Great to hear from all of you!! Can't wait to catch up on the past 20 years. Jeannie has done an excellent job running around getting the job accomplished.

Dani Hobgood (aka: Danielle Williamson) Saxophone 1984

Hey John,
I did not know you lived south of Nashville TN. I lived in Nashville about five years ago for two years. While I was there so was Scott Lazaro and Amy Kronke. I also ran into Cindy Thompson around the Nashville area. Since that time both Scott and I have moved out of the area but I believe Amy is still around.

Take care,
Mickey McHale (Class of ‘84 Drum Line)

From Rhonda (Thompson) DuFriend-Clarinet Class of 88

I think that this is a GREAT idea!! I hope that it goes well. I wish that I could be there, but I married a soldier, have three children (16,15,12), and we are stationed in Hawaii right now (don't you feel sorry for me)? Band and everything that goes with it-good and bad- are some of my greatest memories of school. Have a good time and great memories, and I'll be thinking of ya'll!! Any of my buds that want to e-mail me bring it on! Broncofan1985@aol.com

Take Care!!
= )
Rhonda~
BRONCOS RULE!!!!!!!

From: Brenda (Gregory) Edwards - Colorguard - class of 1986

Glad to hear about the reunion. After living in Nashville a few years after college...I ended up where I thought I never would...right back in Marshall County. I keep in touch with some friends from high school. I hope to see some of those I have lost touch with. I am in accounting and that will be smack in the middle of tax season but I will sneak away.

From.. David Clem, drumline, THE, class of '85 !

Well, well...So its come to this...LOL!! Its gonna be great!! My band memories, are some of the fondest of my youth! I haven't been back to Benton, in 15 years, Soooo I guess I'm in for a shock?!? I hear you have fast food there now, and are considering liqour licenses?!? WOW!! I live in my home town of Staunton Va., and own my own contracting business, specializing in the restoration of historic homes( this is one of the oldest areas in the country!) I plan on making the 700 mile trip (golf clubs and all!!) Wayne Jenkins and I plan on playing some golf, so if you are interested ,let us know...We could have a "mini" tournament..!! I'm really looking forward to seeing alot of you,who were friends. We had some really great times together ,back then. Those of you who weren't to fond of me (us)...Well, here's your sign...LOL!!! I'm sort of envious of those of you who still live there and stay in touch. I probably won't recognize most of you ,but hey...I'm loosing my hair ,so you won't know me either...LOL!!! This will be a fun time, and I still want to know why in the hell we didn't have a 20 year class reunion???...LOL!! But this will be better because it brings together friends with common ground....so with that,.....I'll see you guys in March......Remember....give 'em "L" !!!

Hey all!, I'm John York's mom and I think he did a great job putting the web site together. Look's great! My hub and I were great band booster parents....can we come too and see the performances? See you, maybe, in March. Carol York
----------------------------------------------
Yes mother ALL Band Boosters are invited.

Wayne Fisher here, (class of ‘84)

It is good to see all the msg`s from the band pack.
I have not met up with anyone since high school. Will be good to see everyone at the reunion.
see ya there.

Note to Fish

what a honor !!!!!!!!!!you do not know how MANY!!!!! people have asked about FISH I am please to see that he will be there.... look forward to seeing you FISH!!! My Mom is in the process in finding out if she can get us discounted rates for those of you who need to stay at the Holiday Inn. please let me know asap if you need arrangements.
thanks Jeannie

Hey everyone! I was excited to hear about a band reunion. I would rather have that than a 20 year class reunion. Most of my best friends were in band anyway! I live in Columbia, Tennessee. I am an hour south of Nashville. My husband and I are both teachers. About 15 years ago Mr. Pettigrew was in Columbia and we had breakfast together. I look forward to seeing him and everyone else again. Mickey McHale...if I had known we lived so close together at one time I would have driven up just to bug you!!!! Thanks Jeannie and John for all of your hard work. Like the rest of you have said, all of my high school memories are tied in with band. Does anyone remember band camp 2004 and Dong Land??
See you soon!
Kelly Farley Lusk saxophone 1985

Fish!! Dave Hill here (Class of 1985) - Holy crap, I haven’t heard from you in years! Send me an email:

hilljd@acemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil
 

Note from John York: Dave Hill is in Iraq right now so will not be at the reunion. Keep him and all those other brave people in your prayers.

Hi to Brother Fish...!
Bro. Fish, How are the marines treating you...Good to hear from you...Do you still drive a Cordoba?? LOL!!! See you soon!,

Dave Clem

Kim (Prater) Ries ­ Class of 83 ­ Flute (concert season), Colorguard (marching)

This is such a great idea! I had a great time catching up with all my class of 83 classmates at the 20 year reunion, but there are so many more, younger and older than I, that I would love to see. Mary Phillips, are you out there?! Janet Thompson, I’ve missed you at the other reunions, please come to this. I’m in Mt. Vernon, IN just west of Evansville, have been married to David for 20 years, and have two boys (Andrew 16 and Jacob 12).
Email: kjries@usi.edu. See you all soon.
 

Can't wait to see everyone. I have so many great memories of band. That is one of the main things in high school that I would never change for anything. Hope everyone has a safe trip back to MCHS. I won't be bringing my instrument though...don't think I could remember the notes now. Thanks Jeannie and John....you have done a wonderful job.

Robin Dunigan Colley (‘87 Clarinet)
robin_200@msn.com

Christopher Reason, Drumline class of '86!

Wow, you can't imagine how shocked I was to hear from Jeff Jones today (Brass, '86). I have not been able to keep in touch with anyone for about 10 years now. I moved to Jeffersonville, IN (just across the river from Louisville) back in November of 98. I am married, have two step kids and am called GRANDPA by the cutest little 2 year old blond bombshell you've ever seen! What a concept, Grandpa :) Anyway, I doubt the little one will make the trip, but my Wife Sue and I will DEFINITELY be there.
If any of the rest of the old "gang" is out there reading these posts (Duck, Ken Allgood, Ashton Haus, Dale Balta, Chris Coe, Dwane Oakley and...and...who am I forgetting, crap you are going to kill me whoever you are! LOL) give me a yell at 3649.28@ChristopherReason.com HA! Many of you might recognize that number HE HE! (I had to make that email up so I wouldn't get "phisched" out on this site, but I will give you the real one if you contact me there.)

From: Gaye (Alexander) Messmer- Drumline ‘86

Count me in!! Class Reunions are great, but a Band Reunion will be even better. Now we can catch up with the upper classmen we “Admired” and the younger ones we antagonized! Some of my fondest memories are: The Girl’s State Tournament in ‘84, New York in ‘85, and doing our final show at Busch Stadium in ‘86. (Forgive me if I have dates wrong. You know how it is once you start getting old!).
 

Update from Joe Pettigrew

WOW, a Band reunion. How old you guys must be. I have been keeping up with the site now for several weeks, and when I read your stories about how old some of you are-- it is disturbing. Because if you are as old, I must be ancient.

I am very excited about the reunion. I haven’t seen most of you for over 20 years. I was just a kid when I was with you. For instance, when we went to the Orange Bowl I was only 23. When we went to the Rose Bowl I was 29, and when we went to the Macy’s Parade I was 30. I was just a kid, and now that I think back, I probably acted my age. If I did, I am sorry.

Trudy and I live in Germantown, Tennessee. When we left Marshall County, I came to Memphis to finish my Doctorate in Leadership at the University of Memphis. Shortly after arriving here I became part of the staff and in 1988 I was named Vice President and Dean of Students-they had no one else trust me. I left the University to pursue a full time professional speaking career about 10 years ago (www.leaderpoint.com).

I am currently building a new company-Influence America. We have seminars in large sports arenas throughout the country and feature Christian leadership speakers. Our next event is in Memphis at the FED-EX Forum and our featured speakers are Rick Warren-author of Purpose Driven Life, President George Bush, Sr., Colin Powell, Tony Dungy, Beth Moore, Truitt Cathy-owner of Chick-fil-a founder, and Joel Osteen. We average 14,000 attendees at each seminar and would love for each of you to attend one.

Our oldest daughter is Ashley (25), and she has been living in California and Ohio, but next week is moving to Memphis to go to work with me on my new adventure. Ashley graduated from Mississippi University for Women, has been a banker and is married to Daniel McBroom.

Tara, our other daughter, is 23 and lives in Covington, Tennessee. She is the youth and children’s minister and is going to school to be a Methodist pastor. Tara graduated from Lambuth University in Jackson, Tennessee.

Tyler, our son, is an 18 year old senior at Briarcrest Christian School in Memphis. He is looking at where he wants to go to college (if you can believe it- to play football-who would have thought me with a football player) Tyler doesn’t even believe I used to have anything to do with music.

All of my children are great and they are also looking forward to seeing this part of their dads past that they either don’t remember or have never experienced. Ashley remembers the band a little, Tara not at all, and Tyler will be shocked.

My email address is joe@influenceamerica.com. My office phone is 901-624-LEAD but I have often gone. Our home address is 2719 Oakleigh Lane, Germantown, Tennessee, 38138.

I have thought of many you so often. I don’t think you realize the impact that you had on my life. Thanks for helping to make me the man I am today. You didn’t realize it then, but you were my teacher---I wasn’t yours.

Joe Pettigrew

Hey everybody. I'm glad to hear about this reunion. Band had a significant impact on my life. I particularly want to thank Jeannie, John and all the others involved in making this happen. I live in Tell City, IN, about 45 minutes northeast of Owensboro, KY. I am a newspaper publisher and regional manager. My husband, Tim, and I are planning to be at the reunion. I really look forward to seeing everyone. My e-mail address is hoosier_publisher@yahoo.com

Teresa Bragg Rice - clarinet, Class of 1985

Hello everyone! By reading everyone's messages, I can see many people are as excited about this reunion as I am. I can't wait to see everyone again and reminisce about the times we had in band. Like so many have said, band was one of the greatest times in my life. I learned so many life lessons that have made me the person I am today. After I graduated from MCHS, I went to Freed-Hardeman University and stayed in Henderson, TN until I moved back to Marshall County in 1994. I am a 7th grade language arts teacher at North Marshall Middle School. My husband of 17 years, Van Davidson, is from Obion, TN and is a bank examiner for the state. We have two children: Aubrey, 13, is an 8th grader at North. She was in the colorguard with the Marching Marshals this past fall. I can't believe I am already a band parent! And our son Garrett is 6. He is in kindergarten at South Elem.

Again, I can't wait to see everyone at the reunion. Feel free to email me at rdavidso@marshall.k12.ky.us or visit my website on North Marshall Middle's webpage www.marshall.k12.ky.us/nmms/ Click on teacher webs!
See you all soon!
Robin (Edwards) Davidson, colorguard, Class of '86

band note from Jo Beth (Henson) Jones

It has been great reading everyone's notes, and it makes me excited about the reunion. I have heard from a few people over the years who find me on the MCHS web site (I'm a guidance counselor), but I can't wait to see more people at the reunion.

