dr. Maria
Robinson (clarinet, Austin HS 1987-1991) and now living in Tucson AZ after 5
yrs in Atlanta. 2 cats, no kids.
I am working for an electronics company here in Tucson and have traveled all
over Asia. I don't play much any more, but the bone sits out by the piano
and I blow the dust out of it occasionally.
Memory: - My appreciation for Jazz (thanks Theo)
- Being part of a world class organization (I have found in the corporate
world how fortunate I was to be a part of a GHS band that the members cared
about)
- Great friends that I may actually get back in touch with because of this
list.
Updated: 05-04-02
Name: Jose Rodriguez
Email: jrodrig@iss.net
Years in Band: 1991-1995
Instrument played: Trumpet
Personal Info: Livin it up in Atlanta working as a software engineer.
It's funny how small the world is -- Christian Walters (who played Tuba and graduated
in '86) and I work at the same place.
Memory: chillin in da dogg pound with mah homiez
Name: Lester Ross
Email: redgiraffe@mindspring.com
Years in Band: 1969-1971
Instrument played: Trombone
Personal Info: I'm a stress analyst (engineer) at Boeing. I work
on the Space Station. I'm married, but no kids. Instead we've got 4 dogs and 6 cats.
Memory: -Marching in the field across the street.
-Kissing girls in the back of the bus on the way to the game.
-Being the first to wear the uniforms (they were custom fit).
-It was David Dragos who sprayed the mace in the band room.
-Ricky Totten beating the h*ll out of a drum.
Name: Doug Rowan
Email: techpro@mindspring.com
Years in Band: 1969-1973
Instrument played: Tuba...the white ones & the the brass ones,
ouch!
Personal Info: Married for 7 years with a 6 year old girl. Recently
moved to Jacksonville, FL and living 4 miles from the ocean (a goal we set a year
ago). I still have an original LP of the first David Ward concert band in action...get
this, from 1968 at Whitesburg Junior High School!
Memory: In Junior High, myself, Jay Henderson and Ken Feese went
to Mr. Ward and asking him how we could get in the "A" band. He told us he needed
Tuba players (he had one and we were all fighting with the trumpet in "B" band).
The next week we were all in the "A" band and none of us could read a note!
One of the greatest things were the band trips! Riding the busses (a true awakening!),
lightening fast roommate swapping at whatever hotel we were at, blowing 'em out
of the stands at the marching competitions and feeling how "right" we played it
during a concert (the look on Mr. Wards face told the story).
It is hard to pinpoint any excellent thing but if I could to pick 2, I guess they
would be (1)While doing our "concert" warm up in the gym during a marching competition
in Rossville, GA we had 2 bands in the room with us...the one who had just warmed
up and the one that was waiting for their turn. Mr. Ward had us warm up softly and
slowly...then he winked at us and told us to give 'em our best fanfare...When we
were done (and the sound had quit echoing around the room) both of the other bands
burst into cheers for us, the competition! Needless to say, after that we blew the
stadium apart and the bands in the stands did the same thing! (2.) After each concert
practice Mr. Ward would have us play the entire piece completely through, even if
we only knew 1/3 of it. As we got closer and closer to the concert, it sounded better
and better and then one day we did it right! You can't explain it to someone who
wasn't there. Whenever we played something like The William Tell Overture completely
perfect in practice, it was the greatest feeling to have that silence at the end,
when everybody knew what we had done and that was something that nobody could never
take from us. There was a certain dignity to the way Mr. Ward created musicians
out of us crazy kids. I've always felt sorry for those who never had that same feeling
that we had. We never even had to enter a competition to know what it was like to
be winners!
Name: Lee Russell
Email: Lee.Russell@bridge.bst.bls.com
Years in Band: 1980-1984
Instrument played: Percussion
Name: Lara Ruth
Email: lara@lararuth.com
Years in Band: 1993-1997
Instrument played: Flute, Jazz Band, Musicals
Personal Info: I graduated with my undergraduate degree from Mississippi
State in international business (Spanish/Marketing) and just graduated with my MBA
from the University of Florida. I'm enjoying actually not being in school for a
change. I just moved from Miami, where I was working in HR for Citigroup International's
Latin American Headquarters, up to Washington, DC to work as a Compensation Specialist
for an international law firm (WilmerHale). I've loved the change (yes, the weather
in Miami is wonderful, but there is more to life than warm temperature :) and was
lucky enough to move up in the midst of the Cherry Blossom Festival. I'd love to
hear from anyone ... e-mail is always welcome (hint hint...) and my website address
is http://www.lararuth.com. Hope to hear from some of you guys that I know that
I haven't talked to in ages!
Memory: Meeting lots of wonderful people and getting the opportunity
to be a part of Symphonic Band my freshman year for the trip to Chicago. (Judges
of the Secret Court has always been one of my favorites!). Also, I will always remember
the Pictures at an Exhibition show and, of course, all the musicals!
Name: David Rutland
Email: david_rutland1@bridge.bellsouth.com
Years in Band: 1975-1979
Instrument played: Trombone
Personal Info: I attended Georgia Tech but did not play in the
band, because they stunk compared to GHS and because school was too hard. Steve
Haenisch (trumpet) and I roomed together through Tech, and I kept him out of trouble
for the most part. I got married on graduation day from Tech and I now live in Atlanta
with my wife and 2 boys. I have not played the trombone since leaving GHS except
when I feel like torturing my dog. I spend most of my free time at ballparks coaching
my kids little league.
Memory: I loved it all, even the 90 degree days of marching band
practice. All of the trips were great, especially getting to go to Columbia South
America with the Jazz Band. The only thing better than the music we made in the
Ward/Sparks days were the great friendships.
S
Name: Greg Salinas
Email: greg.salinas@gmail.com
Years in Band: 1993-1997
Instrument played: Horn
Personal Info: Hi everybody! This is an update, but I just received
my Ph.D. from Brown University in Providence, RI. I have moved back to Alabama,
with my wife of three+ years and am working in the Department of Psychiatry at UAB.
I still try to keep up with music, but mostly just mess around with friends with
my trumpet in small bands. If anyone is interested in starting something up in the
Bham area, let me know.
Memory: Hey guys, remember that day in marching band when that
guy in the Blue Mustang tried to back out of the parking lot through our block?
And when Connell "flew" (that's what it looked like to me) down there, landed on
his hood, and pulled the guy out of his car? That was pretty cool. The Nebraska
trip kicked too...
Updated: 08/23/2006
Name: Dean Savage
Email: deansavagemusic@yahoo.com
Years in Band: 1989-1993
Instrument played: Saxophone / Drum Major
Personal Info: (Posted March 3, 2004)I have been married for 7
years to Stasha Jones Savage (GHS '90). We have just moved to Dallas with our son
Nathan (4) and daughter Lilly (due on April 7, 2004). After receiving a B.M. in
church music from Belmont University (97), and a M.A. in music from Middle Tennessee
State University (2001), I am pursuing my doctorate in music at Southwestern Baptist
Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth. I have been serving as a music minister since
my freshman year in college, having spent my last 7 years at Northside Baptist in
Murfreesboro. I have just started my new position as the music pastor of Lavon Drive
Baptist Church in Garland, TX. An interesting note: although Bill and Theo were
my directors, I have enjoyed getting to know Dave and Julie Ward, as they are life-long
friends of my wife's family.
Memory: Playing great music in "A Band" and jazz band. Being the
envy of the other drum majors at contest. "Mr. Lee" taking the inseam measurement
for our new white pants. Attempting to play drums in the new "B" jazz band. Tiger
Paws. I still have a photo of a banner the band signed when my birthday fell on
a marching contest day. I also seem to remember a Chicago hotel room with crushed
potato chips for carpet and, on the same trip, receiving several inches of snow
in our room after Micah Wierenga left the balcony door open. Perhaps, the most meaningful
of all, I still get special consideration and attention from professors and music
teachers when they hear that I went to Grissom High School.
Name: Julie Savage (Hathcock)
Email: Julie@eghs.com
Years in Band: 1980-1984
Instrument played: Flute
Personal Info: Married since 1987 to Royce Hathcock. We have two
boys, Spencer, 9 and Tyler, 6. After graduating from college in 1988 with a bachelor's
in Psychology/Sociology, we moved to downtown Los Angeles where we survived earthquakes,
floods and the '92 riots. Royce is an inner-city youth minister (surprise!) for
the Church of the Nazarene. I have not used my college degree since I earned it
except for a brief period in L.A. After 8 years in L.A., we moved to Raleigh, NC
where we currently live. I work for a law firm as a legal assistant but my heart
is in inner-city ministry. I pick up my flute occasionally but just to see if I
can still play. I've enjoyed reading what you all are up to and would love to hear
from any of you.
Name: Joel Schendel
Email: IDIGPHISH@aol.com
Years in Band: 1989-1993
Instrument played: Trumpet
Personal Info: Let's see......I am currently finishing up my Music
Education degree at Jacksonville State University. Can't wait to graduate and move
on to Indiana for graduate school. After that I'll get a band of my own somewhere
and attempt to build a program as strong as the one that I am an alumnus of.
Memory: Going to New Orleans my senior year for the Jazz Festival.
I had a great time(even with MONO) I was delirious and played a really out there
solo on La Suerte De Los Tantos, and Multiple Career Ed McMahon Calls and various
Band functions..".You are correct Sir" AAAAAAAOOOOOOOO!!!
Name: Paul Schlagheck
Email: p_schlagheck@redwingsfan.com
Years in Band: 1983-1985
Instrument played: Trumpet
Personal Info: I quit the band the year after Mr. Sparks left,
once I saw where the band was heading (or at least not heading). It just wasn't
the same. I have not picked up my horn since 1985. After graduating in '87 I joined
the military. Ended up in Military Intelligence with a thing for the Russians. In
1993, (after the fall of the Soviet Union) I separated from the Army and went to
work as an Electrical Technician with Lockheed Martin near Princeton NJ. After they
announce they were closing my plant and moving to California (already been there,
done that while in the Military) I went to work for a small aerospace firm in NJ.
Worked my way into a Software Engineering job. I got married to a wonderful southern
girl (well South Philadelphia anyway), Terri in 1995 and had my daughter, Lizanne
in 1996. I finally got my chance to return to the south in 1999 while working for
a small engineering firm in near Philadelphia. I currently live out in the rural
NE mountain area of Georgia working mainly contracts in Atlanta area. We enjoy going
camping, taking trips, horse back riding, rafting, canoeing, Hiking, living in the
middle of the woods and "going to town". Currently my wife and I are enrolled in
college (State of Ga paying for it) at a private University near us.
Memory: Upsetting seniors who decided to leave their cars in the
senior parking lot too long after school. Gotta move, gotta move so we can practice!
Everything else is a haze. Gee, I wonder why?
Name: Jennifer (Jenny) Schultz
Email: JulietFrog@aol.com
Years in Band: 1995-1999
Instrument played: Trumpet
Personal Info: Freshman at University of North Alabama majoring
in journalism and minoring in photography.
