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Bands
Memories
Miscellaneous
7901 Bailey Cove Road
Huntsville, AL 35802
Phone:256.881.1075
Fax: 256.881.1054
Directors:
Bill Connell
Theo Vernon
Website maintained by
Rex Simmons
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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: Lisa Winkles Sams
Email: lsams@mindspring.com
Years in Band: 1979-80
Instrument played: Flags
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: 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 ba |