Jo Beth Jones-class of 1985, clarinet and color guard
Guidance Counselor
Marshall County High School

This is a reunion we should attend ....and I agree with another post ....most of my friends ...all of my friends were in band ...probably why I haven't attended any other reunion....like others ....band was such a great part ....fours and fours and few water breaks ...staying in line...contests ....(still have the video from years back with the shows on it) ...that's what its all about! ...really though ...performing in Busch Stadium (which is now no longer there ...making us old), the Liberty Bowl, Macy's ....State Tournament trips ....things just rush back from those days ....So glad to hear Mr. P and Trudy are alive and well ...and the kids (and if Ashley and Tara are that old ...I'm really depressed) ....still have a Halloween party photo with those two in it .....BUT.... I won't be able to attend ....those dates are during the Houchens/KHSAA Girls' Sweet 16 State Basketball Tournament....I handle all the marketing, promotions and media relations for the KHSAA....so the Sweet 16 is a crazy time ....HOWEVER ...should the Lady Marshals make yet another trip to the event ....I would hope you'd consider taking a glory road trip to Diddle Arena ....and perfom there as well! Pep Band was always fun.......and Mr. P .....go ahead and bring that megaphone or whatever your used to yell into, just don't throw it ...Ha! :) we derserved it.........Here's my e-mail if anyone wants to contact me ....I'm still in Lexington ...stayed after UK and made Lexington my home. ....hope to see pictures or make the next one.....take care
bcope@khsaa.org
Butch Cope - Class of '86

Butch Cope
Director of Promotions & Media Relations
Kentucky High School Athletic Association
(859)299-5472 - phone
(859)293-5999 - fax

It's great to read everyone's notes. I'm looking forward to the reunion! Does anybody else still have dreams about having to go out on the field and not knowing the routine? This should be big fun!

Linda (Record) Janiec (Class of '86)
 

Where are all of the "best of the best" band people from Mr. Pettigrew's first years? Well, here are a couple, anyway. Literally speaking, too. Then, my name was Marsha Morris (MCHS Band, '76-'79). I played in the clainet and bass clarinet section. The love of my life then, and still is now, Jim Reason (MCHS Band,'76-'79) was the top trombone player. We have many fond memories of our band days and are eager to share them at the reunion. Jim and I have been happily married 23 1/2 years and we have four wonderful daughters. Sandy is 21 and is living and working in Murray, KY. Stacey is 18 and is an art student at Murray State University. Claire is 16 in 14 days and is a current member of the MCHS band. She plays the clarinet and plays the chimes in the indoor drumline. Caren is 12 1/2 and plays the flute at North Marshall.

After graduating from Murray State in May 1983, we moved to Dallas, TX. Jim worked in the high technology/comupter field and I was a stay at home mom. Jim's last job in Texas was as a Computer Engineering Consultant for Nortel Networks, Inc. He designed and installed major networking systems for large companies. In 1999, he left his career and we both attended bible school full time. We graduated from Christ for the Nations Institute in May 2002 as licensed ministers. It was in late 2002 that Jim landed a job in Paducah that enabled us to move back home. We moved the whole family back in June, 2003. Jim's current job is with Innovative Technical Solutions where he is the IT Director. I am currently working as a substitute teacher in the Marshall County school system.

Thanks to all who have made this alumni event possible!! I can't wait to get together and see where the MCHS band has been. We will definitely be there!!! We are even going to join the alumni band!! What a joyful "noise" that will be!!

Write us at:
jim@jimreason.com
or
marsha@jimreason.com
(catchy addresses, huh?)

I read through all the postings and I felt really old. Is there any of the original Marching Marshalls out there? I was part of the first Marshall County band. I remember the practices that we had that year before the three high schools became one. It didn’t take us long to realize that we were going to be a part of something that was new and exciting, and so much better than any of us had ever experienced before. Mr. George Milam was the best band director we could have asked for. He brought us all together to become one family. Some of my best memories of high school revolve around band. I hope to hear or see from many of my band members at the reunion.

Cheryl York Ladd-Class of 1976 (clarinet)

I'm so excited. I really need to rent a sax, and dig out my band jacket.
Thank you for all the effort that has already gone into this wonderful event.

Faye Lynn (Hancock) Thompson - alto sax '81
 

Hi All!!! I'm looking through wondering if there are any alumn out there from the '92-96 era. My name is Jennifer Smith (formerly Joiner) and I'm from class of '94 drumline. I'd love to make the trip for the reunion, I live in South Florida now with my husband and our two kids. I've tried to get it touch with some of my former bandmates, so hopefully we'll see them on this message board. Hope to meet you all in March!

Jennifer Smith '94 Drumline
jljoiner@comcast.net

Hello to everyone!!
First I have to say that I find it quite odd that Jennifer Joiner is now Jennifer Smith. I wasn¹t in band with her but I remember her and the odd part is that I was Jennifer Smith in high school and I was in the drumline! So when I saw her e-note I kept thinking that I had posted a note that I didn¹t remember posting!! I thought it was funny but I may be the only one!

Anyway- I am of course Jennifer Smith from the 2000 Drumline. I am now Jennifer Thweatt however, and I have a 5 year old son! I still live exactly where I did back in high school, right in Benton. My husband and I live on my parent¹s property so I didn¹t go too far from home!! I¹m not sure you¹d consider me to be from the 2000 drumline or not because I quit my senior year. I did have band for the first half of my senior year but I just sat in the floor or copied music for the director. After Christmas I was out of band class. But I was in the drumline from 6th through 11th grades!! I guess that counts for something! Plus I as a section leader my junior year and I was supposed to be one my senior year!

Well anyway I just wanted to let everyone from my band years know that I would love to go to this reunion but I¹m not going to go if I¹m going to be the only one of us there! So PLEASE everybody come and have fun! I miss band so much!!!!! I deeply regret quitting my senior year but at the same time I know it was a good thing for me. I still miss it though. The drumline and I still try to get together though! We all had a bonfire at my house back in October and we still email and call each other! I hope you other guys are still in touch!

By the way: Does anybody else sit and wonder how on earth we got through band camp in the heat and sun?! It¹s amazing to me that we survived that!! I can¹t stand the heat these days!! Not to mention the sunburn on top of sunburn!! Guess you do what you have to in high school!

Well, I¹ve bored everyone for long enough! Please come to the reunion and please feel free to send me an email sometime!!

-Jennifer (Smith) Thweatt (Drumline- Class of 2000- Top Bass)
jthweatt@mchsi.com

hello everyone

The Class of 1984--my goodness that does seem like such a long time ago!!! I can’t believe all the memories that flood my mind when I think of all the tears, sweat (and sometimes blood) on the practice field, and waiting in formation at a freezing retreat for the results. Or a cold Friday night football game and “blow warm air through your horns” --remember that? I married in 2000 to a wonderful gal, she is a nanny for 2 boys here in Benton, and I am a pharmacy technician in Paducah. We have no children, but are trying: but we do a 5 month old big old baby female Rottweiller...she thinks she is our child. I plan on coming to the reunion -- sold my sax, but maybe could find a loaner for the reunion band. I would love to hear from any of you prior to and after the reunion: my email address is todjul@charter.net

Todd Watkins
Class of 1984
Alto Sax

To Cheryl York Ladd '76 Clarinet-

I know you don't know me but I have a feeling you know my parents. My Maiden Name is Jennifer Joiner and my parents are Sonia Lyon ('76) and Rod Joiner('75). I know they weren't in band, but my mom later married Bill Burt (class of '75 Trumpet) and I'm sure you know him. He and my mom had a son, my little brother, and even though they are no longer married I am still very close with Bill. He was the one who really encouraged me to stick with band and my years in the Marching Marshals were some of the best. I hope to have Bill get involved with this reunion as well.

E-mail me if you get an opportunity!
Jennifer Smith
jljoiner@comcast.net

Update from George S. Milam - Director 1974-75 through 1977-78

We’ve all heard it said, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks”. Not so - - I’ve learned how to operate a computer, send E-mail, and lots of other neat stuff! I’m so glad to see that all the former band members are going to have a reunion. Midge and I are looking forward to visiting with old friends and the operative word here is “old”. Seriously, you’re only as old as you feel and we’re trying to stay young. 

Since we still live in Marshall County, we have the good fortune of being constantly reminded of those days that are now cherished as the formative years of the Marshall County High School Band. Very often, we see former students that are still in the area - some with their own families and even grandkids. The first year at MCHS (1974) seems like only last week, but when we stop and do the math, it’s over thirty years ago. Those who were a part of the band program after those formative years have faint memories, or no memories at all, of traveling to North Marshall for home football games because we had no football stadium or traveling to the three middle schools for basketball games because we had no gymnasium. During that time, the pep rallies were held on the west side of the school in the location that is now the upper lobby of the gymnasium and Commons area. Graduation was held on the football field at North Marshall. The band practice field was on the north side of the school, just beyond the bus-loading canopy. But the beat rolls on!!

Many things change but even more stay the same. Throughout these thirty something years, your MCHS Band has consistently been a positive ambassador for our school and community. The members have represented all of us in an admirable way and anyone who has been associated with the MCHS Band, at any time in its history, should be proud to declare that fact. Our band program has ALWAYS enjoyed the enthusiastic support of the school, administration and, especially, the community. There are many, many stories that can be related that will testify to that fact and I’m sure you will hear some of them during the reunion.

I would like to express my personal thanks to all the directors, staff members, students and parents that have done so much over these past years. As a result of your devoted efforts, the band program continues to enjoy the respect of educators, directors, community leaders and citizens throughout our area. 

The Marshall County High School Band has been a very important and unforgettable part of your lives, as it has ours, and we look forward to your celebration of it. We hope to see you there and many thanks to the organizers for the work that is being done to “pull this off”.

The Old Man – George Milam
gsmilam@bellsouth.net

Wendy Hall Darnell
Class of 1983 Oboe & Xylophone

Hello All !!! I'm really excited about the reunion. I even went as far as to have my Oboe recorked & padded. The trouble is finding time to practice. I married my high sweetheart in 1985 (Nick), and we have been married for over 20 years now. We have 2 girls.
Allie is 16 and is in the present MCHS Band....she plays French Horn. Erika is 11 and is in the 6th grade band at NMMS....she plays Trombone. (takes after her cousin Matt Hall I guess) It is so much fun being involved in the band program again as a parent. It makes me aware of how much our parents did for us.... please don't forget to invite them to the reunion....it was a big part of their lives as much as it was ours.
I am trying to contact the Class of 1983......I need help locating some people.....if you can help me to find them I would appreciate it: Karen Turner, Pam Baker Shelby, Kim Teckenbrock Mullican, John Binkley, Randall Green, Lauren Gunter, Lisa Humphrey, Lisa Lee, Troy Powell, Debbie Oakley, & Timmy Waddell. If you know how to contact any of these people ....send them to the website or contact me at ndarnell@vci.net. I appreciate everyones help.
P.S. Everyone be sending in the money for the reunion.