Memory: The show my freshman year with the two blocks that ran
towards each other. The whole show my senior year. Jazz band senior year and the
New York trip (our picture in the paper with Winton). Indy during the Honor Band
performance (those who were there know what I mean...). All the games my senior
year in "The Shack" with Eric, Cochrane, Steven, James, Weed, and Jaime (Flag! Flag!
Flag!). The closeness of the trumpet section senior year and how we were all always
on the same bus by choice. And last but not least, all my wonderful friends who
will never be forgotten.
Name: Paul Sylvester Shanley
Email: paul@wildginger.com
Years in Band: 1979-1979
Instrument played: b flat Clarinet - C Band (pathetic, I know)
Personal Info: I am married to the incredibly charitable (according
to my Mom), Dr. Lisa Ann Christman Shanley. She and I met as I was finishing up
at Auburn...it only took me 7 years...and she was a professor...you do the math!!!
(just kidding...totally different schools). We have two cats, one's adopted...no
kids unless we adopt...it's been 10 years...do that math again! :-) We started a
software company before leaving Auburn in 1996...we're in our 5th year...and it's
going great!!! Tell Carla Azar I am ready to design her wardrobe now! Coolest accomplishment?
Lisa and I were able to have a small UAH sponsored materials science experiment
fly on the orbiter Atlantis in 1992...very cool! Love that space stuff. We live
in Nashville now, which I always considered as North Huntsville anyway...so, I definitely
almost feel at home... Take care!
Memory: I had a crush on Andrea Logan (flute/flags '83). It was
obvious. As much of a crush as I had on her, I ended up falling in love with the
Grissom High School Marching Band, Concert Band, and all other "Bands" of the Grissom
ilk. Amazing memories...I think I still break out into my own vocal rendition of
the 82-83 marching program, about once or twice a month. Was it "Jupiter" from "The
Planets" that gets me every time. Ba ba baaa daa da! Anyway, as the Grissom Tiger,
I had to be your alls biggest fan ("your alls" + All Band Members and Mr. Sparks).
I went to a contest at the U of A in Tuscalloosa, Fall of 82...we "lost" to Kentucky
Christian...something about them having traveled the longest way to the contest
(their loser fault, not ours!)...and well, they won with Olympic Scoring...what
a drag. Still...what an amazing Band... I remember . o O ( 100 yard marches...Jeff
and Kenny on incredible solos...Carla jammin' with David Anderson with those awesome
stick ! "freezes" in mid-meter...that German guy on the remote bass guitar...flag
"chops" over rifles heads-while rifles spun 15 feet over flags heads...a certain
Tiger mascot sucking up to Sparks with ice cold Sun Drop soda cans hidden in it's
Tiger "cheeks"...Cammy Brown playing a wicked rendition of the theme from Halloween...in
some sort of syncopated harmonic chaotic rendition...) Ahhh...those were the days...and
every now and then...when just the right chord hits my eardrums and I start humming
Jupiter or some such song...
Thank you, Grissom High School Band Members...for some of the best times and memories
of my life
Name: Chris Showers
Email: dhankx@earthlink.net
Years in Band: 1988-1992
Instrument played: Euphonium
Personal Info: From Grissom I went to UAH intending on getting
a Computer Science degree and maybe a music minor. I remember Mr. Connell saying
that a band is only as good as its weakest member...and boy he was right. UAH's
concert band really sucked. Ended up attempting to get the math minor for my degree
(required at UAH, but not many other schools) - couldn't get past cal 3 so dropped
out...stupid me left my Euphonium there since I was too afraid to tell anyone I
was actually quitting college. Got an offer at a company in North Carolina after
working at SCI for a bit and been here ever since with a girl (now my wife) I picked
up at SCI. Just had my first baby (a boy, he rocks). Currently a software quality
specialist consultant making butt loads of money - ignore what your parents say,
you can do just fine without a degree with a little bit of intelligence and whole
lot of motivation.
Memory: Shewie: Playing a solo in marching band. Having Mr. Connell
tell me he could replace me like that (snapped fingers) after calling a Spensor's
manager a name while stopping at a mall. Farting real load during rehearsal and
making Mr. Connell think the Tuba guy beside me did it. Sweating so much from football
games my (then very long) hair was drenched and I felt like a heavy metal star just
done with a concert. Kicking butt in chair competitions and always being 1st chair
since 10th grade. Being in "a" band in 9th grade. Going to the Champions of Bands
(I think) competition in Chicago and kicking the pants off all bands there (especially
the band that tried playing the same song we were). lots more
Name: Maggie Shelledy
Email: maggiejoebob@yahoo.com
Years in Band: 1995-1999
Instrument played: Flute
Memory: Of course, my very fondest memory would have to be the
spring trip to New Orleans when I met Ian for the first time. That may be the fondest
memory of my life, come to think of it. Of course, the band trips are always a favorite
memory. I loved playing the alto flute in the Third Symphony, being section leader
during marching band (taco bell!), butting heads with Mr. Connell a time or two,
Table Nazis, and so on and so forth. I'll miss everyone a great deal. The Grissom
band was the most unique experience of my life, and I just hope that Alabama is
anywhere near as much fun. Thanks.
Name: Mark Shrout
Email: 1gearhea@gte.net
Years in Band: 1976-1980
Instrument played: Trombone
Personal Info: Graduated from UNA in 1985 with B.S. in Management
after Baseball Career ended. Started working for Carolina Freight in Jackson, MS
which led me back to Birmingham as my career changed with a job with State Farm
Insurance, which has led me to my current position as a Claims Specialist with The
Cincinnati Insurance Company. I have been in the insurance industry for 10 years,
with 8 as an adjuster. Motorcycle racing and Baseball careers obviously did not
pay the bills, so I guess I needed a job to pay the bills. Have been married since
1991 to my wife Kelly as we have one son Garrett who is 5 years old. We now reside
in Trussville, AL which is about 12 miles east of Birmingham.
Memory: I guess I would have to say marching season, and blowing
your brains out and it still was not loud enough. Traveling to South America with
the Jazz Band will never be forgotten nor will Niazumas revenge!! Listening to Harry
and Kenny Waters and asking myself how did they do that?? and I know I can't do
that. All in all though, it was the day to day fun we all had together making the
best sounds and getting it right, according to Mr. Ward and Mr. Sparks.
Name: Rex Simmons
Email: rex@virtualsimmons.org
Years in Band: 1979-1983
Instrument played: Baritone
Personal Info: Went on to AU to major in EE, now working in Huntsville
at Intergraph as a software consultant. Married GHS band sweetheart Elizabeth Hardt
in 1987 and have two children born in 1990 and 1992. We're now proud GHS Band Parents
with our son Sidney in the trombone section, and daughter Catherine joining the
GHS clarinets as a freshman. How cool is that? :)
Memory: There just isn't enough room here, but if your morbid curiosity
gets the better of you, visit my
web site for the details. :) I also started a new web site in 2005 dedicated
to GHS Band Alumni.
Please drop by when you have a minute!
Updated: 6/19/2006
Name: Chris Sims
Email: chris.sims@duke.edu
Years in Band: 1996-2000
Instrument played: Trombone
Personal Info: Finished this past May with a B.A. in history from
Samford University in Birmingham. I'm now in my first year in the Masters of Theological
Studies program at Duke Divinity School (where, among other things, I get the benefits
of Blue Devil basketball). Who knows where I will go after this (likely Ph.D. work)
Name: Jason Sims
Email: simsjas@mail.auburn.edu
Years in Band: 1994-1998
Instrument played: Bass Clarinet
Personal Info: I am currently a student at Auburn University, majoring
in Pre-Business/MIS. Now that I'm out from under the shelter of THE BAND I'm just
trying to find my groove in the world, or Auburn anyway. I have a sister (Debbie)
who also played the Bass Clarinet in the Grissom Band. She is now married to Mark
Stettler, another former Clarinet player in the band.
Memory: Well of coarse who could forget the time that Mr. Connell
jumped out of the sky (tower) and landed on the hood of the car of some nameless
"football boy's" car, after it bumped some members of the band, as we were set up
in THE BLOCK. But I think the day after that he was wearing some kind of football
shirt. No questions asked. Yes, and then there was the time he called us all slobs,
and then ripped his shirt off. Of coarse it's all in my book of band comics that
I never have finished, because I wanted it in color and...well maybe some day I'll
add the finishing touches.
Name: Stan Sims
Email: sesims@hiwaay.net
Years in Band: 1973-1974
Instrument played: Trumpet
Name: Sara Smith Skillen
Email: sskillen@mindspring.com
Years in Band: 1981-1984
Instrument played: Clarinet, Band Captain 83-84
Personal Info: BS in Music Education in 1988, MM in 1995, post-graduate
paralegal certification in 1997. Married Jeff Skillen in 1995. I've run the gamut
professionally, from band director to private instructor and performer to paralegal.
I am currently working in legal and compliance with an international real estate
investment company, and working towards obtaining my securities representative licenses.
Jeff and I live in Santa Fe, NM where he is an executive with an independent record
label. We have a dog and a cat, who are currently our children.
Memory: Every All-State trip. Hard to believe hanging out in Tuscaloosa
could be so much fun!
Name: Lisa Macpherson Skinner
Email:
yamille210@knology.net
Years in Band: 1976-1980
Instrument played: Flute, Piccolo, Color
Guard-Rifle
Personal Info: I teach Chemistry at
Grissom.
Name: Greg Slate
Email: gte260e@prism.gatech.edu
Years in Band: 1993-1997
Instrument played: Trumpet
Personal Info: I'm a student at the Georgia Institute of Technology
Name: Phyllis Maddix Slivka
Email: mandp1@cox.net
Years in Band: 1979-1983
Instrument played: Clarinet
Personal Info: I am employed as a chemist at Robins Air Force Base,
GA and live in Bonaire, GA just south of Warner Robins and Macon. I married Mike
Slivka (2/94) and we have a beautiful daughter, Anna (9/95).
Memory: All those hot marching band practices in August. Mr. Sparks
yelling at us from the observation tower. Playing Overture 1812 my senior year.
A lot of hard work that produced some great music!
Updated: 07/21/07
Name: Craig Smith
Email: csmith8@mail.state.tn.us
Years in Band: 1976-1980
Name: Craig Smith
Email: csmith8@mail.state.tn.us
Years in Band: 1976-1980
Instrument played: Trumpet
Personal Info: Graduated 1984 from Vanderbilt in chemical engineering,
1986 from UAH in electrical engineering. Currently working for the Tennessee Department
of Environment and Conservation. I am also raising my teenaged nephew.
Memory: Possibly the greatest single moment was the finale of our
1980 Six Flags contest performance. We had played "Pines of Rome" innumerable times
in practice and performance. Our performances were always superior (not good, not
excellent) but as performers, any tiny error stood out immediately to our ears;
and there were almost always one or two in there somewhere. But that day, that one
day, everybody was on, everybody was tight, and I alternately listened and played
with increasing excitement to our most flawless performance ever. The last movement
of "The Pines of Rome", built slowly and deliberately; subtle at first among the
woodwinds, to a colossus of sound among the brass that lumbered nearer and louder
with each measure. The whole band converged toward the towering climactic measures,
until the final notes detonated deep in the bass drum and erupted an instant later
among the rest of the band, in a magnificent and beautiful sound which glittered
its brief life! in the stark Appian Way sunlight; suspended by Dave Ward's baton,
which held, then swept around to a flawless cutoff. And for a moment, as Dave Ward
stood motionless on the podium, no one moved or even seemed to breathe. Finally
Dave raised his head and smiled...we had truly surpassed ourselves.
