I'm not a stranger to music, not by a longshot. My mother would often play music when she was pregnant with me and long often after. Despite circumstances I was never that fond of music. This would change later.

In fourth grade the had a school rally Introducing the new band teacher. The purpose of the rally was to encourage kids to sign up while I thought it was a good excuse to get out of class.

Later in the day, the teacher was going around classes asking kids if they were interested and if so to gave them a sheet of paper and talk it over with their parents. I was interested primarily because I thought it was a good way to get out of class, so I took one.

Later at home, I convinced my parents into investing into a Trombone. I chose Trombone because my parents said no to the first 3 I proposed.

8 years later, I graduate as part of the Lakeside band. After all those years I can honestly say that it was one of the best experiences of my life. I may have never met many of the friends I have today and never would have developed a love for music.

When I'm old and gray and someone asks me to tell them stories of my youth, almost all of them will come from my time in band.