Wayne Jenkins (Class of ‘84 - Trumpet Line)

Hello everyone,
I am so glad to hear that everyone is doing well and how you have over achieved what you ever dreamed you could have done in life. Jeannie and I had talked about a band reunion over a year ago. But it never really had a chance to get off the ground. Then just a couple of months ago she called me and was very passionate about having one. If we could just get a small one put together with our closest friends, and maybe have a cookout and family day at Miller Park would have been an accomplishment. But to ever dream what has happened over the last two months is incredible. Jeannie, you have done the most amazing job of organizing this reunion. You are bringing 30 years of family together from all over the world. The love you have put into it is the reason it is so successful. Thank you.
John, the website is great. I know you have had to put alot of your personal time into it daily to keep it going. With it so many more will be reached and able to attend. Thank you for all you have done. I was also glad to hear you & Tracy were still together. You two were a very sweet couple in high school and I always thought very highly of both of you.
To every one else who is helping put this together, thank you for your time and your efforts. Everyone together has made this a time that we will always remember and another one of the great memories that we will cherish.
I fortunately still live here in Marshall County. Never moved to far away. Had the desire to, but when I did, it was never going to be as good as it was here. I met Johnna (my wife to be) in 1989. We married in January of 1990. We bought our first home outside of Paducah just over the river in Ledbetter. Our son Evan was born in 1995 and our daughter Brittney in 1999. He is 10 now and she is 6. They ask me quite often about the band trips that we went on. In 2000 we sold our home in Ledbetter & bought our dream home in good old Calvert City. Where we have been for almost 6 years now.
I am an ASE Master Certified Auto Body Repairman and a Hunter Certified Alignment Tech. Now I do suspension repairs & alignments on 18 wheeler tractor/trailers at Swansons alignment in Ledbetter. My wife Johnna is an Expanded Functions Dental Asst. at DMD Barry Whitakers in Draffensville.
I still get out my old trumpet from time to time to keep it in shape, but I have traded up to the guitars over the last 16 years.
I am the guitar & bass player on the praise & worship team at our church (Abundant Life Worship Center in Calvert City, just up the hill from the Calvert Drive-In). Every now and then when the drummer is not there I get to fill in his spot. My wife is the kids church leader and we are both in other leadership positions in the church.
I never let music get out of my system. I was the lead guitar player in the Christian Rock Band "Vision" for several years. We actually got a record distribution contract from Statue Records in L.A.. They are the largest distributors of music on the West coast and parts of the world. But unfortunately it never got big enough for us to get rich off of it. But small accomplishments like those are worth the time we put into them. Even if they are just for us.
I would probably never would have gotten to use the gifts that I have if it weren't for a couple of people who helped me develop them. Mr. Wayland & Mr. Pettigrew. Thank you. You gave me something that I use to bless others and to bless God with. Something that I have been able to give to others so they can do the same. That gift was the gift of music, and it has been and always will be a very big part of my life.
I can't wait to see all of you that I know and the ones that I am going to meet. God bless.

Wayne Jenkins
buzzy@vci.net
270-395-8261

Looking for...

from Dave Clem, class of ‘85

We are looking for Andrea Tate, flute, class of '85. If you know where she might be, contact me cdc007@ntelos.net

Mr. Pettigrew, we are looking forward to seeing you again. The influence you had in all our lives,in what ever sort of way, cant be taught in a classroom. You showed us that" ordinary people can do extraordinary things". Thank you, and glad that you are doing well in your endeavors.
AND ,since the statute of limitations has run out, WE really were dropping water balloons out of our hotel window in NYC, on the Macy's trip, but NO, thats not why I got a phone call from Mayor Ed Koch!!! Those were great times... til later,
D.C.

Update From Danny Davis

Hello Everyone. As most of you know, I am still involved with the Marshall County School System. After being involved with the band from 1985 until 2000, I must say that this program and the students and parents that passed through it have had a major impact on my life. I am so glad that you guys are doing this and I look forward to seeing each and every one of you at the event.

After receiving my Master of Music and then my Rank I in School Administration, I chose to move into the position that I am currently in now which is Director of Facilities and Safety for the Marshall County Board of Education. I have had the privilege (thanks to Joe Pettigrew) of coming to this wonderful school system right out of college and I have been here every since. I have had the opportunity of working with George Milam, Joe Pettigrew, and Steve Martin, and I get to stand back now and watch as Mr. Colvett and Mr. Payton work their magic with the youth of today. My life was suddenly saddened with the loss of a friend and mentor, Steve Martin, but I am still seeing the impact that he as well as these other great directors had on the youth of this community.

For those of you that had me as your director, Beverly (my wonderful wife and former booster secretary) is doing great and still working for MTG in Benton, Eden (my oldest daughter) is now 19 years old and is a Sophomore Liberal Arts Major at Murray State University, Jasmine (my youngest daughter) is now 18 years old and is a Freshman Vocal Music Major at Murray State University, Jared Whybark (my step-son and former trumpet player) is a platform engineer at TG Automotive in Hopkinsville and is married to the former Trisha Swift (kindergarten teacher at South Marshall Elementary) and they are expecting there first child in April, and Jana Whybark Crider (my step daughter and former clarinet player/field commander) is a Nail Tech in Benton and was just married January 13, 2006 to Brian Crider from Mayfield.

I thank you all for the wonderful memories and I look forward to seeing all of you in March.

Danny

Danny E. Davis
Director of Facilities/Safety

Looking for...

We are also looking for...
Lori Phillips

Anyone knows their where abouts please email me tonyajenglert@bellsouth.net
keep passing the word along.

Notes from our treasurer.. , Mrs. Wendy Hall Darnell "PLEASE be sure to get your registration submitted and your fees mailed in... got to pay the caterer or we will have a bunch of hunnnnnngry people"... deadline is March the 10th."... if you have not notice we are getting down to our "crunch" time. Please keep the words going see you all soon....

Clem... statues never run out for you...... yours just keep piling up..... expect the unexpected
Jeannie-1984

Debbie Morrison-Marsteller
deborahgail@bellsouth.net Trumpet / Class of 1987

Band is not an elective!...Remember at enrollment, they called it an elective course? Band is a lifestyle. We eat, sleep and breath it. A lot of blood sweat and tears went into those years. What I wouldn't give to get any one of them back! A lot of students chose band, but band "chose" me at a very pivotal time in my life. Jackie Wayland encouraged me to never give up. For that, I am eternally grateful. I have had the pleasure of being married to Scott Marsteller (MCHS class of 1987) since 1990. He works at Estron Chemicals in Calvert City. He played football, so we have always nurtured that band vs. sports debate. I work for BellSouth in Paducah. There is no place in the world that I wanted to raise my children other than Marshall County, so we live in the Moors Resort area of Gilbertsville. We have been blessed with three beautiful children, Evan (19), Ricky(15) and Rebekah(11). Evan ( trumpet ) graduated from MCHS last year and is attending college in Las Vegas, NV. He travelled with MCHS band to Washington D.C./ New York and then again to D.C. and Frankfort for the inaugurations. He has been out of the high school band for less than a year and already misses it as much as I do. I am always telling him..."when I was in band"...he is so sick of hearing about the accomplishments of our day.
P.S.-Mr. Pettigrew, many of the lessons that I have tried to instill in my children, are the very standards that you demanded of us... be accountable to one another, attitude is everything, pride, honor, gratitude, hard-work, self respect, teamwork, etc. Thank you for that influence!
From day one, I told him to cherish every moment, because it will always be a part of you. My son, Ricky, also plays the trumpet but now is a drummer at North Marshall Middle school. He will be a Marching Marshal next year. Rebekah has committed to being in the band next year at North, as a trumpet player. So, I'm three for three! God bless my parents...until you support a band child-as a fan, taxi, booster, financier, etc.-you don't fully appreciate what they did for us. Just the major trips, not to mention the competitions, tournament bands and instrument purchases. {I went to New York for the Macy's parade. My sister, Wendy Morrison-Luebker (flute), went to the Fiesta Bowl. My brother, Brian Morrison (drummer), went to the Bahamas. My brother, David Morrison (drummer), went to Hawaii.} They worked very hard so we could have these opportunities, I have not been to any other reunions, so this is very exciting. I'm looking forward to playing again!

Sean Peck Class of 82 - Trumpet

Ok, at the urging of Steve Toney I am sending in a post for us early year folks. I believe ours was the first class to go through with Pettigrew as the band director all 3 years. Also, I hate to contradict a statement on the current MC band site, but while this current year’s show appears to have been a really good one and their placement respectable at a BOA event, our band finished 13th, just missing finals at MBA nationals ­ the forerunner of BOA. After graduating from Western I married the lovely and talented Donna Pack from Bowling Green. Many of you in the mid 80s may remember her teaching camps with me. She certainly remembers more of the names than Steve and I do. We moved to Memphis and I ended up working indirectly but under Joe Pettigrew in student services. We both went to graduate school at Memphis State and moved to Northern Virginia (DC area) in 91 working as federal contractors all the time. Donna has recently started her own consulting company, Fern River, Inc. As for children we have two boys, Adrian 16 and Teague 10. Adrian like many of your children is involved in music in high school. His principal instrument is violin but he plays mellophone in marching band and horn in concert band and pit in drum corps. Yes I am still involved in drum corps. Donna and I are on the board of directors for Shenandoah Sound an all-age corps here in Virginia. Two years ago we got the whole family involved, so that’s how we spend our summers going to shows up and down the east coast. Teague may have been the youngest performer in DCA 2 years ago when he carried ride cymbal and played mallets in the show.
Visit our website for a look at DCA corps www.shenandoahsound.org

Donna and I both are members of the local Prince William Community band and she is a bassoon instructor and involved in several other performance groups. We live in Manassas, VA. And while I haven’t seen most of you in years, I do hear about many of you from my parents. Many of you may know my father Jim Peck who was assistant principal at the high school for a while.

Hope to see you all in March.

Sean
sean_peck@comcast.net

Hello everyone.
It is so exciting to see all of this coming together. When I got the first email from Jeannie, the reunion was only for the mid 80's. I wanted to come even though I didn't graduate until 1986. She has worked so hard to make sure everyone is included in this who wants to be. It is great to hear from old friends and see what everyone is doing now. I still live in Marshall County. Right after high school I attended Western Kentucky University for two years before moving back home and eventually (1996...ten years after high school!) graduating from MSU with a B.S. in elementary education. I taught for two years before the birth of my first child. She is now almost 5, and my son is 16 months. Like so many others have mentioned, I have never attended any class reunions. I am looking so forward to seeing band buddies who we looked up to, classmates, and younger band members too. This is so exciting. And yes Linda Record, I still have dreams about going on the field to perform and not know the music OR where to be on the field!

Vicki Nix Boatright, class of 1986

Looking for...

We are looking for help in finding band members from the classes of 1987, 1988, and 1989. There is no one on the committee from these years so we are just now getting to them. If you have contact information for anyone in these years or would be willing to attempt to FIND contact information for any of these years, please e-mail Vicki Nix Boatright at boatright@vci.net

Also, from the 1986 class I have no contact in formation for the following people:
Dale Balta
Chris Coe
Karen Johnson
Todd McGee
Paige Cent
Melanie Smith

If you know where any of these people are, please either let them know about the reunion or let me know how to contact them. THANKS!

Update from Michael F. Colvett
Current Director of Bands for Marshall County


WOW!!!! - What an exciting time this is for not only the past but also the present Marching Marshals. I feel very fortunate and honored to be the current Director of Bands for such a storied program. I am currently in my sixth year as the Director of Bands with my previous three years of experience being the Head Assistant Director at MCHS and Director at Benton Middle. Before that I was on staff with the Marching Marshals as the trumpet instructor. So as you can see, I have been with the Marshals in some capacity for nearly 14 years. As I am sure all of you will say - where has the time gone? I am so very excited to see the Alumni Association coming into existence and becoming a vital force in the continuation of the program. I believe we have one of the strongest programs in the state, an administration and board who support all that we do and the best boosters in the world. As I am sure all of you will agree - we could not have achieved our success without the help of our boosters.

A bit of info on me….I am 36 years old and am originally from Drummonds, Tennessee (just north of Memphis, Tennessee and only 30 minutes away from Germantown, Tennessee where Mr. Pettigrew presently lives). I attended college at the University of Tennessee at Martin (same as Danny Davis) and University of Illinois where I received my Masters in Performance (my primary instrument is trumpet). I have been married to my wonderful wife, Kathy Colvett (former Marching Marshal and French Horn section leader – class of 93), for 7 years and we are expecting the birth of our first child in August. Yes, that means I will have a new baby and will be busy with band camp at the same time – that’s going to be lots of fun. She is currently a 2nd grade teacher at Benton Elementary and is looking forward to seeing all her old friends and catching up with everyone at the reunion.

I was fortunate enough to have started my teaching career under the tutelage of Danny Davis. For 3 years Danny guided me and allowed me to grow into the director I am today. I can not say thank you enough for all that he has done, and is still doing, for not only me but also the program.