Name: Pete Smith
Email: pete_sd@hotmail.com
Years in Band: 1981-1985
Instrument played: Percussion
Personal Info: I graduated from Spring Hill College in Mobile in
1989. I wandered to San Diego to grad school, where I finished MS in industrial-organizational
psychology in 1994 at San Diego State University. Worked for a consulting firm for
a few years, and then was a vice-president at WorldxChange Communications from '96-'99.
Currently I'm in Richmond, Virginia, responsible for a training department in a
large financial services company. I'm finishing my Ph.D. in psychology (as soon
as my professors have decided I've suffered enough). I have a beautiful little girl
(Angelina Rose) born 2/19/99, and she is the light of my life.
Memory: Villa Rica! Dreaming I was Neil Peart. Mutual abuse of
Mike, David, Milton, and Tobin. Drum practice...all summer...all day. "How to be
a stud lessons" taught by David. Ron Smith rubbing his belly and patting his head,
mumbling something about "chops". Space Mountain at Disney World Bite on Mold Mountain...The
Pursuit...Paradox...Mr. Clean (all rhythms I STILL can't get out of my head). Most
of all...laughing so hard for four years that I thought I was gonna cough up a lung.
Name: Susan Kirkpatrick Smith
Email:
antsksx@panther.gsu.edu
Years in Band: 1978-1982
Instrument played: Alto and Bari Sax
Personal Info: currently teaching at
Georgia State University in the Anthropology and Geography
Dept. I married my college sweetheart, Greg Smith, and we
have 3 boys, Eli (3/1/94), Joel (1/1/97) and Jake (5/3/99)
Memory: Dave Ward describing the settings
of the Pines of Rome to us. I could almost see the armies
marching during the 4th movement.
Name: Todd Smith
Email:
tsmith1224@live.com
Years in Band: 1975-1978
Instrument played: Alto Saxophone
Personal Info:
Memory: The bus trips, what else?
Name: Craig Smoot
Email: craigs@black-label.com
Years in Band: 1994-1997
Instrument played: Drum Line; Jazz Band
Personal Info: After graduating in 1988, I went to work for Intergraph
Corp. while I took classes at UAH and continued to pursue my musical interests.
Began my career as a Systems Analyst/IS Developer in 1991 for Gradkell Systems Inc.
here in Huntsville. In 1993 I wed my soul mate, Leslie [Moore], and now that she's
completed her RN degree we plan to start a family in Y2K. After writing and performing
[on guitar] with a handful of local bands over the years and turning down an offer
to tour the SE club circuit with a Tallahassee-based band, I formed my current band,
BLACK LABEL [ http://www.black-label.com/ ], in 1994. We released our first CD in
1997, and are currently in the studio recording our follow-up [to be released Summer
'99]. Took up web site development as a hobby in 1994, one thing lead to another,
and now I run six of them [ http://www.black-label.com/smooth.htm ].
Memory: Where to start?
The infamous bus trips--the sing-alongs, the good times and even the funky stench
coming from the back of the drummer's bus on those late night drives back home.
The 1984-85 season, when the entire band was at it's post-Sparks best (and everybody
knew it). Villa Rica (Whoosh!). Malaguena. Mr. Smith's [RIP] "Scatology": "If you
can scat it, you can play it." The Williamsburg and PCB trips. Charlie puking his
Krystal dinner all over his bass drum just before marching onto the field for competition
in T-town. Having to sit for weeks in a chair in front of Connell's office for something
so insignificant I can't even remember what it was. Too many more memories to list,
but most of them were good. Last but not least... being known back then (and to
my chagrin, hearing the same *years* after my departure) as the thorn in the side
of Rich, Connell and Vernon--go figure.
Name: Elizabeth Jenny Smythe
Email: ESmythe@Princeton.edu
Years in Band: 1995-1999
Instrument played: Clarinet (What else?!?)
Memory: Oh wow, I need a page for this... Hummm, perhaps it was
when I was a freshman at my first marching competition and Connell spent a half
hour trying to get me to see the man on the moon... Or perhaps it was incessant
BANGS... Or maybe just rehearsals in general... No, maybe it was the bus rides...
Name: Camille Johnson Sommer
Email: cljsommer@yahoo.com
Years in Band: 1981-1982
Instrument played: Flute
Personal Info: I married Glenn Sommer in 1996. We live in Phoenix,
Arizona. I completed my MBA at ASU in December 1998. I am a data analyst at NDC
Health Information Services. I love my job! I have been involved in Toastmasters
for nearly nine years and like giving speeches to anyone who will listen.
Memory: I enjoyed playing with the band at football games. What
a blast!
Name: Dean Speers
Email: dean_speers@yahoo.com
Years in Band: 1975-1980
Instrument played: French Horn
Personal Info: Been in Birmingham (Hoover) since graduating from
Montevallo with a math degree in 1988(8 year plan). Married Julie (fellow math geek)
in 1988(great wife)!! We're the parents of 3 neat kids, Jack('93), Tom('96), and
Angela('99). Involved with church (still play the horn occasionally). Active tennis
player. I'm a Lead Analyst in the Information Systems department at Vulcan Materials
Company in Birmingham.
Memory: Friends!!! Trips!!! Having a standard of excellence set
by Ward/Sparks was very important in the attitude taken in career and life. Looking
forward to the reunion.
Name: Ted Stafford
Email: staffoe3@email.uah.edu
Years in Band: 1987-1991
Instrument played: Clarinet, section leader, Clarinet Council/ACE
Personal Info: I still have a lot of green and gold medals from
Solo & Ensemble.
Memory: Winning all those shiny medals.
Name: John C. Stanton, III
Email: stantonj@hiwaay.net
Years in Band: 1975-1978
Instrument played: Trumpet
Personal Info: Employed by the University of Alabama in Huntsville,
Information Services Department. Graduate of the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
Memory: Personally: Frienships made.
In terms of the band: Echo heard off mountains after cut offs during marching band
practice. We used to practice on the East parking lot. When we faced Drake Mountain
and ended a piece, the sound would ring off the mountain. Many years have past since
then I'm afraid.
Name: Fred R Stearns
Email: frs@mindspring.com
Years in Band: 1979-1982
Instrument played: Alto Saxophone
Name: Rudy Stefancik, M.D.
Email:longhornfan78@aol.com
Years in Band: 1972-1974
Instrument played: Trumpet
Personal Info:I am a pathologist in
Pendleton, OR, married 21 years to Sue, and live outside
Pilot Rock, OR on a small farm. I am currently the Chief of
Staff of St Anthony Hospital and the Chairman Of the
Umatilla County Republicans. I formerly practiced 12 years
in Hancock in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and attended
the 1992 and 1996 GOP National Conventions. While in
Michigan, I served on the board of the Michigan State
Medical Society and served on the board of the Michigan
Public School Retirement System by appointment of Gov. John
Engler. I moved from Huntsville in 1974 to Deer Park, TX
and graduated from high school in 1975 and went on to
graduate from The University of Texas at Austin in 1978.
From there, I graduated from The university of Texas Medical
Branch at Galveston in 1982. After an internship in Ft
Worth, I completed a pathology residencey at Rush Medical
Center in Chicago. My interests include fly fishing and
hiking and a few years ago hiked to the top of the Half Dome
in Yosemite National Park. Hey, let's have another
Ward/Sparks reunion!
Memory:Winning 6 Flags Over Georgia Contest
in 1974. I believe it was the first major contest that the
Grissom Symphonic Band ever won. Watching "A Clockwork
Orange" in the hotel room that night with Assist Band
Director Sparks. The football team going all the way to the
state championship game in 1973 before losing to Birmingham
Banks and getting to march at Legion Field in Birmingham
during our playoff victory against West End.
Name: Angie/Evangeline Stephens (married name, Angie Brown)
Email:
evangeline_brown@hotmail.com, stephens@gw.med.sc.edu
Years in Band: 1997-2001
Instrument played: Clarinet
Personal Info: I got married to the bald love of my life in November
so now i'm Angie Brown!!! Rush and I live in Greenville, SC with two kittens, coby
and cara. Rush is an internal medicine resident and we love living in Greenville.
If youre in the neighborhood, just drop us a line. I just graduated from the University
of South Carolina School of Medicine too, and I am so excited to be starting my
pediatrics residency there in June.
Memory: The fondest memories I have of the band probably can't
be shared here (so many jokes and sneaky escapades-like the pink cotton balls at
the pallas scary hotel in New Orleans), but the best overall memories I have a while
later still have to be-
Mr. Fowler and the truck crew days-safety first and the time that I fell in all
the funk in the drum corner while trying to karate chop the door and having Mr.
Vernon laugh at me or the story Mr. Connell told us about the prep h on the mouth
"put it where Mr. Connell?" Marching band memories of the times that I dolled up
Sarah with guard style red lipstick and sparkles, the time that we played pictures
at an exhibition at sprayberry (the 100 yard company front-need I say more)
Instrumental ensemble and the orchestra pit experiences will always be in my heart
where I learned all the words to west side story and still serenade Tony, toooony.
. . in all of that the concert band festival performances that taught me what music
was all about and the way we got to play elegy for a young American in the medinah
temple I can never forget.
There should be a book, "busses, band adventures and the meaning of life"
Name: Mark Stettler
Email: mstettle@ptdcs2.intel.com
Years in Band: 1980-1984
Instrument played: Clarinet
Personal Info: Married to Deborah Sims [Stettler] (bass clarinet
1982-1986). One son Connor (2.5 years old), another something on the way (due June
1999). Graduated from Notre Dame and Purdue. Work for Intel Corp. in Portland Oregon
as a Device Physicist. Active in community theatre and, as much as I hate to admit
it, karaoke.
Memory: The Gumby Incident. Riding in a van one band trip with
Mr. Sparks, Jeff Howard, and other witnesses, Jeff challenged me with the age-old
competition of "who could make the best Gumby out of a fruit roll-up." One would
think things were quite slated in Jeff's favor because he had a pocket knife, and
I only my teeth. After working for about 5 minutes, we compared Gumbies: his looked
like, well, Gumby, and mine looked like, well, a heavily mangled fruit roll-up.
However, after carefully perusing both, I triumphantly announced that I felt I was
the winner. Jeff, seriously questioning my aesthetic acumen, asked Mr. Sparks if
he would be the judge. Jeff then handed his Gumby to Mr. Sparks who reached back
for it with his eyes still on the road, on account that he was driving. Without
even taking a peak at what was in his hand, Mr. Sparks, in one graceful, fluid motion,
tossed Jeff's Gumby out the open window, where it hit the pavement traveling, oh,
somewhere around 60 mph. Mr. Sparks then authoritatively pronounced, "Mark won."
Jeff just sat there, flabbergasted. Sorry Jeff!
Name: Ronda Stone
Email: rlocke421@yahoo.com
Years in Band: 1975-1976
Instrument played: Clarinet, Color Guard
Personal Info:
Memory: Mr. Ward showing us how to march on a hot summer day. Watching
him always made me laugh. I take great pride to this day at being a member of one
of the top bands in the Southeast.
Name: Lynn Stover
Email: LMSTide1@aol.com
Years in Band: 1981-1985
Instrument played: Clarinet/Flag Corps
Personal Info: I attended UAB, and earned my Bachelor's in Nursing.
Stayed in Birmingham and worked at Children's Hospital while working on my masters
and specializing in maternal-infant nursing. Moved to Tuscaloosa and taught at the
University of
Alabama for 8 years. Finished my doctorate in nursing in 2000, focusing on medication
errors in the pediatric setting. Started a consulting business as a legal nurse
consultant. Moved to Savannah, GA in 2001. Took a great teaching position at a small
university, and continue my consulting work as well. I am a huge Pittsburgh Penguins
fan, and I'm happy to be located close to several "hockey" cities so I can get to
more NHL games. Now that I live on top of the beach, I usually find a way to spend
time there in some way.
Memory: Learning to work together to achieve set goals and constantly
pushing myself
to reach beyond what I thought I was capable of doing. It was a wonderful feeling
to be part of something great beyond words and to learn the value of hard work.
Name: Mennelle Straight
Email: mstraight@pbs.org
Years in Band: 1989-1991
Instrument played: Clarinet
Memory: looooooong trips on broken buses
Name: Stephen Stroud
Email: sts1@cobilan.msstate.edu
Years in Band: 1995-1999
Instrument played: Tuba
Personal Info: I am at Mississippi State University majoring in
Business Information Systems with a possible minor in Economics and/or Computer
Science. I have been co-oping in the Information Services Department of American
Cast Iron Pipe Company in Birmingham, so I am hoping to graduate in the Fall of
2003.
Memory: Well, there were the tuba section cardiosthenics sessions
before the football games, storytime with Mr. G, and of course the Bob Jones game
half-time show of 1996.
Name: E.J. Suh
Email: ejsuh@newmancenter.com
Years in Band: 1990-1994
Instrument played: Clarinet/ Drum major
Personal Info: Hey you guys! I spent a year doing missionary work
and now I am moved back to Urbana-Champaign, IL. I am currently working full-time
at the Newman Center (a campus Catholic student center). It's an absolute blast
working there with college students! In August 2000 I will be moving to Washington,
D.C. to study for a Masters in Theology at the John Paul II Pontifical Institute
for Studies in Marriage and Family. I would love to hear from you! Drop me a line!
Memory: ACE Halloween and Christmas Parties! ACE initiation of
TP-ing Owen's House!
Name: David Sumera
Email: Dsumera@aol.com
Years in Band: 1993-1997
Instrument played: Trumpet
Personal Info: Student at Alabama at Tuscaloosa
Major in Geography
Minor in History
Memory: My freshman year when my room mates and I almost got the
band kicked out of the hotel.
T
Name: Peter Tanton
Email: swann.tanton@btinternet.com
Years in Band: 1984 - 86
Instrument played: trumpet
Personal Info: Married, still playing trumpet, living in England.
Would like contact details for Fred Farrar, if there are any.
Memory: Photocopying Mr. Rich's face onto money, leaving the template
on the photocopier, and watching Jeff Howard catch the flak when he innocently tried
to photocopy some music.
Name: Andrew Thomason (THU)
Email: andrewthomason28@comcast.net
Years in Band: 1990-1994
Instrument played: Alto Saxophone
Personal Info: I went to the University of Alabama for 6 years
and I am still in Tuscaloosa. I am currently a manager for Sears which gives me
the opportunity to meet different and interesting people everyday. The world has
been good to me.
Memory: There are so many... let's see... there is the 24 hour
bus ride to Virginia Beach, then the amazing trips to Daytona Beach, Chicago, Cincinnati,
New Orleans, and many others. I remember the day Mr. Connell threw a stand because
we just weren't good enough and of course, Mr. Vernon and his words that he made
up on his own "THU". They were not the greatest days of my life but I will remember
them for the rest of my life. For those still there, don't take these days for granted.
Name: Brian & Julie (Reed) Thomason
Email: bpthomas@HiWAAY.net
Years in Band: 1988-1992
Instrument played: Clarinet for both of us
Name: Greg S. Thompson
Email: gthompso@ro.com
Years in Band: 1979-82
Instrument played: Percussion
Personal Info: The Thompson's, Greg, Karen, Michelle (3 yrs.) and
Megan (4 mo.), have recently moved back to the greater Madison County "Mecca". I
have been involved in youth ministry with the Catholic Church since 1988. After
leaving GHS, I went on to the University of Alabama and received a BA in Communication.
While there I was percussion manager for the "Million Dollar Band" for a year (great
work study job eh?). Upon graduation I entered seminary at the Catholic University
of America. I look at this as the best year of my life... I found out what I didn't
want to do (a priest), but committed myself to my future, a "bubbly", still short
and energetic minister. I worked for the Catholic Archdiocese of Mobile until this
past June, serving as its Director of Youth Ministry. I married in 1992, and our
kids joined the ranks in '95 and '98. We are currently in Madison, where I am Coordinator
for Youth and Family Life for St. John Catholic Church.
Memory: I will always remember and remain deeply honored to have
been wheeled out on to the field by Frank Zimmerman's Dad, Frank Sr. to accept yet
another of GHS' first place trophy's at the Oxford Contest in 1980... I still have
the picture, and am forever grateful at how this was but one example of how my leaders
and peers in the band program allowed me to grow with them. I am the person that
God needs me to be because of people like you! Thanks!
Name: Kristen Thompson
Email: efekle@yahoo.com
Years in Band: 1983 - 1986
Instrument played: Flag Corp
Personal Info: After leaving Grissom I took off for Auburn. I left
in my Junior year for a 2 year learning experience. I returned to Auburn Univ. @
Montgomery in 1991 and graduated with a degree in education in 1993. I married that
same year on New's Years Eve to wonderful guy, Erik Eriksen. We were stationed in
Ft. Rucker for a while then headed to the tundra of Ft. Drum, NY. Erik retired from
the military and is now flying helicopters for Bell in Texas. I have been teaching
all over the place! We have moved so much that I haven't had a classroom for 2 years
in a row. We lived in Huntsville for a while and taught 5th - 7th grade (never again!)
and also 2nd grade. I am currently teaching 4th grade. Erik and I plan on starting
our own family through adoption. Keep us in your prayers!
Memory: 6 am practice and doing the BOB! I distinctly remember
hearing, "KEEP YOUR SPACING" from the seniors. Flag camp at the Univ. of AL. Andrea,
Susan, Donna, Deborah and myself singing, "Should I Stay or Should I Go". Bus rides
to games and contests. I always felt so cool riding with the drum line. Being scared
to death of Mr. Sparks when he slid down the podium rails on his palms. Helmet hair
after the games! Doing that goofy, and some said seductive, dance with our stable
boots and wool skirts . I could never forget our tribute to E.T.
Name: Laura Thompson
Email: HutchinsL@pdx.edu
Years in Band: 1986-88
Instrument played: French Horn & Trumpet
Personal Info: I graduated in Art History, Art Studio and English
Lit from the University of Pittsburgh. I married David Hutchins in '95 and we now
live in Portland, Oregon (I don't know how I ended up all the way out here). I work
at Portland State University as the Job Coordinator in the Career Center.
Memory: I hated those Breathing Bags, but I loved my friends (hey
y'all!)
Name: Lynn Stonecypher Thompson
Email: petelynn@earthlink.net
Years in Band: 1973-1977
Instrument played: Bassoon
Personal Info: I'm living outside Chicago now - with husband, Pete,
son Peter(5) and daughter, Claire(3). Double-majored in Chemistry and Music (wouldn't
recommend it !!!) in college and worked for Coca-Cola as a chemist for 10 years
while still playing bassoon on the side. I'm still playing and loving it - now it's
a very nice hobby. Husband, Pete, travels for his job so I'm home full-time with
the little ones.
Memory: Going to contest and realizing that we were REALLY good
and getting CHILLS up and down my spine after playing - awesome feeling. Great team
effort! Those were very special times.
Name: Angie Young Toles
Email: welchkin17@juno.com
Years in Band: 1983-1987
Instrument played: Clarinet
Name: Chuck Tonini
Email: ctonini_53@yahoo.com
Years in Band: 1988-1992
Instrument played: Trombone
Personal Info: Married in 1993 to Sherry Hughes. 2 kids, Corey
Jackson (4 1/2) and Caleb Anthony (7 months). After graduating from Grissom, Sherry
and I were married in June of 1993. For the last year, I've been a 911 calltaker
here in Madison County. It's kind of neat knowing what the news is going to be before
it airs. As for my wife, she's an office manager for J&J Masonry here in Huntsville.
She plays flute for our church and also does Flag Corps camps around the southeast
in the summertime. I also play in the church band (normally Trombone, but when our
regular drummer is absent, I play the drums...well...as best I can. And lastly,
I fill my spring and summers with being a baseball umpire for the local high schools.
And for any of you wondering, Walker and Collins are STILL THERE!!!
Memory: 1. Walking off the field at the Huntsville-Grissom game
in 1991. I met my future wife. Sherry, who was flag captain at HHS, yelled my name
to see if I would fall out of attention. I did, and the rest is history.
2. Connell and John Pospical yelling at each other during class one day.
3. Moving the car belonging to the principal's wife and Connell hearing about it.
4. Jazz band, especially Hilaritas.
Name: Joseph (Joey) Torkar
Email: torkar@bellsouth.net
Years in Band: 1975-1979
Instrument played: Trumpet
Name: Paul T. Trammell
Email: PaulTram10@aol.com
Years in Band: 1994-1998
Instrument played: Tuba
Name: Karrie Trzeciak (Marsh)
Email: karriemarsh@comcast.net
Years in Band: 1979-1983
Instrument played: Flute
Personal Info: Graduated from University of Alabama 1988, was also
in the U of A band, married 1989 to spouse Rusty Marsh. One son, Austin, born in
2000. After living in numerous places (due to Rusty's job) Birmingham, Montgomery,
Jackson, MS, have now settled in Atlanta, GA. Quit work as an insurance claims adjustor
to stay home with my son. (don't miss work at all) Happily residing in Atlanta for
the time being. Hope we don't have to move again but you never know.
Memory: The naked Gumby incident of 1980. Since I have a child
now I would prefer not to repeat the details but there are a few out there who may
remember it.
Name: Jeremiah Jason Tucker
Email: tuckerj@email.uah.edu
Years in Band: 1995-98
Instrument played: Horn/Mellophone
Personal Info: I'm at UAH now, majoring in Computer Engineering,
still gonna be an active fossil. Don't really have much yet, I'll get back to you.