I have also been very fortunate to have spent a great deal of time with George and Midge Milam. They are two incredible people and I now understand why the program has such strong roots. They are still helping the program even today as tabulators for Starfest and supporters of the arts in Marshall County. Thank you George and Midge for all that you have done for me personally as well as the program.

I believe we are presently experiencing a revitalization of the music programs in Marshall County. We presently have over 120 kids involved in one or more of the 10 different ensembles or groups who currently perform or compete during the school year at the high school. With a large 8th grade class coming up from the middle schools we could once again see the Marching Marshals move into the 150 to 180 student range (the group has not been this size in over 20 years). The students and directors are very excited about the upcoming concerts and Gala Event - its going to be a memorable weekend for all. To all those who are planning on participating in the reunion band…..Please, no wrong notes. All of you should have been practicing your instruments for the last 20 to 30 years - I am certain that is what Mr. Milam, Mr. Pettigrew, Mr. Davis and I taught you (just kidding – make sure you bring a good attitude and cotton for your ears (just in case).

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE – register online and get your fee in. This will help the Alumni Association immensely in regards to getting the video made and scheduling the caterer.

I look forward to meeting all of you – see you March 24th and 25th.

mcolvett@marshall.k12.ky.us

band website http://www.marshall.k12.ky.us/mchs/TeacherWebs/band/
 

Bryan Darnall Class of '81 Percussion

Hi Everyone!

Wow, what a hoot! Three decades of band folks together for 2 big days. It has been a dream of mine for years to have a reunion like this and it is great for it all to be coming together. I can't wait to see everyone.

Things are going great for me and my family. I married my middle school sweetheart, Gina Poe, in 1983. Gina and I built a log house that same year in the Moors community of Marshall County and have lived here ever since. Thanks to Moose, we have stairs to get upstairs and down again. I have continued in our family's business (Darnall's Auto Glass & Interiors in Benton) that my dad started in 1956 and I have worked there 25 years this year.

We have one son, Gatlin, who has joined the army and is currently in basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He absolutely loves the military life. He graduated from a military prep school at Fort Knox and from there wanted to be a part of Army.

I agree that band played an important role in my life. Gina and I look back often on all the trips and great times we had. Dr. Pettigrew, Mr. Wayland, Mr. Robertson, and all the boosters were so great. I can't begin to say how much "Mr. P" meant to me. I Iearned so much from him. He was like a father to me. I will never forget one night on the '83 Rose Bowl trip. I had hall patrol at the motel from 10:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. I was rooming with Mr. Pettigrew. When I came in the room at 1:00 a.m. Mr. Pettigrew and Mr. Wayland were still up waiting for me! I walked in and Mr Pettigrew said, "Welcome home, son," then he turned of the lights and went to sleep. I slept well that night.
PLEASE...Boosters and Parents please attend this reunion. You were as much of our band as any member there.

I was one of the luckiest ones of all. Because of Gina being younger than me, I got to hang around an extra couple of years. Once again let me encourage everyone to come. It will be a great weekend together.

Bryan
E-mail us at: B&Gs

A band reunion, what a wonderful idea!! Like so many of you have already mentioned, most of my high school memories are centered around band. I can hardly believe it has been so long ago that I was in Florida at the Orange Bowl and at Disney World, much less all the football games and competitions. I was at band camp when we found out that Elvis had died! Boy, does that ever date me. Anyway, I cannot wait until this reunion. I hope everyone from the '78-'80 timeframe has an opportunity to attend. I would love to see you all.

Just to catch you old folks up. After high school, I attended Murray State University where I was a member of their marching band for four years, as well as the orchestra for one year and Campus Lights for two years. Band camps have a whole different meaning in college. Great fun, though! I received a degree in Criminal Justice and went on to become a Kentucky State Trooper for a little more than 3 years. After that, I went to Ohio and worked for Lockheed-Martin as a Security analyst. I married in '90, had a son(Tyler) in '91, another son (Peyton) in '96, moved back to Ky in '97, and experienced a divorce in '00. I currently work for USEC, Inc., in West Paducah as a Security Police Officer where I am part of a Tactical Response Team. Sounds more glamorous than it really is, but it pays the bills. I have come full circle and live once again in Marshall County. I wouldn't have it any other way. Unlike a lot of you, I don't have the experience of having my children involved in music. My boys only think about sports, mainly football. So, next year I will still get to see a lot of band performances, because Tyler will be on the football team. I'll be the one rooting for the team during the game and screaming for the band at half-time.

LaDonna Johnson Coriell Class of 1980 (French Horn/Mellophone)
Please feel free to contact me at: bntncoriell@aol.com all you "old-timers".

Steve Toney 1979-1982 - Trumpet

Since Sean dragged my name into this, I guess I will post one, too. The reunion sounds great. I still get panic attacks every time I hear the solo part in "Big Noise from Winnetka" - you would think that years of therapy would have gotten me over that by now. Maybe we can get Sean Peck and Brad Hall to reprise their "Pictures at an Exhibition" duet. Wouldn't that be cool.

Okay, for those who have wondered what has happened to me, I graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1986 and 1989 with a BS and MS in Computer Science, specializing in Artificial Intelligence. I am married, live in Atlanta, and have two cats (they look like me). I work for a small software company in Atlanta that provides AI solutions to a large part of the Defense industry.

Some of you may remember how we used to worship Spirit of Atlanta. My only goal in life was to march with Spirit one day and my greatest hero growing up was their corps director, Freddy Martin - even though I had never met him or knew what he looked like. Starting in high school, every time I called Sean I would always say it was Freddy Martin from Spirit of Atlanta (his response was always, "Yea right, like he would ever call me"). Unfortunately, I never got to march with Spirit. Well, I took a job in Atlanta and moved to Marietta in 1993. My wife, Joyce, answered a newspaper ad and took a job as a part-time church secretary. The church also had an orchestra and I began playing with them. On my first Sunday morning there, the music minister introduced me to one of their French horn players - Freddy Martin. Talk about being floored. (I didn't mention the part about impersonating him for 15 years or he would have added me to his "stalker" list.) Since then, the Martins have become our second family. We even cat-sit for them when they are out of town. Talk about life turning to the surreal. (I still feel like a stalker, though.)

On the music side, I have never stopped playing the trumpet. After high school, I played in the UK marching band and basketball pep band for 4 years (the first year was with Brad Hall). During grad school and after graduating, I played in church orchestras and did a small stint with a senior drum and bugle corps. After moving to Georgia, I continued playing in church orchestras and regularly performed Christmas concerts with members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. I also bugle for a Civil War reenactment group. (Yes, after all of these years, I still find myself out on the field, in uniform, playing a horn - you would think that I would have learned something by now.) I have also been in half a dozen Civil War documentaries and have had playing and very small speaking parts in several major motion pictures. I filmed my first "screen credit" movie last summer in Pennsylvania, which will be out in theaters later this year (shameless plug) - complete with a swanky, red carpet premier and everything. I've also signed on to film the opening scene of another movie in March (everyone needs to do at least one zombie movie). This has been another surreal experience. But hey, you know what they say, "Have horn, will travel."

Oh, some of you probably also know my younger sister, Janice Toney Schofield, who was a clarinet player in the band and my parents, Lewis and Nadine Toney, who were band boosters.

Hope to see everyone at the reunion. Maybe we'll get to play "Enchano" again - or the "Bunny Hop" - or anything except "Big Noise from Winnetka."

Steve
sjtoney1@aol.com

P.S. Not to be outdone by Brad and his trophies, here is one of my more recent "band uniform" photos that I thought you might find amusing. This is from the movie set of "Gods and Generals" and was taken by one of the production crew one morning right after I had just finished with wardrobe and makeup (makeup that day consisted of dirt - and I thought Hollywood was supposed to be glamorous). Although you can't really see it, I'm holding an 1839 model French bugle. By the way, right after that photo I did a scene with Jeremy London ("Party of Five").
 

David Roberts - class of 1985 - Baritone
jdavidroberts@yahoo.com

We won't be able to make it to the reunion (too many kids activities), but I just wanted to say hello to everyone. Band was great fun; thinking back on it now you realize what a great experience it was. Even though I have done a lousy job of staying in touch with everybody, I really have fond memories of you guys. I think spending tons of hours on the bus together accelerates the bonding process :-).

I married my wife Sara in 1990. We have lived in the Atlanta suburbs since then; we live in Duluth now. We have four kids: Emily (12), Ben (9), Rachel (5), and Hannah (2). I work as a developer for a small software company, BlueCube Software.

Is there anybody else out there from the best section in the band ;-) - the baritones and tubas?

Have fun at the reunion!

From: Anne Martin Smith, Field Commander 1978-1981
mattbsmith@fuse.net

Since I haven't seen much from the 1981 class, I'm putting in my two cents. There are days when it all seems so long ago, but looking at the pictures on the web site, everything comes flooding back. Reading the Lake News article (yes, I still subscribe, despite living 300 miles away) about this year's band just barely missing the national finals reminds me of the 1980 nationals, and our own band missing it by hundredths of a point. And Joe Pettigrew making me dress out, while everyone else got to wear their jeans, during the finals "just in case we won an award". I still wonder if he knew I would take a trophy that night, and I wonder if anyone else knew he gave me the original trophy and had a copy made for the school. Somewhere in that huge, crammed trophy case at the high school is one with my name on it, and that will always be (aside from my sons) the thing of which I am most proud.

For those of us who remember these events that occurred more than half our lives ago, I salute you! You have always been the best friends I ever had, even if we haven't talked in years. We knew each other when we were young, thin and had lots of hair, and before we took on the responsibilities of families and jobs. My husband doesn't always understand just what MCHS band meant to me, but my sisters do. Surely you all remember Barbara and Mary Beth Martin? The three of us were devoted to the band, and it probably kept us out of a lot of trouble.

From the moment I heard about the reunion, I've been planning the trip. I will certainly be there, and can't wait to see you all.

Debbie Clem Class of '88

WOW!! This is going to be the best thing ever! So much better than any class reunion. As we all know, this is/has been our family! I wanted to say hello to all my classmates and friends from previous years. Has anyone let Jamie White know about this, she is now married to Tim Waddell, yes, she got married!! Also, I am challenging the class of 88 to sign up! I want to see you ALL there and also to challenge the band students who were in band from 85-88.... Let's see if we can have the most from our years there!! ~~smiles~~

I do want to make mention of another terrific band director, Mr. Steve Martin. He has since left us and is truely missed. I had Mr. Pettigrew for his last year and then Mr. Martin for his first 2 years and WOW... what a great director. I hope someone has notified his son, Robert, of our reunion. He is a band director as well in Tenn. (Mr. Colvett, maybe you could give him a shout?!?!?)

As for me, I am married (17 years now) and have 2 children. Heather, 16, is a colorguard member and has been since 8th grade (yes, Mr. C. allows middle school participation in high school band, aint it great!!) She was a trumpet player but was more dedicated to the flag and saber so she dumped the trumpet (which is a good thing... you would not want to hear her play! LOL!) I can't believe I am a band parent.... WOW, we never realized the HARD WORK they put into allowing us a great band experience!! My son, Dillon, is 9 and in the 2nd grade at Sharpe. Not sure if he is headed to a band career or not.

I am back in college finishing my degree in Elementary Education and I am a substitute teacher in the MC schools. I love it! I see Gavin quite a bit!! Can you all believe he is a principal! He says it's temporary til he gets a drumming gig... Whatever!!! LOL!! I am glad my brother Dave Clem is coming to the reunion... won't he be surprised at how the place has grown...

For those of you looking for Chris Coe... christophercoe@bellsouth.net
I have recently found him and have been chatting with him via email... I believe he still talks with Ashton Haus and Kenneth Allgood..... Wow, I hope that old gang all come.

Anyone seen or heard from Greg Howe, Tom Morris, Tony Nolcox, Jason Roberts, Kevin Phelps.... okay you guys, where are you hiding???? Rhonda Thompson, you will be missed but I know you are having a blast in Hawaii... I am so jealous... BUT, I am coming to see you sometime!!! That is a promise!!!

Can't wait to see you all!!! ( I am trying to scan in my old photos... be watching!) Oh, by the way, I think my mom, "MA CLEM", as she is known by my band friends, will be coming to the reunion....

Blessings to you all,
Debbie Clem Proctor
proctor4@yahoo.com

Brent Evans - Class of 1992 - Drumline.

As part of the first Freshman class to be at the high school I hope that I encourage all of my group to come out and support this reunion. The class of 1992 went through many things, the First Freshman Band - Danny Davis as our director, Going on the cruise to the Bahamas and playing there, the Memphis Trip (Thank you very much), playing in Frankfurt for the Inaug., and oh yeah that little thing called the Tournament of Roses Parade. We also had to endure the passing of our band director Steve Martin just a week after our high school graduation. He played such an important role in our high school years and then for each of us to have to deal with this loss when we were still so young. the '93 class fortunately was a bunch of fighters and Danny did a fabulous job of holding everyone together and continuing the great tradition of the band program at MCHS.

I went to Freed-Hardeman University where I graduated in 1996. I then moved to Memphis and lived there for 5 yrs. I married Stephanie in Dec 2000, she is from Martin, TN. We then moved to St. Louis and were there for 3 1/2 years. While there we had Laney who is now 2 yrs. We moved back to Marshall County last year and I now manage Heritage Bank in Calvert City. I am helping with this new alumni association so it is not just the group from the 80's. Let's all get involved and build this program that has changed all of our lives.



Brent G. Evans
mythunter4@yahoo.com

What a great idea!!! I am so excited to see all of the people that meant so much to me in my years in the band at MCHS!

After high school, I went on to study music. I attended the University of Tennessee at Martin (with Mr. Colvett...current MCHS Director of Bands) for one year and then transferred to Murray State University (with Mr. Payton and Mr. Mathis...also on the staff at MCHS). I graduated from Murray with a degree in trombone performance in 1997. After Murray, I attended the University of Minnesota and received my Masters Degree in trombone performance in 1999. The next year I was the assistant band director at Caldwell County High School. While I loved working with the students, I really missed the performance aspect of music. After one year of teaching I enrolled in the Doctoral program at Indiana University. I have complete the coursework for my degree and hopefully after some exams and a dissertation...I will be Dr. Whitaker is a year or so. I am currently Professor of Trombone at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, AR. I live here with my wife Amy (Fuller) and our black lab Max.

Having continued on my current career path, there is not a day that goes by that I don’t draw from the world class teaching that I received in the Marshall County School District. My years spent with Mr. Wayland at North, Danny Davis in the 1st Freshman Band at the high school and Mr. Martin at the high school continue to influence my musical life. I often think of the excellent training I received from each of these three fine teachers! I am still saddened by the loss of Mr. Martin. I wish nothing more for him to be able to attend a concert of mine and get yet another pointer on how I could improve. He was such a great mentor and friend to all of us.

If any of the Class of 1992 is out there...PLEASE get in touch! I would love to hear how you are doing.

Looking forward to seeing everyone!

Jon Whitaker

whitakj@hsu.edu

Dave Clem ‘85

Ok sis, I thought I was the long winded one,between us! Just get me a hotel room where ever " Ma Clem " ISNT staying..LOL!! And Danny Davis,, where's your hair??? Nice "goat" though.....

Ozzy, i.e. Dave Clem
 

Robert Martin, Trumpet, Class of 1989

This is so cool.

I can't begin to imagine how many students over the past 30+ years have been impacted in such a huge way by a class they took in high school for three or four years. Of course we all know being in the band program at Marshall County High School was much more than just being signed up for a class. As many of you have written, it was and still is a huge part of students' high school experience. Most of my memories of high school revolve around my time in band.

The Steve Martin that you have read about in several of the previous posts was my father. He was director from 1986 until his death at the age of 40 in 1992. I know he would be proud to know that the high expectations and traditions of excellence he found when we arrived at MCHS, and tried to build upon, have continued up through the present directors and current generation of Marching Marshals. I have seen these current students perform over the past couple of years. They are awesome.

Even though I should have known better, after graduation in 1989, I went to the University of Tennessee at Martin to major in music education. While there, I ran into this other trumpet player named Mike ?Corvette?, or ?Culvert?, or something like that (I hear he's a band director somewhere in western Kentucky now). While in college, I married Jenny Alsobrook (MCHS Clarinet, Class of 1989). After college, we moved to Mesa, Arizona where I was Head Band Director at Mesquite Junior High and Assistant Director at Gilbert High School both in Gilbert, AZ. While in Arizona we had 2 children (actually Jenny had the 2 kids, I just kind of stood there wishing I were somewhere else). We moved back east in 1998. For the past 7 or 8 years, I have been the Director of Bands at Waverly Central High School in Waverly, TN.

That's my life story. Now, I want to read some more about some folks from 1986 - 1989.


Robert Martin
rjan@usit.net

Mary (Egner) Glass Class of '82 - Percussion

Hey, guys! After surfing this site, I am waxing nostalgic here. I can't believe the posts and the memories that came flooding back with them. I have yet to attend a high school reunion but am looking forward to the band reuinion with great zeal! I don't know how many remember me but my band years ('80-'82) were some of the best years of my life. And, thanks to the legendary Mr. P. along with Mr. Robertson and Mr. Wayland, helped prepare me for another phase of my life, the US Air Force. I can't wait to see everyone. Some I haven't seen in years...others I see frequently (hi, Brian and Gina).

After I graduated, I went to Murray for a couple of years, majoring in nursing. I decided that I didn't like nursing and joined the Air Force where, you guessed it, they assigned me to be a medic. Despite thinking I would hate my job, the 6 years I spent in the Air Force were also some of the best years of my life. Even though I've been out now far longer than I was in, I still miss it. Anyway, I was stationed at Scott AFB next to St. Louis, MO. I met and married while there and then we were transferred to England. I had my first (and only!) son while stationed there. Jacob is now 15 and I'm no longer married. I made the decision to get out of the military and bring my son home to raise. Yes, that's right, I'm right back here in Marshall County, living pretty much right where I grew up.

After I moved back home, I worked in Quality Assurance for a steel mill, an automotive supplier, and a small motor supplier. Deciding that I wanted out of manufacturing and all the stress that goes with it, I accepted the General Manager position at Five Star in Benton. I have never regretted my decision to come back home. I do miss city life and all that goes with it, however, even after living all over the world, I believe Marshall County is still the best place to raise my son. Unfortunately, he is not involved at all in music. He attends Christian Fellowship School. I do believe he is missing out on the opportunity to form such wonderful friendships not to mention the awesome, lasting memories. However, if he did attend MCHS, all he would want to do is play football. Band is nowhere on his list. I blame that on his father. LOL! Somewhere along the way, I received my BS in management and am now currently working on my MBA. My ultimate goal is to receive my doctorate and eventually teach.

I was in the drum and bugle corp in the Air Force, along with my brother Lewis (we went active duty on the same day and was in the same flight in basic training). Some of you may remember "Chubby Lew". He's not chubby any longer and has dropped that moniker altogether. He is currently a police officer for the city of Cinicinnati, OH. I know it's hard to believe...Chubby Lew is a cop! Other than the D&B, I haven't been in anything organized, just an old fashioned drum set to play around on at home. My son was recently given an electronic drum set. Now... I wonder who's room it is in? That's right, I have my hooks in it. LOL! It's fun to play but is nothing like our grueling and extraordinarily fun band camps. What am I saying...the D&B wasn't as grueling as Mr. P's two weeks of "camp". I look back on those days and can still feel the emotions I felt when on the field right before and right after a performance. I wouldn't give anything for my time in band.

I can't wait to see everyone.

If you want to contact me, my e-mail is glaspane@bellsouth.net

Mary (Egner) Glass
Class of '82 - Drum Line
 

The Marshals are presently missing numerous years of scrapbooks for the Marching Marshals - you know the scrapbooks with the history of the year's performances and accomplishments. To be specific - we are looking for any scrap books from 1977-1988 If you presently have any past scrapbooks or know of their location please, please contact:

Mr. Colvett ( mcolvett@marshall.k12.ky.us ) at you earliest convenience.
 

Lisa Marler Robertson

I am really excited about the reunion... Jeanie and John - you have done a wonderful job putting everything together...THANK YOU!!!

I was in colorguard 82-84... loved everything about it. Its funny how when "older folks" told us those would be the best days of our lives and for some reason we didn’t believe them... but they really were!! "No worries"...

Yes, I still have nightmares about band camp, forgetting routines and busting my bottom on the astro turf!!

Got married to the love of my life in 86, Mike Robertson from Murray. We moved to Nashville - lived there 12 years, then moved to Raleigh NC for 7 years and decided we had had enough and came back home... just down the road from my mom and dad... honestly - we have never been happier!! We have three wonderful children, Brady (6th grade at South), Emily (1st grade at South) and Levi (4 - who thinks he is Tony Hawk). Brady plays the trumbone at South, but only because it was the "ONLY" instrument left not bigger than he was... he is hoping to change to something more his size next year.

I am currently working at PTL-Midway.

I am looking forward to the reunion next month and hoping my parents, Bill & Betty will be coming with me!! See you all there...

Lisa Marler Robertson, 84 colorguard
robertson6599@bellsouth.net
 

Ken Simons, Class of 81, Alto Sax

Hello everyone, it is great to see this happening, however, due to prior commitments, I won't be able to attend.

This event has brought back many fond memories. Good old "Fours & Fours" in the heat of summer. The dumpster dumping of the sophomores. The many football games freezing our butts off. The fun trips to our competitions. (How many of you remember Mr. Wayland and Mr. P making us clean up the borrowed practice fields; "leave it better than you found it" ?) The then "risque" shows we did. Anyone remember listening to the judges tapes and hearing "oh my, I see stars" ? Ask our color guard members about them. Going to Florida, and yes I remember Anne Martin having to dress for the awards. She was excellent, and made all of us proud. We got to march on Main Street at Disney. The trips to the basketball championships that we won.

I think back on all of these experiences and think that we all were very fortunate to have those doors opened to us. We got to see the world, have fun, build character and have wonderful memories, well, not counting "fours and fours".

After high school, I went to Murray State, then transferred to U of L. I graduated from the Registered Respiratory Therapist school there and moved to Texas. I first went to work for the state at their teaching hospital. Then I transferred to Houston to work at Texas Children's Hospital in their neonatal unit. I was promoted to assistant education coordinator for the hospital and also was a Regional Instructor Trainer for the American Heart Association. I am now retired after an injury at work one day. Now I am restoring a historic home, sell antiques, and travel across the South doing shows.

anteeken@sbcglobal.net
or
anteeken@aol.com
 

Jeff Jones, trombone, Class of 86’

Wow,
Reading these posts is truly a trip down memory lane. It has been almost 20 years since I was a Marching Marshall, but reading these posts, and checking out the pics makes it seem like just yesterday. As many of you have said, music and band have a tremendous influence on your life. The lessons and values I learned from Mr. P in high school, Mr. Milam at South, fellow students and boosters. (Ma and Pa Bell I now know how tough being a booster is!) are still with me today. Work hard, have respect for others as well as yourself, we could go on and on. We didn’t just learn how to march a show (although we could blow the stands back!) we learned a LOT more.