Name: Mike Tucker
Email: tucker_mike@hotmail.com
Years in Band: 1971-1972
Instrument played: Drums
Personal Info: Married with three kids-26, 19, 14 and one granddaughter
14 mos. Data Network technician in Seattle.
Memory: Being singled out during "B" band practice by Ward and
told I'd made "A" band. Winning all those competitions. First kiss on one of the
trips to Atlanta!
Name: Michele Turis
Email: michelept@mindspring.com
Years in Band: 1974-1976
Instrument played: Flag Corps
Personal Info: Let's see...after graduating Grissom, went back
to LA...was on the 10 year undergraduate plan, modeled, danced, did tons of TV commercials,
moved to Birmingham, finished undergrad at UAB (my parents threatened me), moved
to Atlanta, commuted between Atlanta and NYC, still modeling and doing TV commercials,
some film and episodic TV...Masters degree in Counseling Psychology... had own show
on Travel Channel, now on HGTV, applying in 2001 for PhD program in Counseling Psychology.
Very close to my sister and brothers. Sorry I missed the reunion, (working on a
paper) will make the next one. Not married, no kids (that I know of)..2 dogs...working
part time for veterinarian and in equine-assisted therapy. Whew......
Memory: The pride I felt being a part of the greatest band in the
world.
U
Name: Rick Underwood
Email: rcu@knology.net
Years in Band: 1979-1983
Instrument played: Drums
Personal Info: Currently working in Montgomery, AL as the head
of the Internal Audit department for Raycom Media. Still traveling quite a bit with
the job since we have 28 television stations spreading from Syracuse, to Huntsville,
to Honolulu.
I married a fellow CPA, Kelli Tucker, in September 1996, the year I finally passed
the CPA exam. Talk about an exciting household! Two accountants, no waiting:> No
children yet, but my wife keeps trying to convince me the dog should be included
as a family member.
Still get to set up the drum set and play every now and then. Usually when my wife
is out of town.
Still attend as many Alabama football games as possible and have tickets to the
SEC Championship game every year. Unfortunately, I've been pulling for someone other
than my team the last several years.
Memory: Several memories come to mind. Too many to list. Probably
the one that pops up most often is when I screwed up in competition, started the
band off 4 counts early, and got to listen to the guard members cuss me as they
rushed into position with 4 beats less than they were supposed to have. We still
won though.
Nothing beats the friends I've made and have been able to keep over the years. I've
been pretty bad as far as keeping in touch with most. But, there's nothing that
shows you more what a true friend is than to have someone drive over 2 hours to
show up at your father's funeral when you haven't even had a chance to call them
and let them know what has happened. Or to be on the other side of the country and
have someone show up early in the morning to meet you for breakfast before you fly
out of town, just to have a chance to see each other face to face and sit down and
talk.
The Grissom Band experience is one that most other people will never have the chance
to experience anything like.
V
Name: Allison Paulchak VanderWal
Email: allyran@cox.net
Years in Band: 1986-1990
Instrument played: French horn/flags
Personal Info: Since my last submission, a lot of changes. I live
in Omaha, NE with my husband Randy and 2 beautiful children, Nicholas, 3, and Madison,
1. I'm a stay-at-home mom and love being there to raise my kids. I'm so excited
to have convinced my parents to move from Huntsville to live in Omaha and can't
wait to have them here! I loved working as a flight attendant for several years,
but wouldn't trade being at home now for anything. Maybe one day I'll get a chance
to do some travelling again . . .
Memory: Dreading waking up at the crack of dawn for flag practice
in the summer. All the fun and the great talks we had on band trips, and seeing
what romances would develop. The excitement of performing with marching band, especially
as part of the flag corps. Seeing Mr. Connell's antics and being amused by his outbursts.
I really miss performing with a group as talented as all the musicians were!
Name: Gary Veeneman
Email: garyveeneman@bellsouth.net
Years in Band: 1969-1973
Instrument played: Trombone
Personal Info: I am presently (2002) living in Alpharetta, GA with
my wife Jean-Marie of 17 years. We have 2 children: Jessica 15 and Andrew 12.
Updated: 07-31-02
Name: Lora Veeneman (Sisco)
Email: wlsisco@hiwaay.net
Years in Band: 1980-1985
Instrument played: Flute
Personal Info: I graduated from the University of Montevallo in
1989 with a degree in Finance. Wayne Sisco, a trumpet player from Fayetteville,
TN, and I were married July 15, 1989. After moving to Hazel Green, AL in 1993, our
son, Adam, was born July 8, 1994. Currently, I work as an accountant at SOUTHBank
in downtown Huntsville.
Memory: The very first memory I have is when I was in 6th grade
and in Mountain Gap's "A" band. We went to GHS to practice one night. Mr. Ward and
Mr. Sparks were there to listen to us, and boy was I intimidated! Another favorite
memory is when a bunch of us ended up in someone's hotel room on a band trip singing
"American Pie" and other songs until the chaperones broke it up. Other great memories
include Mr. Sparks trying to find just the right "cannon" for 1812, playing Hindemith
and Carnival, the long-hot summer practices in the back parking lot, and of course
all of the performances and bus trips! The very best memories I will always treasure
are of the great friends I made and all of the fun times we had, and of how proud
I felt being part of such an excellent band!
Name: Kristi Pelletier Vega
Email: kpvega@mailexcite.com
Years in Band: 1988-1992
Instrument played: Flag Corps
Name: Alicia Vickery
Email: alicia.vickery@delta-air.com
Years in Band: 1986-1990
Instrument played: Trombone, Band Captain ('90)
Personal Info: I graduated from the University of Alabama in 1994
with a B.S in Computer Science. After college, I took a job with Teledyne Brown
Engineering there in Huntsville from 1995-1998. Recently I moved to Atlanta with
my dog and two cats to work for Delta Technology. Fly Delta Jets!
Name: Nicole Vickery
Email: NCampb4508@aol.com
Years in Band: 1984-1988
Instrument played: Euphonium
Name: Cindy (Fisher) Voss
Email: CMVoss@excite.com
Years in Band: 1976-1977
Instrument played: Bassoon
Personal Info: Moved to Washington state after graduating from
Grissom in 1980. Haven't left. Currently living in Seattle and making my mark in
the high tech industry located here. Married Stewart Voss, a wonderful man in 1991.
No two legged kids, but have 4 wonderful four legged kids.
Memory: Didn't stay a member of the band for too long. Was interested
in earning the almighty dollar and getting out of school early. Still had many friends
who were in band and continued to make new friends. Remember the early mornings
outside the band room and the fun of competition. Would love to hear from old friends
and catch up as I never run into anyone (wonder why?).
W
Name: Joseph L. Wall
Email: joewall@worldnet.att.net
Years in Band: 1971-1972
Instrument played: Alto sax, Marching Band & Concert band
Personal Info: Haven't touched the sax since graduation, and that
is one thing that I now regret. I am married for 14 years to a lovely lady ..Cathy.
3 kids, Joey,12,..Andrea 10...Christopher 8 Cathy and I actually met in a gas station
where I was picking up extra cash. Go figure. I am living in Waterbury, Ct. and
employed as a Sr. Engineering Ass't. for the Northrup Grumman Norden Systems division.
When the 20yr. class reunion rolled around, one of my goals was to remain employed
in the defense industry. Well, I'm still there. 16years now Very active with Cub
Scouts and Boy Scouts. These 2 activities keep me hopping.
Memory: Fondest memories??..Winning Six Flags...
George Reiser's funny noises....
Mr. Ward's funny sayings....
'When it says solo, that doesn't mean to play so low that nobody can hear you!!!'
Susan's 'note'...'When they hear that note, the judges are gonna wonder what's going
on. When EVERYONE plays that note...THEN they'll know' Band car pools...wrecking
my VW on the way to evening practice.
Name: Becky Fikes Waller
Email: joef1922@aol.com
Years in Band: 1969-1972
Instrument played: French Horn/Flag Corp Captain
Personal Info: Married (A Trumpet Player from Decatur) with 2 boys
ages 11 and 9. I have become a football/baseball mom and loving it. I actually get
to see some old classmates with their children in the same activities, like Jim
Snellgrove who needs to update ya'll on himself. I'm a nurse at Huntsville Hospital
in the Cardiac Cath Lab. Several years ago we moved into Fleming Meadows and it
feels great having our kids in my old stomping ground.
Memory: The 1st day Dave Ward walked into Whitesburg Jr. High Band
room and we all looked at each other and said, "Who's that?". Starting Grissom and
not having a Band room, Yuk! Friday and Saturday nites at the "pool room". Winning
6 Flags and Rossville Marching. Going to Montgomery for football playoffs and Ray
Reynolds announcing us at the #1 Tiger Marching Band. A spectator was heard to say
"What makes the think the are #1?" About that time the Brass section turned toward
the stands and let it rip blasting those same people out of their seats and my big
brother stood up and said " That's what makes them #1!". Skipping class and going
to the band room to run "errands" for Big Dave. Starting the flag corp. and making
do with wooden poles (yes wooden) and homemade flags until our real ones got ordered.
Making more friends in a few years than most people make in a lifetime. I will forever
be grateful for my years at Grissom Band. Dave Ward really believed in us. That
experience helped shape my life and made me the happy person I am today.
Name: Christian Walters
Email: cwalters@mindspring.com
Years in Band: 1982-1986
Instrument played: Tuba
Personal Info: Well, I've fled to Atlanta, working as a technical
writer and I touch a tuba on the average of once a year.
Memory: Being treated like a deity for being busted after calling
a former band director "skin head."
Name: Alyn Wambeke
Email: alynw@aol.com
Years in Band: 1979-1982
Instrument played: Clarinet, Symphonic and Marching Bands, Personal
Coach and Valet to Drum Major Scott Macpherson.
Personal Info: My best friend Susan Kirkpatrick (sax, 1979-1982)
and I both got scholarships to Florida State - high on our list because we thought
it had the East Coast's greatest marching band (go Marching Chiefs!), and because
we both thought we'd be able to talk our parents into letting us do the Semester
in London program. Turns out we were right on both counts.
After four years of being staff artist and Chief Minister of Propaganda for Directors
Dave Ward and Jim Sparks, it seemed natural to get my degree in Advertising/Public
Relations. After ten years of work in AIDS prevention, social work, and civil rights
organizing, in Florida, I finally got a chance to actually be a full-time writer
and public relations man. My partner Michael and I are raising our two children
here in Jacksonville, and I'm a media liaison for the Human Rights Campaign.
Memory: The pictures that stick in my mind from my years of GHS
include Dave Ward directing the Pines of Rome in a toga (!) with a grace that seemed
to defy gravity's considerable pull on his 250 pound frame. And Ken Watters, the
now famous trumpet player, falling through the band roof ceiling in the middle of
rehearsal after hiding out in the attic to avoid a pep rally. And the grown-up feeling
of designing my first record album cover. And the feeling of family, as my 350 best
friends and I won awards and contests every year. And, too, falling in love on every
band trip. :) Come out, come out, wherever you are!