I am currently working at a chemical plant in Wickliffe as an operator doing control system and instrument support. My wife Amy is a kindergarten teacher in Ballard County. We have 3 girls, the oldest of whom is a senior at Ballard Memorial, and 4 year member of the band program. Ballard’s band is much smaller than the Marshals, but being boosters has kept us hopping every year. It is amazing how much stuff you have to build and tote onto the field now days.

I look forward to seeing the “gang” as well as a whole LOT of others. If you know one thing about the Marching Marshals we do nothing small.

Jeff Jones
jeffjcet@yahoo.com
 

A Note From DUCK.... Tim Gray - Low Brass 1986

Hello Everyone! Just thought I would drop a line also!

Talked to Jeff Jones the other day, and he told me about this web site... this is AWESOME! I can't wait to see everyone again!

It's been 20 long years since we have all been under one roof... imagine how we have all changed... or not. Can't wait to catch up!

Looking forward to seeing all my old friends. Here's a brief note on what I've been up to since High School.

Joined the Marines after school. I was enlisted for nearly 10 years, then decided to get out in 1995. My wife and I (Cary) moved back here to KY., and lived in Benton and Mayfield for about 3 years, then left for the West.

Now with a daughter, Abby, age two, we decided to move back home. We currently live in Gilbertsville.
Our address is:

495 Fort Leisure Trail, Gilbertsville KY 42044 (in case you want to write or drop by for a visit!)
Our phone is 270-362-2416
Our e-mail address is timandcary@mac.com

Looking forward to the event!

DUCK
 

Marching Marshals
Hello,

My name is Jeremy Rose. I just found your link off of the MCHS website. I just wanted you to know that I appreciate so much your including Joey Dunigan’s picture with the word ”Hero” underneath it in the picture gallery. Joey was my first cousin. I am so proud of that fact and cannot completely express in words how much the word ”hero” means to me anymore. There are so many people today that claim that heroes are sports stars and such. I am a huge sports person-it is basically my life-but there is no one that matches up to be a hero like a person that loses their life to save someone else’s-like ours. Thanks again so much for what you have done for Joey and his memory,

Sincerely,

Jeremy Rose
---------------------------------
Note from Webmaster: Jeremy didn’t send this to be posted here but after I asked him he agreed to let us share his thoughtful words with you. His reply is below.
---------------------------------
I have no problem with you sharing the email. I have found that one way that Joey’s memory can always be alive is by talking about him. I have a bracelet that I wear that has his name on it and people are constantly asking me what it says. I can then tell them all about Joey Dunigan. ...I know with you and Jeannie’s work-his memory will live on-

Sincerely,

Jeremy Rose
 

Hello classes 91-95,

Amanda Tynes here, class of 93. Flute and color guard

I was lucky enough to have had Mr. Davis and Mr. Milam as band directors in middle school at Benton and Mr. Martin and Mr. Davis in high school. I think of all of them with fond memories. I often tell people about the influence Mr. Martin in particular has had on my life. We were so saddened by losing him but the memory of his dedication to his students and to the arts in schools lives on in the lives he touched. He was tough on us at times but those of us who learned to see past that will never forget the love that we felt for him.

I travel so often I am ecstatic that I will be in the country for the reunion. I will have to bring my job with me but she is the cutest little job you have ever seen and I love showing her off. I look forward to seeing you all and if anyone is ever in NY look me up. I am easy to find.

amandatynes@hotmail.com
 

Lewis Egner, Trombone, Class of 1981

I am looking so forward to this band reunion coming up at the end of March. Kudos to Jeannie for having the drive and enthusiasm to put this together. I can't wait to see friends, most of whom I haven't seen in 25 years.

I have lived in Cincinnati for 12 years now, moving here after I served in the Air Force for 8 years. I have been a Cincinnati Police Officer for 10 years, and can't think of anything else I'd rather be doing.

I have two children, Jerod who is 18, and Kayla who is 13. Unfortunately, neither one of them has opted to take up band in school. Jerod is into skateboarding and snowboarding, and Kayla has delved into the insidious world of "Cheerleading"!

I'm looking so forward to seeing old bandmates, but don't look for me to be tooting the ole horn in the alumni band. Haven't picked up an instrument in over 20 years, and honestly don't even remember how to read sheet music.

Can't wait to see everybody!

Lew
 

A great idea!

Greg Aplin
1976
Clarinet

Hey, Cheryl, here's another old person! This is a great idea, and if possible I'll be there. It's also been fun seeing the responses from those who weren't in band with me at MCHS, but were later MSU band members, and the ole Marching Marshall thing still was a connection. LaDonna knows what I'm talking about!

I'm in Memphis, where I am the Art Director (graphic design on a computer; who knew in 1976?) for a healthcare quality improvement company. My oldest son is in the Army in Iraq, my youngest is a student of University of Memphis, and I have a step-daughter in the Navy aboard the carrier Stennis in Bremerton, Washington. Life is good.

I hope to see all the oldsters, and if unable to attend, I send my best wishes to all.

Greg Aplin
 

Marshall Co Band Reunion

Hi, Everyone.
Rex Camp, Trombone, Class of 1975 ( the First Year)

I was very pleased my brother, Jeff Jones Class of 1985, sent me the invitation. I am sorry to say I will not be able to attend thoe. I know everyone will have a great time.

I am doing well. I entered the US Air Force right after Graduating. I was stationed in Charleston, Sc. Twice in The United Kingdom (7 years) and twice in Florida where I retired after 20 years service. I am currently working in the petroleum industry in Pensacola Fl. for TransMontaigne Inc.

I have three (3) children a girl and two boys, and soon to be 2 grandchildren and boy and a girl.

I have met Mr Milam a couple of times while on vacation in Kentucky seeing my mother Elizabeth Jones and my brother Jeff who both still live in the area. I have many fond memories of band and all the good friends I met through quadstate compitions and marching at the many earily parades and football/basketball games.

I hope everyone the best at what I know will be a Great Reunion of Marshall Counties Best.

Best wishes to all.

Rex Camp
8539 misty Ridge Lane
Navarre, Fl. 32566
e-mail: monrunner1@bellsouth.net
 

Wendy Morrison Luebker-Class of 88 (flute)

WOW!!! A band reunion. This will be better than a class reunion anyday. (Not that I know, I've never been to one.) The idea of a class reunion just never interested me.... now, a band reunion ... that's more like it.
Band was AWESOME!!! The competitions, ballgames, parades, and yes , even the smothering heat of band camp was fun. Fours and fours, and the box.....not so great, but hey, you take the good with the bad.
We had some of the best band directors EVER!!! Mr. Wayland, whom I dearly miss, was one of the best. Just think, this is where we got our start as band students.(if you went to North) Then we moved up to Mr. Pettigrew. WOW! This man knew what he was doing. He taught us that if you wanted to be the best you had to do your best and give it your all. We wondered when he left, who could possibly come in and fill his shoes.
That is when "THE MAN" came to Marshall County. Mr. Steve Martin was one patient man and one heck of a band director. (Robert, you should be proud) He was not only our teacher... he was our friend. I can honestly say that he was a major part of my high school years and I miss him dearly.
I still live in Marshall County and have been married now for 16 years to Edward Luebker, and we have two boys, Jesse (12) and Jake(4).
Unlike my sister, Deb, I am not getting to experience the fun of being a band parent....YET! Jesse plays basketball, football and traveling baseball, but Jake is more into music (or should I say ...entertaining) so... here's hoping. I was a stay at home mom until last year when I finally decided that it was time to get back into the working world. I am employed by the Marshall County Board of Ed. as a substitute Instructional Assistant. (teacher's aide, the other title just sounds more formal. LOL!!!) at Central Elementary. This job allows me to be at work while the kids are at school and be at home when they are home. It also allows me to be available for the extra cirricular activities since I am the taxi driver also.
I have so many memories of band .There are so many people that I am anxious to see that I couldn't name them all if I tried. (However, Chad Cavitt, Todd MIller, Gary Darnall.... Good Night Sweetheart... You better get to practicing!!) It will be so good to see so many of you and find out what you are doing these days. If you can't be there, at least leave a message on this sight and let everyone know where you are and what is happening in your life. You can find out some interesting things on this sight. For instance.... Who knew that I only lived about 5 miles down the road from Duck! Or that Chris Reason is a grandpa.Things that make you go HMMMMM!!!!
And this question is for Wayne Fisher.... Where is Danny?

I look forward to LISTENING to the alumni band and seeing the clips from the shows.

Until then....
Wendy Luebker
luebker@vci.net
 

Band Reunion

What a brilliant idea!!!! A monster band reunion--FANTASTIC!! Congratulations to the Alumni Commitee for all of the hard work and dedication on seeing this idea through to completion.

Just a few quick notes about me. I retired from the Marshall Co. Schools as of 2 years ago after nearly 30 years in music. Now I do some substitute teaching, a little eBay selling, and kind of wander around the house looking for things to fix. My wife Debbie managed the Benton Pizza Hut for 10 years and now works for Rescare Inc. in Murray. My two sons are both working(thank goodness for that). Bill is 29 and received a degree from MSU in Animal Science, and is currently driving a semi for Usher Chemical Co. in Paducah. Logan is 22, engaged, and works for ADT Security Systems. Bill was in band at MCHS and plans on attending the reunion if at all possible. Logan was in band until high school but played football then instead of band. But he did play on the MCHS football team that beat Mayfield for the first time ever!! So I can't complain too much. I think this paragraph is long enough, so I better start a new one.

When I think back on the years that I was associated with the MCHS band, I remember so many wonderful and positive things that you as band members did for each other, the band, your directors, and Marshall County as a whole. You were truly a family. A rather large family, but a family none the less. The pride in your band that you displayed week after week through all of your hard work and dedication never ceased to amaze me.

Since I still live in Marshall County, I still see some of you from time to time, which I always enjoy tremendously. I have enjoyed seeing you grow into adults and have families of your own. I have also had the pleasure of seeing some of you go on to become teachers and even teaching in the same schools with you. Talk about making a guy feel OLD!! And I won't even talk about seeing a student come into my music class for the first time and then realize that he or she was one of your children! But it was fun to see their faces when they found out that I taught their parents when they were young. Some of the looks were priceless. Well I guess I did talk about it. And to those of you that fall into this category--thank you for having some wonderful children! The apple doesn't fall far from the tree as the old saying goes. There's that "old" word again.

To those of you that were in band when I was an assistant director, I want to personally thank you for giving me some of the greatest and most enjoyable memories that anyone could ever hope to have. You will always be a part of my life and I will be forever grateful to you. So get ready: You Will Get A Bear Hug!!

Looking forward to seeing everyone in March and please feel free to email me. I would love to hear from you.

Kevin Robertson
krob@wk.net
 

A note From Jeannie

Please remember if you are planning on attending the reunion we need you to click the registraion/RSVP here. Posting an E-note is wonderful and we love hearing from you but, that does not register you. Deadline for Fees is March the 15th. I want to make sure everyone has enough to eat and Drink. So far we have had an overwhelming response and we thank each and everyone of you! Keep spreading the word!

From: Jill Hart Parker Class of 1980 Clarinet and Color Guard

Hello! Yes, I'm another old timer...but that's okay! I can't wait to see who comes to the reunion! It sounds like it will be such a hoot. Mr. Pettigrew, you had better get ready for some hugs! Band was such an important time in my life, and you were such an inspiration. What fun times we all had together.

I am still living in Gilbertsville. Actually, I still live in the same house I did growing up. I married Robert Parker (an old Brewer's boy!) and we have two girls. Shelby is 14 and in the band at North Marshall with hopes of being in the color guard next year at MCHS. Bailey is 6 and in kindergarten at Central Elementary. She is all about softball! We have two Quick Lubes. One in Benton and one in Cadiz. We also do custom picture framing. So, I keep pretty busy. Again, I'm looking so forward to the reunion. There are so many old friends that I hope to see. Drop me an line at: rjparker@mchsi.com
 

From: Christopher Reason - Drumline class of ‘86 - 3649.28@ChristopherReason.com

I found Dale Balta

For those of you looking for him, I found Dale Balta. I do not want to post his email address here out of respect. But I encouraged him to get a post on here very soon.

Take care all, see you in March!

Letter From: Glen Autrey - 1982 Drumline
RE: Band Reunion

This was the most bizarre, yet surprising and touching letter I have ever received. Thank you so much for thinking of me and seeking out my whereabouts for this reunion. It really made my day as it sent my memory rushing back to the better days with the band. Those were truly the best days of my life, and I miss the family spirit we had as a band and the true friendships that will never be forgotten.
To catch you up on me, I have a 15 year old daughter her name is Phadra. I have been writing original music for over 20 years. I now play guitar bass, keys and of course occasionally still hit the drums. I write mostly country/country gospel music. I now have Jesus truly in my life and I am so thankful for him and all he has done and will do to better my life, my heart and ways of thinking.
I wish I could be there but instead I will send a big hello to everyone especially to Phil May, my best buddy always, and to MR. P. he taught me so much and I will never ever forget him. Jeannie, it was so thoughtful and Christ-like for you to think of me thank you so much!
I Love you all! Just remember to "Keep your head up" and always believe that your dreams are "Somewhere over the Rainbow". Go get em'!
Sincerely, with much respect and love
Glen Autrey

ONE OF THE FIRST

From Nan Ward Donohoo 1974-1977 Sax

That was a great time in my life. My sister was in band at North for four years so I got 4 + 3 years of band. And it was great. We were all like a big family. Some many great times, so many laughs. I've taken things that I had learned in band and used them through my life. I look forward to seeing the old ones there.
If you don't get to come here is my e-mail address cnd5659@bellsouth.net.
 

This is to Glen Autrey and all the class of 82:

I know I have already posted, but I want to tell you what an inspiration you seniors were to incoming Sophs who were scared to death and wondered if we could really do it and remember where to go and what to do. Thank you for taking us under your wings!!

God Bless you all!

Todd Watkins
Alto Sax      
Class of 1984
 

Class of 1982 -You can post this one

First of all.....John you have done a great job with the website. Thanks for getting us all back together with just a click of a mouse. Jeannie....your enthusiasm for this reunion is unbelievable....YOU GO GIRL!!

My name is Tiffany Satterfield Collins - Flute- Class of 1982. I am so honored to be an officer of the alumni association and to be involved with this reunion. My daughter, Blair is a freshman at MCHS and she is in the colorguard, winterguard, and the band. I have been trippin' down memory lane ever since band camp started last summer. First of all it seems like I haven't been out of high school for 24 years much less have a daughter in high school. As far as the band....the bandroom doesn't look the same but the practice field looks just the same except now there are LIGHTS!!! Just walkin' up that hill brought back floods of memories. Unless you were apart of this wonderful organization you just can't understand the bond that is always there and the pride that wells up inside when you think about how the band could hold a crowd in the palm of their hands and how we could "peel" the paint with our awesome sound. We truly were and are a family no matter how many years or miles separate us. I can't wait to catch up with everyone.

I visit the website often. I still live in Marshall County. Actually, I live in a subdivision right across from the high school and when the band practices outside on the practice field, I can sit on my front porch and listen. How is that for a fan? I have been married to Jeff Collins for almost 17 years and we have one daughter which you know is already in the band. Sad to say she talks as much as I do so I know the whole staff has their hands full. I am the Human Resources Administrator for Apex Engineering, Inc. in Calvert City, KY and I have been with the company for almost 13 years. We also have offices in West Virginia and Indiana. Please drop me a line at tcollins@apex-engineering.com. See you all in March!!!!
 

I am still wondering if anyone out there has heard from or knows how to reach Greg Howe, Tom Morris, Doug Benefield (sorry if I spelled your name wrong), Jason Roberts, Tony Nolcox
....Gosh who else... ??

Email me at debbie.proctor@mchsi.com if you know how I can reach them.

Thanks,
Debbie (Clem) Proctor
Class of 88 -- Flute
 

Hello

Hi Cheryl York and Greg Aplin glad to know some of us old folks are still around. I cant wait to see every one. I have always lived in Marshall county raising my 4 kids. My daughter Christina (class of 96 Clarinet) Lance (class of 2006 Trombone) and my Twins Clint and Jesse (class of 2007) sorry couldn’t get those to to join band but Jesse tries to play Sax. I have a wonderful granddaughter Madison age 7. I have a Sax that someone could use if needed. Hope to hear from some of you soon.
Claudia (Darnall) Fulks
captblueye@hotmail.com
 

From: Pam Walker-Renard- 1984 (Marjorette)

I am so excited about the reunion. It is going to be a blast!! I wish I could be there. I have lived in several places since 1984. I graduated from Pharmacy School in 1990. After that, I went to Florida for a Pharmacy Residency. South Carolina was my next stop. I loved Charleston. I worked at the Medical University. It is here where I met my husband Vic. He is a mechanical engineer and was working on the nuclear subs on the naval base. From there, Vic was offered a position in Honolulu, Hawaii. We went to the islands for about a year. I loved the sunshine and warm water. After that, we moved to Kennewick, Washington. A little different from Hawaii, but I like it. We have lived here since 1994. I have 2 girls- Victoria (12) and Nicole (10). I am the Clinical Coordinator for the Pharmacy at our local hospital. Between, work, family, and taking the girls to dance class, there is not a lot of extra time. We do like to travel in our spare time. BandŠ.It seems like such a long time ago. I put my baton, and costume up in the closet (I don¹t think it fits anymore), but the memories are still there. I learned a ton from Mr. Pettigrew and all of the things we did. I hope my kids can be a part of a program as good as this. I don¹t think I can make it to the reunion. I live so far, and I didn¹t find out about it until a few weeks ago. Have fun! I want to see the videos. Keep in touch!!

Pam Walker-Renard
wawildcat@owt.com
 

Class of "87 Amy Phillips Guess
baguess@vci.net

The reunion is a great idea! I have not seen many notes from the class of "87. I know Kelly McDougal will be attending. We are trying to get Dena Fields to come in from Delaware, hopefully she will come. I still live here in Benton and I'm married and have 5 year old twins, Brady and Olivia. My husband and I own the Taco John's in Benton. I read Mr. Pettigrew's note...I can't believe he was only 30 when we went to the Macy's parade. I can't wait to see Mr. Robertson, I had him in Jr. High and he was one of my favorite teachers of all times! I would love to hear from the class of "87!
 

How Fun!

Lori Singleton (Phillips) Class of '84 Flute
team45@bellsouth.net

I am so excited to see everyone. I am living in Corinth, MS. I married to my college sweetheart, Mark. We have been married for almost 12 years. I am a sales manager for Alltel wireless. (Go Ryan Newman #12) I have not been able to attend any of our class reunions, so this will really be my first time to see many friends since we graduated. I have not picked up my flute since 1984, so I may be just an observer not a participant. Looking back over my high school years, I now know that my friends in the band were my closest and truest friends. How awesome is it that we will get to visit and see Mr. Pettigrew??? How he helped shape our lives in amazing.
Lori
 

MCHS - Arnold Connelly 1987 - 1990 (Class of 1990) Trumpet

To all:

My brother, James Connelly, forwarded me this email. It truly was a nice surprise.

I graduated from MCHS in 1990. I went on to U of Kentucky and graduated in 1994 with a Mining Engineering B.S. I marched in the UK WildCat Marching band during the 1990 school year.

From 1992 until 1996, I worked in the southern Illinois, eastern Kentucky and eastern Tennessee coal fields. Yes, I did work in the deep mines.

In 1994, I married my college sweetheart and currently have two daughters Kendall (7) and Lauren (5).

For the last 10 years, I have been living in the Atlanta, Georgia area. I have been working with Florida Rock Industries in the crushed stone industry in the south Atlanta Metro Area and Auburn, Alabama.

I had a surprise in Sept 2004 when Florida Rock purchased a quarry in Golconda, Illinois. A bigger surprise when Dec 13, 2005 we bought a plant on the Tennessee River about 4 miles north of Kentucky Dam in Livingston County. (Across from BF Goodrich..I don't know what it is called now)

On Jan 1 of this year, I received a promotion to Area Production Manager of the Grand Rivers and Golconda plants. It truly is a miracle to have been away from home for 16 years and now have an opportunity to work in my career across the river from Calvert City where I grew up.

Marshall County has always been in my heart. The Band program taught me more than music. It taught teamwork, discipline, perseverance, determination, organization and leadership.

My mentors in the program from North Marshall through High School were Mr. Wayland, Mr. Martin and Mr. Davis.

We had some great times. Two of these great leaders have now went on but their values still remain in my heart. During my school years we went to the Fiesta Bowl, New Orleans, and the Bahamas.

The Elvis show in 1989-90 was capped off with winning the largest trophy of the time for a performance given in Memphis, Tennessee.

I am looking forward to being part of Marshall County and raising my children in Marshall County. (That is just wonderful!)

Anyways, I am traveling back and forth to Georgia until I move my family up at the end of May. I am living in the Big Bear area.

Davie Smith, Kerry Holt, Leslie Harrington, Steve Higgins, Tim King, David Mays and Randall Evans. Hey....Robert Martin...Do you remember me?...You graduated a year before me.

So many people..so many memories..

Looking forward to catching up on the years!

Thanks

Arnold F. Connelly, Jr.
afcjr@bellsouth.net
 

Debbie Wilson Moore
Band Member 1975 - 1977, Clarinet

Yes, I'm a golden oldie, one of the originals. I can't tell you how excited I am at the prospect of seeing my fellow Band mates again. My fondest memories of High School involve being in the Band. I remember our very first band practice in the summer of 1974. Everyone was nervous and excited all at the same time. Most of us from North didn't know anybody from South or Benton and vice versa. But it didn't take long for us to become a family and there is one reason for that and his name is George Milam. There is nobody that could have brought us all together as well as he did. His combination of humor, leadership, love for us (and we loved him), discipline...yes that too at times...laid the foundation to make the Band what it has become today.

Our first Band Camp even involved our Mothers. They took over the cafeteria with their sewing machines and bolts upon bolts of orange material and they lovingly sewed our Band Uniform Shirts. Our first public exposure to the public as the new Marshall County Band came on the last day of Band Camp (I think, somebody help me!)when we marched around and performed in front of the Court House. (I have a newspaper clipping of this.) From there it was practice, practice, practice for Football Games. You guys today have it easy! We had to do an ankle-to-knee march with toes pointed down! I'll never forget the time we traveled to Mayfield High School to perform at half time. During the game a fight broke out. Mr. Milam promptly started to direct us in the playing of the National Anthem and the fight quickly broke up. Too funny, huh?!

Basketball season and Pep Band were the best. I have newspaper clippings proclaiming "George Milam...he and his pep band puts the "it" in spirit." When we started playing Manhattan Spiritual everybody raised their arms up in the air and danced in their seats. We rocked the house! I'm still not sure if fans came to the ballgames to see the game or watch the band.