Name: Emily Wasson
Email: eswasson@hotmail.com
Years in Band: 1990-1994
Instrument played: Clarinet
Personal Info: I am now living down the street from the famed Rose
Bowl in sunny Pasadena, CA. I will be graduating in May 2001 with a MM degree in
Clarinet Performance from the University of Southern California.
Memory: The annual A.C.E. Christmas decorations!
Name: Ursula Holl Watson
Email: OKClipper5@aol.com
Years in Band: 1969 - 1973
Instrument played: Clarinet
Personal Info: I moved to Texas to study dance shortly after graduation
but eventually went back to my first love: Music. I graduated with a degree in music
( piano ) from the University of Oklahoma. I am married to David Watson whom I met
in Austin and we have two wonderful sons. My oldest son Jim will be married this
fall, and my younger son Andrew is graduating from high school in May and will pursue
a piano performance degree . I am currently living in Norman, Oklahoma and am enjoying
teaching.
Memory: Probably the most fun times I remember were those shared
with my partner in crime Jeannie Jordan. . Mr. Ward was so patient with me...I think
he knew that my chances of being a wonderful clarinet player were very slim, so
when I snuck out of afternoon practice for ballet or piano lessons he pretty much
looked the other way. I did wonder daily if I would get kicked out! Jeannie and
Janice ( Conley) Sauter remain wonderful friends and I have involvement with band
to be thankful for that. I think back often to old band friends and hope that someday
some of us can connect again......it's hard to forget people that shared your passion
for music.
Name: Harry Watters
Email:
Harryfrankwatters@gmail.com
Years in Band: 1977-1981
Instrument played: Trombone
Personal Info: MANY happy memories!! Now
living in Washington, DC with my wonderful wife Holly and
our two beautiful children, Harry V and Katherine...
Memory:
EVERYTHING!!!!
Name: Ken Watters
Email: kenwatt@aol.com
Years in Band: 1980-1982
Instrument played: Trumpet
Personal Info: I lived and played professionally in New York City
for about 8 years before
moving back to Huntsville (to "clean up my act" if you know what I mean), and while
I was home, I met and married a wonderful woman named Pamela Daugherty, who's a
professional visual artist. Real practical of us, huh? A jazz musician and an artist.
We MAY not make the Forbes top 50 richest folks in the country list quite yet, but
boy are we HAPPY. I am a Yamaha Performing Artist & my brother Harry and I have
two modern jazz CDs, entitled "Brothers" & "Brothers II" released internationally
on Summit Records. "Brothers II" was in the top 50 on the US jazz charts for 6 weeks,
and on April 3rd, 2001,
Summit Records released "Southern Exposure," my first quartet CD, internationally,
featuring my working quartet (Ken Watters Group). This CD made it up to #32 on the
US jazz charts. My group will headline several jazz festivals this year, including
the Hot Summer Jazz Festival in Minneapolis. I am also lucky enough to be performing
& recording regularly with the Muscle Shoals Horns. Things are going very well,
and I'm extremely grateful to be actually DOING what I have dreamed of doing since
I was at Mountain Gap.
Memory:
WE WILL ALL DEEPLY MISS MAX HAMMOND...
DEFINITELY falling through the ceiling of the band room library. There were three
of us present (Mark Smith, Malcolm Tagg, and Mike Shurer), and we all swore each
other to secrecy regarding who did it, but when detectives and other intimidating-looking
officials showed up to investigate the matter, Malcolm Tagg caved in. I had to go
to Dave Ward's HOUSE at midnight and fess up. I was only in 8th grade! It was worth
it, though, when he answered the door in his pajamas. Really, he thought it was
pretty funny. I mean I did them a favor! We needed a new library anyway.
Name: Brittany Lynn Wedding (Clark)
Email: britts_783@hotmail.com
Years in Band: 1994-1998
Instrument played: Flute/Color Guard
Personal Info: UPDATE 10/26/04: I heard that the band was making
a trip to Hawaii this year, so I got on the Web site and figured I should update
my information. I am currently living in Hawaii with my husband, Kedric Clark. He
is a 2LT in the Army and we are currently stationed here until 2007. We were married
September 26, 2003. I am currently working to finish my bachelor's degree (yes,
I know, I've been in school for a long time) and after many detours, I will graduate
from Chaminade University of Honolulu in Dec. 2005 with a degree in Secondary Education.
I am also in the process of trying to get a job as a tutor for elementary school
students. We don't have children and don't plan to anytime in the near future. After
I graduate from Chaminade, I plan to enter the master's program in January 2006
to pursue a degree in English. Note my new e-mail address listed, so feel free to
drop me a line sometime.
Memory: My best memories of high school all revolve around the
friends I made through the band. I will never forget my Freshman year and Connell
tearing off his shirt to prove a point--he always had a way of doing that with his
phrases or small gestures. My Sophomore year was a lot of fun, too--my first year
on Guard and we scored a 99 at competition! I will never forget morning practices
at 6 in the morning, Shoney's trips after practice, and of course the "Hail" routines!
The band trips were always a blast; my favorite being Chicago my Junior year and
Orlando my Senior year! Marching season was always a hoot after the games (Brian
Ruff and Todd Anderson--don't let TACO BELL MEMORIES DIE!!). My best times, overall,
were spent in 4th period (Jr. and Sr. year) with Mr. Vernon. Katie Padgett and I
made Testosterone Man and introduced the burping game to Mr. V. That was the time
all of the aids would try to hook up "Big Daddy V" with Suzanne, the photographer!
(hee hee). That was also the time, Senior year, when Brian and I would have our
infamous "Practice Room Chats"--I will miss that Brian! To sum it up, the best times
I can remember were on Color Guard my Senior year: twirling saber for the 1st time
ever in a marching show for GHS, "QUA!", being Captain (oh the things I learned...),
and being a 2nd year rifle; the band trip my Senior year--Todd knocking over all
of those picture frames in the Disney Home Store and Brian, Jenny G., and I standing
there laughing so hard at him we were crying!; my Junior year rooming with my 3
best buds in the whole world (you know who you are) in Chicago, and the bathroom
incident--"...I am now going to pull up my pink panties..." Just one more thing--thanks
for everything Mr. Connell and Mr. Vernon!
Name: Steve Weeks
Email: sweeks@has.ci.houston.tx.us
Years in Band: 1978-1982
Instrument played: Trombone
Personal Info: Graduated from college with a degree in Finance
and I am currently employed as a Finance Supervisor for the Dept. of Aviation/City
of Houston. My wife Tena and I are enjoying life in Texas with her cat Benson. My
dog Vince (half Chow-half Shar-Pei) is still residing in Huntsville. We found he
was hazardous to Benson's health! As far as music goes, I took up the guitar in
college and I have played in a few bands for fun. In my spare time I write songs
and do some recording in my home studio. My wife and I travel a lot, when we both
have the time off, and we usually get back to Huntsville about once a year.
Memory: "What's going on over there in the swamp?" -Dave Ward pointing
toward the 3rd trombone section
"Steve, you sound like an Amorous Moose!" ---Jim Sparks listening to me play trombone
"No I don't play trombone anymore. Every time I reached down to empty my spit valve
I threw my back out!" ---Grandpa Sparks
Name: David Welch
Email: niceguy20@mindspring.com
Years in Band: 1992-1996
Instrument played: French Horn
Personal Info: Well, I am here at Auburn still. I don't plan on
leaving for a couple of years at least. I have kept the Civil Engineering major,
but I have now added History to it.
Memory: I like to recall the times spent in the cool weather and
short hours of band camp! But reality then kicks in and all that is left to remember
is the places we went and the people we met.
Name: Jeffery Welch
Email: welchj1@mail.auburn.edu
Years in Band: 1990-1994
Instrument played: Sax!!!!!
Personal Info: Still here at AU for awhile. I am now a philosophy
major, and hopefully I will finish that up soon and be on my way to grad school!
Memory: I guess it just had to be catching a taxi from that boring
railroad museum in Cinci with Joel and Deke and seeing the sights. We saw a great
re-legalization rally, ate lunch in a nice Chinese restaurant, and spent time at
this Hippie store in the projects. After all of that, we still got back to the museum
in time to hear everyone complain about how boring the museum was and caught the
bus home!
Name: Steve West
Email: StWest@juno.com
Years in Band: 1980-1983
Instrument played: Trombone
Personal Info: After two years as trombone section leader during
the Sparks era, I went to Birmingham-Southern to study church music. I finished
Birmingham-Southern and went to seminary at Emory University. I am now a United
Methodist minister and incorporate music heavily into my work, though I use voice
and keyboards more often than my horn (don't worry, I haven't completely hung it
up!). I pastored two churches and was Associate at a large church before being sent
as a missionary to start a brand new church three years ago in growing Chelsea,
Alabama in Shelby County. The church is named Morningstar UMC. I'll be here a while.
I married Sandy O'Quinn, whom I met while in seminary. We have two kids, Debbie
(7) and Jeremy (3).
Memory: Seeing Mr. Sparks speechless face when our trombone quartet
surprised him with my very own arrangement of "I Wish I Were an Oscar Meyer Weiner"
at a game, feeling like a winner time and again, Mr. Sparks' moment of tenderness
when "consoling" me when I got 2nd chair Red Band at All State, lots of crazy memories
with Mike Aycock who sat next to me, spraying the French horn players with my water
bottle, playing lead at the Notre Dame jazz festival, good friends on the many long
bus rides, the list goes on.
Name: Gary Cunningham Wheat III
Email: reedman21@hotmail.com
Years in Band: 1991-1995
Instrument played: Saxophone
Personal Info: I received the 1995 Robert Watkins Memorial Scholarship
from Grissom, which is a great honor. Graduated from Univ. of Alabama in Tuscaloosa
with a jazz studies degree in 1999; moved to Birmingham in May 2000, which is where
I am today. I am currently playing gigs with several groups, including my own jazz
group, a funk band called Meteorite, and some horn section work with Motown groups
such as the Temptations and Mary Wilson (Supremes). I am also teaching private lessons
to very good sax students at Oak Mountain Middle and High Schools. Someone give
me an email!!
Memory: Football games, marching contests, bus rides, and the great
music and discipline. Feste Romane from my sophomore year is still my greatest musical
memory. Mr. Connell and Mr. Vernon taught me everything I could be taught, I just
took it from there.
Name: Elizabeth Whiren (Shuhan now)
Email: lizshuhan@earthlink.net
Years in Band: 1988-1990
Instrument played: Flute/Piccolo
Personal Info: I live in Ithaca, NY now. I am a lecturer at Ithaca
College and a freelance flutist in Central New York. I am principal flutist with
the Fort Smith Symphony and have a private flute studio as well. I am married to
Alex Shuhan, horn professor at Ithaca College and founding member of Rhythm and
Brass. We have 3 beautiful boys, Nick, Sam and Max.
Memory: There are many wonderful memories of friends and musical
experiences. I am truly thankful to have been a member of the Grisson High School
Band. Many thanks to Vernon and Connell for their support and musicianship during
those formative years as a young musician.
Updated: 01/11/07
Name: Nathan White
Email: whitenate@aol.com
Years in Band: 1978-1982
Instrument played: Alto Sax; Marching, Concert and Jazz Bands
Personal Info: Married to Eileen McCarthy of Staten Island, NY.
Daughter Addie born 1993.
Occupation: Captain in the Air Force
Memory: Road trips to DC and Atlanta. The huge group of friends
I used to hang out with.
Name: Scott White
Email: scott@augustaphotostudio.com
Years in Band: 1987-1991
Instrument played: Sax (probably the biggest underacheiver)
Personal Info: I moved away from Huntsville in 1993 to pursue a
career in law enforcement. In 1996 I started working in Augusta, GA with the new
consolidated sheriffs department (city went bankrupt and the police dept. got disbanded.)
I am currently assigned to the K-9 Division (explosive detectection. I am also a
certified instructor with the state of Georgia. My teaching responsibilities include
the State/Regional police Academy and the departments own training facility as an
adjunct instructor. I specialize Firearms, SWAT, & Counter-terrorism as well as
Criminal Gangs. I am a senior member of the Counties S.W.A.T. Team as well as thier
training officer. I also started my own photography business in 2005, Augusta Digital
Imaging. It has been steadily growing since then.
Memory: It would probably be summer band camp and thinking how
cruel it was. However I know differently now.in reality it was a easy compaired
to other aspects in life, and all we did was complain. The away football games have
always been a found memory, especially when it got cold and we had to find ways
to stay warm.
Updated: 07/21/07
Name: Chris Wilbeck
Email: jcwilbeck@tamu.edu
Years in Band: 1991-1995
Instrument played: Alto Saxophone
Personal Info: Texas A&M University - Biomedical Engineering Major
Class of 1999 - WHOOP!!!
Name: Alicea Lynn Williams (Staggs)
Email: alwharpist@yahoo.com
Years in Band: 1982 - 1986
Instrument played: Harp and Marching Band Manager
Personal Info: I graduated from LSU in 1991 with a degree in instrumental
Music education. I married my high school sweetheart Chris Williams (Huntsville
High 1985). We moved to Grand Blanc Michigan in 1990 after we married and I am still
freezing to death up here. I opened my own business in 1994. It is called Tots and
Tunes. I use my education degree to go to home daycares and teach music to the children.
I also am heavily involved with my church. I sing in the choir, play in the handball
choir, teach adult Sunday School, coordinated the Youth program, and serve on the
Staff-Parish relations committee. If that isn't enough, I also teach piano and harp
privately, and my agent keeps me hopping with gigs around mid - Michigan. My husband
and I have one child, Jacob, and he is 17 months old.
Memory: I remember going with the marching band to a contest in
Tuscaloosa and of course we won everything there was to win. Anyway the drum majors
(Tommy Garrett and Cindy Jones) decided to march from the stadium to the buses in
a parade formation. So we blocked traffic and everything else while we basked in
our glow and generally teed off the other contestants. The other great memory that
I have is our trip to Panama City in 1986. What a great trip that was! Overall my
memories of GHS Band were all wonderful. It is very hard for me to sit in the stands
at our local high school and see a band of maybe 50 - 60 people. Our band was so
great and I hope that tradition carries on.
Name: Jim Williams/Morgan Williams
Email: Lurker4242@aol.com
Years in Band: 1978-1982
Instrument played: Flute/Piccolo
Personal Info: I received a B.M. in Flute Performance from the
Peabody Conservatory of Music of the Johns Hopkins University. Here, I studied with
Britton Johnson, former principal flutist of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and
with Tom Perazzoli, assistant principal flutist of the National Symphony. I then
received two graduate degrees, M.M. in Flute performance, and M.L.S., both from
the University of Alabama. Yes, I admit it I studied with Sheryl Cohen, which was
both a blessing and a curse! She does have a reputation, need I say more? I have
been together with my partner Lee for a little over a year and a half. I am, still,
a struggling musician. I teach from 30-40 students (Not just Flute, but Clarinet
and Saxophone). I play Flute III/Piccolo in the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, and
teach at: Oakwood College, Ars Nova, Colors Fine Arts Center, Excel School of Fine
Arts, and Austin High School. Sometimes I get an interesting gig like playing for
the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Good actors, good musicians, good money! Playing
with the HSO for the Moody Blues was an experience! Purple splotches with white
polka dots traveling all over you music. The conductor/arranger wore a bright yellow
tux, and an avocado green tux (like that ugly color that was popular in the 70's).
Recently, I played in the Huntsville Broadway Theatre League's production of Camelot
with Robert Goulet. Currently, I study piccolo with Jan Gippo, who plays piccolo
in the St. Louis Symphony. I spend most of my income auditioning for Orchestra jobs
such as: Buffalo, Ft. Wayne, Colorado, Detroit, etc., but no big job yet. The rest
of my income goes to buying instruments. I am most proud of my piccolo. A Burkart
piccolo (wood with 14k gold keys!) Three different head-joint styles! Last year
I had an article in Flute Talk on "Piccolo Trill Fingerings". Sometime this year
a follow up article will be given on "Major and Minor Thirds for Piccolo". My father
has been sick since January of 97. He had pancreatitis. I am told that even now
there is a 50% mortality rate. As a result of the pancreatitis, he recently found
out that he has diabetes and will need to take insulin shots four times a day. I'm
trying to gather information about Scott Chestnut for everyone. I'm sure not many
know that he was murdered almost two years ago.
Memory: Christmas of '81, my senior year. Sigh... Sparks got the
A Band to sing "Silent Night" on the Huntsville High Stage, after everyone lit these
little white candles. I doubt that anyone was apprehensions about the singing. However,
a few days before the concert, Sparks gave several warnings to us about not burning
up the stage! The deal was that all of the outside people were to get their candles
lit and pass it down. Beth West was incredibly nervous. Her hands were trembling!
I finally lit my candle and went to light Angie Ford's candle. It blew out as I
was turning towards her. So I get another jump start from Beth The candle blew out
again! I get yet another light from Beth, who was now getting annoyed. Of course,
it blew out too. Finally Beth lit my candle and insisted that I use my hand to shield
the flame as I turned to Angie. Angie and I started laughing about all of this about
half way through. Everyone began to cue up to sing. They were getting their pitches,
Sparks was staring at us with a look implying, "What the Hell are you doing?" as
well as, "Don't you dare mess this up!". We started singing and everything was Ok.
First verse was fine, second verse... Hmmm.... At the end of the second verse, I
hadn't realized that my candle was right up to my mouth. I blew my candle out. Angie
and I now couldn't stop laughing. It was obvious to everyone in the audience that
my candle went out; it was the only dark spot in the band! Sparks looked as if he
was going to kill me as soon as the song was over! Later, Angie wrote in my yearbook,
"Learn to light a stupid candle will ya'?"
Name: Mike Williams
Email: williamsmknl@yahoo.com
Years in Band: 1974-1978
Instrument played: Tenor and Bari Saxophone
Name: Tyler Williams
Email: Tylerwlms@aol.com
Years in Band: 1993-1997
Instrument played: Trumpet, Drum Major
Personal Info: I am currently serving a two-year mission for the
Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints, in the Romania Bucharest mission. I
am really loving Romania. Since leaving High School and before going to Romania
I studied at BYU and will return next year. I am studying international relations.
Memory: The Grissom High School Band experience was one of the
best of my life. I learned so much about music and life. The music we made was wonderful.
The Half-time shows were exhilarating. I made some of the best friends I have ever
had and saw some of the greatest places. I will always be grateful to the band program
and for all that it did for me. I will never forget the magic that is the Grissom
Band.
Name: Haden Williams
Email: hadenwilliams@yahoo.com
Years in Band: 1992-1996
Instrument played: Tuba
Name: Andrew L. Willisson
Email: awilliss@belsouth.net
Years in Band: 1978-1981
Instrument played: Tenor Saxophone
Name: Bill(y) Wilson
Email: wjwlsn@yahoo.com
Years in Band: 1984-1987
Instrument played: Baritone
Personal Info: Currently living in Pleasanton, CA (kind of between
San Jose and Oakland). Working as a nuclear/software/consulting engineer for a small
company in San Jose. Got married in Mid-1997... divorce should be final by end of
1999. 'Nuff said.
Memory: Hmmm, too many memories. Marching band practice during
the summers kind of sucked, except that it afforded so many opportunities for screwing
around. I absolutely hated "Spirit Days", except that it was kind of cool to make
fun of all the losers (i.e., woodwinds) that really got into them. So many good
friends that I haven't bothered to keep up with because I'm such a slacker. Various
words/phrases spring to mind: wang, big-butt, "He's touching me in a way that makes
me feel uncomfortable!", etc. Getting called into Theo's office for loudly calling
Brian an *sshole during an unfortunate pause when the stupid woodwinds happened
to be silent. Finally: summer marching band practice, the day the entire low brass
line lost it when a certain member of the rifle corps dropped her rifle and had
to bend over to pick it up... Oh man!
Name: Chris Willisson
Email: cjwilliss@home.com
Years in Band: 1977-1981
Instrument played: Trombone
Personal Info: After traveling around Alabama, Carolina's, and
Florida, I came back to Huntsville where I married Janet McCown (Huntsville High
'83). I am a Business Counselor/Consultant with The Small Business Development Center
of UAH, A&M, and the Chamber of Commerce.
Memory: All those trips, wonderful friends, and all that time spent
playing my horn.
Name: Jeff Windham
Email: jwindham@aldridge-borden.com
Years in Band: 1984-1988
Instrument played: Trombone
Personal Info: Married with children (2 girls - Emily & Katie).
Employed as a CPA with Aldridge, Borden & Company in Montgomery, specialize in litigation
support. Graduated from Bama where I was continued my musical career in the Million
Dollar Band. Still continue to play through the orchestra at church.
Memory: So many to choose from, but I'll hit on a couple, in no
particular order: 1)Taking the field for competition for the first time, the judges
asked the drum majors if they were ready to take the field...Tom Garret asks "Band,
Are you ready?", and we responded with a crisp powerful "Yes Sir!" That really set
the tone. 2) Same competition, when we were leaving the field, Robert Byrd steps
in a hole and starts to fall, but Steve Swann grabs him by the shoulder with one
hand a picks him up so he can continue to march out of the stadium. 3) The Dogwood
Festival in Knoxville, the most incredible concert I have ever been a part of. 4)
All bus rides and the Truck Crew. 5) Motorcycle boy.
Name: Jerrod Windham
Email: jerrodbw@hotmail.com
Years in Band: 1990-94
Instrument played: Trombone/Drum Major
Personal Info: I went on to march one year at Auburn, graduated,
and am now living in Birmingham working as an industrial design consultant.
Memory: Christening the new auditorium, marching with the clarinets,
PVC & breadbags, "The Music Man", the original "Low Rider" trio, hoola hoops, the
trombone chicks, the twins, Choi-Boy, Princess Lea, & last but not least - the strange
looks on the faces of those who just heard a high school band march to Stravinsky's
"Firebird" rather than Skynard's "Freebird"
Name: Karen Winters (Cain)
Email: karen.w.cain@bridge.bellsouth.com
Years in Band: 1978-1982
Instrument played: Flute
Personal Info: After graduating from GHS, I attended and graduated
from Randolph-Macon Woman's College in Lynchburg, VA with a useless liberal arts
degree in English/studio art, neither of which I have used. After graduating from
college, I was set to attend the Portfolio Center to pursue a career in graphic
design and advertising, but I chickened out and ended up moving to Atlanta where
I enrolled and graduated from the National Center for Paralegal Training (how's
that for a drastic shift in career paths?). I began working as a paralegal in 1987
and have been one ever since, now working for BellSouth Telecommunications, Inc.
in Atlanta. I met my husband, Carl, in 1993, and we married in November 1995. No
kids, just 3 dogs and 1 cat. We live in Marietta, GA. Carl works for Heery International.
We are trying to adopt privately and have sent out 250+ birthmother letters (entirely
legal) but have not gotten any leads so far. If any of you have information that
might be useful to us, please send i t to me. I'd really appreciate it!
I don't play flute anymore; never picked it up again after senior year, but I still
own it and a piccolo, if that counts for anything. I also saved, packrat that I
am, all the music that we were allowed to bring home from band. It's in the basement,
but I still have it. I have thought about taking up flute again but haven't done
it. I still appreciate and recognize all arrangements of the pieces we played or
sight-read in competition and I still watch DCI competition if my channel-surfing
husband comes across it on TV. My sister Janice Winters Greenwood (piano, 1983)
and brother Bart Hallum (trumpet, 1978) are planning to come to the reunion in 2000.
Memory: More than one - with Lori Lang, sticking hundreds of starlight
mints to the interior of Sparks' VW bug with tape because it was his birthday; freezing
in the stands at late fall football games, winning marching band competition, cramming
300+ sweaty, rain-wet bodies into the band room because a summer thunderstorm called
a halt to marching band practice, laughing hysterically with Sheri Moore in the
auditorium of Huntsville or Lee HS during a band's performance at District when
the xylophone player chose the wrong mallets and pieces of hard plastic when flying
into audience as the heads disintegrated; dodging out of Sparks' way as he plowed
through the flute section, both rows, to get to the horns or trombones; dodging
shattered pieces of plastic baton when he lost his temper over a missed entrance;
Jim Cavender's hilarious impersonations of Big Dave; even trailing along after Bart
when the band went to A&W on Drake Ave. after football games in the late 70's -
he let me wear his big white furry hat! I had no idea what I was in for. The best
times I had in high school were in the band. I cannot believe that when I attend
the reunion in 2000 it will have been 18 years since I saw some of these people.
Name: Jennifer Wold (now Costales)
Email: jmwold@go.com
Years in Band: 1992-1996
Instrument played: Oboe, Flute
Personal Info: I graduated from the U. of Washington in August
of 2000 with a B.A. in Psychology. Three years of that, I spent in the UW Husky
Marching Band, playing the alto sax. GO HUSKIES!!! In December, I was married to
Michael Costales, whom I met in the marching band. We just bought our first house
in Snoqualmie (30 min. from Seattle) and I'm currently working at Boeing and studying
to become a Webmaster.
Memory: Most of my memories involved fun with my fellow BG's in
whatever we were doing [band trips, practice, competitions, football games]. **TENACITY**
The rush just being the exhibition concert band in Chicago and being marching band
champions in Georgia will stay with me for a very long time. Connell and Vernon
were awesome and taught me so much about being a musician. Treasure your time there
because you'll really miss it when you leave.
I would love to know how everyone is doing! Keep in touch.
Updated: 01-06-03
Name: Keith Womack
Email: keith.womack@gte.net
Years in Band: 1976- 1979
Instrument played: Tuba
Memory: Playing the theme for Budweiser at the football games the
crowd (or at least the students) went wild. They couldn't play that today. The trips
and all the trouble we always got into, and the licks ohh the licks. Anyone know
the email for Mr. Ward?? He called my parents (left a message) summer of 98 and
didn't leave a number. Mr. Ward call home!!! My parents and Cynthia are trying to
find you.
Name: Martin Timothy Worsham (Feb 1960 - Jan 2000)
Years in Band: 1974-1978
Instrument played: Trumpet
Personal Info: Tim passed away in January 2000 from complications
following bypass surgery in in the Fall of 1999. Tim had earned a B.S. degree in
CIS from UNA in 1988, and worked as a programmer/analyst at T.M. Floyd and Co. in
Columbia SC. Tim was a talented and creative musician and programmer. He played
trumpet as well as interesting improvisations on keyboards, and enjoyed listening
to music, playing billiards, and the surfing the internet. He will be missed by
family and friends, and at the band reunion this October.
Memory: I can still remember many of the hand signals Mr. Ward
& Mr. Sparks would use to tell the marching band which tune to play. I also remember
the echoes that would come off of the mountains behind Grissom after the last chord
in most of our marching tunes. My favorite marching band numbers would have to be
"The Way We Were", "Somewhere", "Rocky", "Uptight" and "One-Eyed Sailor". One marching
band contest that I can remember was in Tupelo, MS, when we started the show with
people lined up from one five-yard line to the other, two players deep, and proceeded
to bring the house down. I enjoyed the music theory class immensely. I also enjoyed
the jazz band as well. I can still remember how good the 'bones sounded on "Snow
Queen". What about all of those great Count Basie tunes: "Doin' Basie's Thing",
"The Queen Bee" and "Scott's Place"? "The Old Rotten Kid Kid" sticks out in my mind
-- I think it's because we actually sang a line or two in it. "Blues for Poland"
was another good number. Don't forget "Here's That Rainy Day". Concert band - where
do I begin? I always thought the Christmas concerts were fun with the horse whinny
and slapstick on "Sleigh Ride" plus the Kentucky Fried Chicken buckets on Russian
Christmas Music. We worked so hard in concert band. I remember playing the runs
in "Finale to the Fourth" by Tchaikovsky in my sleep. "Lohengrin" sure was a powerful
piece. I also remember "Capriccio Espagnol". "Elsa's Procession to the Cathedral"
is one of my all-time favorites. "Scheherazade" would have to be the most memorable
concert tune for me. It was extremely difficult to play in certain spots. But the
clincher has to be the ending, which was so hauntingly beautiful and mesmerizing.
I seem to getting some more memory signals coming in...Yes, Yes...Clearer...Yes...They're
coming to me now. I remember:
Giving Bart Hallum my Rudy Muck mouthpiece.
Mental Nap on Three: One...Two...
The Gork Monkies.
Deuce of Hearts Wins. "Watch out for the shower curtain, Jeff!"
Using the kitchen as a natural reverb unit.
Using the Tennessee Valley as a natural reverb unit.
The Arban Book.
Trying to play everything up an octave.
Mr. Ward's signal to take it up an octave.
"Worsham! What's this interval?"
Mr. Ward and Mr. Sparks jumping into the hotel swimming pool after we won Six Flaggs.
Name: Kevin Wright
Email: wrighkc@auburn.edu
Years in Band: 1995-1999
Instrument played: Clarinet
Personal Info: I am attending Auburn University studying architecture.
Memory: Of course all the trips were fun but the one to New Orleans
was the best.
Name: Lynn Albritton Wright
Email: mwright4@compuserve.com
Years in Band: 1973-1977
Instrument played: Clarinet
Personal Info: I met Mr. Wright in Savannah, Ga. Mike and I have
two children; David (born '89) and Rebecca (born '96). We live in the Kansas City
area now. After working 8 hard years teaching in the inner city of Savannah, I am
a full-time mom.
Memory: I mostly have great memories, but the most outstanding
memory is when Kate McMyler and I told Ward and Sparks we were tired of the same
half-time show. Needless to say they were not very pleased.
Name: Mark Wright
Email: mtwright@mindspring.com
Years in Band: 1977-1981
Instrument played: Horn
Personal Info: Apparently I was born a ramblin' man: since my GHS
days I have been in Chicago, Birmingham, Huntsville again, Nashville, Birmingham
again, Los Angeles...and now Atlanta, where I'm on the faculty at Emory...
I haven't had time for music since college, and I miss it. My greatest musical moment
since college came when I heard the Moscow Radio Symphony play Tchiakowsky (sp?)
#5 at a concert in London...I think we did it better?!
Would like to hear from any of my Ward/Sparks era homeys who might be floating around
out there...
Memory: Kenny Watters falling through the ceiling of the music
library!
X
Y
Name: Kris Young
Email: kyoung@nyx.net
Years in Band: 1988-1992
Instrument played: Trumpet
Personal Info: I am STILL in Huntsville after graduating from UAH,
and I'm livin' large (and single) as an engineer at Phase IV Systems. What I do
in my spare time depends completely on the day of the week, but I do still play
my trumpet around town. Check out my skimpy page at http://www.nyx.net/~kyoung.
Memory: BREATHING BAGS!!!!
Name: Marte Hooper Young
Email: marte@traveller.com
Years in Band: 1977-1981
Instrument played: Clarinet
Personal Info: I've been in Huntsville since graduation. I did
some time at UAH, but got an early release. I married Jimmy Young (class of 1982)
who was in ROTC. We didn't know each other in school. I work for Traveller Information
Services as sales rep and administrator. I now relive my band life through my niece,
Monica Hooper (Mark's daughter, tuba, 1976). She plays Clarinet (of course) at Hazel
Green High School. I work with the band, chaperone bus trips (payback), and I am
an honorary band parent.
Memory: Six Flags, 1979(I think). The pillow fight in Andy and
Chris Willisson's room. Mr. Sparks walks in the room just as Cynthia Swann jumps
up on the bed with pillow in swinging motion. Hey Chris....whatever happened to
that Alan Alda article.....What magazine were you reading that in??????
Z
Name: Terri Cargal Zechiel
Email: TerriZ@adelphia.net
Years in Band: 1972-1975
Instrument played: Flute/Rifle Twirler/Majorette
Updated: 01/11/07
Name: Forrest Zimmerman
Email: forrestzimmerman@gmail.com
Years in Band: 1980-1984
Instrument played: alto, tenor saxophone
Memory: Broken megaphones, SCOOOOOOP!!!!, actually playing the
Hindemith Symphony in B flat, even if we didn't quite get it.
Updated: 07/21/07
Name: Paul Zimmerman
Email: pzimmerman@gpelaw.com
Years in Band: 1985-1989
Instrument played: Trumpet
Personal Info: I spent one year in Miami, then moved to Tuscaloosa
to finish school. Finished undergraduate school and went through law school while
working as a paramedic. I still live in Tuscaloosa, but recently started with a
firm in Birmingham. I am divorced but have a beautiful daughter.
Memory: As with many of the other bios posted here, there are many
fond memories. Most have to do with either winning competitions or any number of
band trips.
Name: Margie (O'Donnell) Zoladz
Email: acorns7@juno.com
Years in Band: 1981-1984
Instrument played: Trumpet
Personal Info: Husband Tom, five children: Katie (7), Anna (6),
Emily (4), Molly (3) and Peter (2)
Memory: Great friends and great music!
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