I had the privilege of being in Quad State Band, served as Librarian for two years (I know those ladies in the office got tired seeing me make copies), and Band President my Senior Year. As I sit here and type this, I have tears in my eyes. I told you I have lots of great memories. I have such pride at being a member of the Band. One more thing about Band Camp and that first year. Mr. Milam had an awesome music staff helping us get started. Kevin Robertson, Jennie Sewell, and Jackie and Paula Wayland. Paula worked with the clarinet players. She's a wonderful lady. Mr. Wayland is no longer with us but his Spirit remains as someone very special in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

I'm the Mother of two Daughters ages 25 and 21. I have a beautiful Grandson who is almost 8 months old. I'd love to hear from any of the original Band Members.
My e-mail address is moore52@mchsi.com.

Thanks for this wonderful web-site and to all the work everyone is doing to make this event happen.

Debbie Moore
 

What a blast from the past!!!

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading these posts and catching up on what so many have been up to since our great years in band...It really got me thinking about my years in band...what fun we had!! Sure, alot of work, but I still remember the rush of finishing a great performance and standing on the field as they announced that we had taken first place!! I thought back to some of the funny things that happened....My first day of band camp springs to mind, as Mr. Pettigrew was getting us lined up on the field. I was standing there, a very GREEN sophomore, and he suddenly yelled out, "OK, Who's on the hash?!!!!" I panicked as I looked around wondering who in the world would be doing DRUGS at band camp!!!!!!! I also remember a day that I missed practice...I was told later that apparantly my co-colorguard buddies were off their marks and Mr. P asked who was supposed to be in my place?!! He then said they had left enough room for 6 BIG FAT GIRLS to be out on the field....Mr. P, I still don't know what you were implying about my weight, but I would appreciate if you didn't mention it at the reunion...It HAS been 21 years afterall!! HAHA! I don't think I can ever smell bus fumes without the thought of Krispy Kreme donuts spinging to mind...now that's an odd memory, dontcha think?!! But for those of you who went to the Rose Bowl, I'm sure you know what I mean!! It also struck me so odd on September 11, 2001 when the Trade Center disaster happened, and I suddenly realized I had actually slept at ground zero!! The memories of band are truly so numerous that I know there's no way to even remember them all, but what I took away from my days in band have helped me reach many goals in my life.
After high school I went to Western Kentucky University and got my degree in nursing. I've now been an RN for almost 19 years, although for the last 5 years I've been the Executive Director of Morningside of Mayfield, which is an assisted living community for seniors. I found in my years of nursing that my heart was with the elderly, so that's where my focus has been most of my career. A little over 4 years ago, I married the most wonderful man I could have ever hoped to find. His name is Ryan, he's from Martin, TN, and is in insurances sales/financial planning. I have a son who will be 14 on March 14 who is a trumpet player for the Mayfield Middle School band. I was so proud of him as I sat at All-district band (which he was chosen 10th chair for) and listened to their wonderful performance back in January. This coming Saturday we will be in Murray for Solo and Ensemble. He's also an excellent guitarist (a budding hendrix, no doubt!) I'm so pleased that my son has found the value and joy that music brings to our lives. I also have the most amazing 10 year old step daughter in the world!! She's my girl!! I tell her all the time, she was the bonus I got for marrying her daddy!! We also have 3 German Shepherds and a Cockapoo who thinks he's bigger than the big dogs!!

Thanks so much to all who have worked so hard to put this all together!! I'm planning on coming to the reunion and hope to see you all there!!

Michele (Woolf) Baker
Class of 1985
Colorguard
 

Brad Hall (Trumpet ­ Class of 82)

Hello everyone! When I first heard about the reunion I had to go to the closet to find my band jacket that still had all the buttons and patches that I had carefully put on there from the contests and other events we had been to during my years in the band. I was shocked to find it had shrunk over the past 20 plus years and I can’t fit into it any more. I did find my old horn and I guess I will start working on the “chops” this month as I don’t want Sean Peck and Steve Toney to make me look too bad!

After graduating from the University of Kentucky in 1987, I came back home to Marshall County where I have been a social studies teacher at North Marshall Middle School. Some of you will be interested to hear that the old band room at North was demolished over a year ago and the rest of the school will be going down in May to make room for our new school. I have a bio on my teacher web site at http://www.marshall.k12.ky.us/nmms/teacherwebs/bhall . Feel free to do the homework assigned there as well. You will also find that I have MP3 recordings of the 3 years I was in the band, 79-80, 80-81, and 81-82. I wish I had a better recording of the duet I played with Sean Peck from “Pictures at an Exhibition” in the 81-82 school year. We did not bring our ”A” game that night.

My Sister, Wendy Hall Darnell (oboe/xylophone ­ 83) wanted me to tell everyone to get your money turned into her for the reunion. I called her just the other night and she had to play her oboe over the phone to me. It brought back the memories of ”hearing the baby cry” in the room next door at home when she practiced back a long time ago. Seeing the pictures on this web site from the Halloween party reminded me that Steve Barrett and I dressed as members of the Bridgemen Drum and Bugle Corp. I think I remember us winning best costume! Seeing everyone else at the reunion will sure bring back lots of good memories.

If you have any good photos from your band years, please email me a good copy of them. The Marching Marshals Alumni Association has asked me to make a slide show of the pictures from the web site as well as any others that you will send me. I am also planning to get the recordings of “What’s going on” from WCBL about our band reunion. I will let Jeannie know where to find it once I have up on the web so everyone can hear it. I look forward to seeing everyone really soon!



Brad Hall

b.hall23@mchsi.com

Mary Beth (Martin) Moser - Rifle 1979 - 1982

When my sister Anne sent me the link with the reunion information, I've been trying to clear my calendar in order to come "home" to see all the familiar faces and places.

Just reading the different posts from people had me remembering things that happened years ago. I've tried explaining some of the adventures to my husband, but he grew up as a jock in another state, so this is just one of those things that he doesn't understand and probably never will. Of course, I'm not holding out much hope for our son to be involved in band, it already appears that at 3 1/2 he will be a complete jock like his father...

Being a member of such a powerful organization of individuals who were all intently focused on the same goal gives me motivation to this day. The work ethic that was expected by Mr. Pettigrew and Mr. Wayland were, and still are, instilled in me. These are qualities that I carry with me today and expect from those I work with on my team.

I can't wait to get back there (even though it's bound to be cold) and see everyone. I've found my band jacket, booked my flight and am looking forward to taking a nice stroll down Memory Lane!

Mary Beth (Martin) Moser
Class of 1982 - Rifle
mbmoser@hotmail.com
 

Charla (Sanders) Gibbons- Trumpet '82-'85

What a dream come true to relive the old band days again, literally! I, like others, have had so many actual dreams about being on the field again, and what a joy it was if only in dream! I only wish that I had fully appreciated the years in band at the time as much as I do now. That's why hindsight will always be better. I have often wondered why I never tried out for jazz band knowing how much I love jazz now. I know that my priorities were not what they should have been at the time. However, I am grateful for the perseverance God gave me to make it through those years to completion. Like all of you, those years of performing and the great sense of pride we had as a team was one of the most rewarding things that I have ever been a part of. Special hellos to all of my brass buddies, I have missed you more than you will ever know. I know I was wild and crazy back then--thanks for putting up with me.
I graduated with my BSN in nursing in 1992 from Murray State, then married my college sweetheart, Troy, a year later. A few months later we moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado where I worked as a Maternity/Newborn nurse for 9 years. I had rededicated my life to Christ back in 1997 and got very involved in church in CO. In 2003 the Lord called us back to Nortonville, KY (my husband's home). I have been living out my dream job as a Psychiatric/Behavioral Health nurse at Cumberland Hall, Hopkinsville, ever since. I am working with adults and troubled teens, trying to use the gifts God has given me to help them to get their lives back on track, much like He did for me when I was 19 years old.
I have 2 precious girls, Toriana (9 years), and Kylie (5 years). They keep me runnin'! Troy and I have been married 12 years as of yesterday. He is a wonderful person and a blessing to have in my life.
I saw that one of my oldest and dearest friends, Michele Woolf Baker, posted a note, so I got up the courage to post one too. Saves telling the same story over and over at the reunion! She and I have really bonded again this past year, and I am so grateful. We have known each other since we were in diapers! I hope to get in touch with many of you that have been on my heart these years. It was so awesome to hear from Dr. Pettigrew too. I can't wait to hear him speak.

God bless you, my friends,

Charla Sanders Gibbons
Trumpet -Class of 1985
cagibbons@mchsi.com
 

Scott Lazzaro.- 1984 Drumline (posted for him by MMAA)

Scott, says hey to everyone and that he will be here. He looks forward to coming to the reunion and seeing everyone.
Sends a message to Sean Peck that they only live about 15 miles from each other!! what a small world.
He sends a special hello to Dave Hill and wishes him a safe return home and will get an email out to him a s a p! and wishes he could be here for the reunion.
Scott will be posting a personal note as soon as he can land those feet on the run way....(without tripping)!

3/12/06 - Just landed

Where do I even begin?! I would first like to thank Jeannie for having the dream to get us together (and the persistence in getting me to respond!). Thanks also to the Alumni Association Officers for all of the hard work they put into making the reunion a reality. What a great project and a ton of work.

After graduating from Vanderbilt University in 1988, I headed off to Navy Pilot training - after all, Top Gun had just come out. During that time I met and married my wife of almost 15 years, Mary Beth. She endured 8 years of overseas deployments and moves before I finally left the Navy to fly for United Airlines. We spent some time in Nashville, where I got to see (not often enough) Amy Krohnke and Mickey McHale. In 2000, we moved to Leesburg, VA in the Washington, DC area. I fly the Airbus 320 out of Dulles International Airport, and Mary Beth is an elementary school teacher. We have two wonderful children who balance a love of music and athletics. Andrew (11 ½ - 6th grade) started playing trumpet this year and enjoys football and basketball. Elizabeth (8 ­ 2nd grade) loves piano and is a stellar basketball and soccer player. I am fortunate to be able to coach both of them in sports, but leave the music to those who are able to read music!

It brought back many wonderful memories reading through the posts that you all have written. I have not seen most of you since graduation; I look forward to getting together.

Scott Lazzaro

Drumline ­ Class of 1984

slazzaro4@adelphia.net
 

band reunion

i am looking forword to the reunion. i have read the message board and there is not very many from 1987. so, i'am hoping that you'll all be at the reunion.

monica colson inglish
field commander '87
 

Hey everybody!!
My name is now Laryssa Hobbs but you all know me as Laryssa Frick. I am really excited about this reunion. Since I graduated in 1986 I have gotten a degree in Marketing but then got into the banking industry and have been with the Bank of Benton for 13 years until just this past August. I went back to college about 4 years ago and while I worked full time, went to college, and had two kids I managed to graduate this past Christmas with a degree in Middle School Education. I now teach Science to 7th and 8th graders at Graves County Middle School. I have been married for 16 years and have 2 children - Dawson is 6 and Paycee is 2. I manage to see quiet a few people I went to high school with just around town but I am really looking forward to seeing everyone from band. Yes Kelly, I remember Dong Land. I want to know if anyone knows exactly how many people we had piled on that park bench trying to stay warm before the Macy's parade? GREAT TIMES!!!

See you soon!!
Laryssa (Frick) Hobbs
Class of 1986 - Trumpet

P.S. Eric Rommelman, you better be making plans to come to this thing! I have strict orders from your mom to encourage you to come. Imagine that!!! Seriously, I really hope you come in it has been a long time. Hope to see you there.

Laryssa
slhobbs@earthlink.net
 

Drew Collins, percussion, class of '93
mrcollins5150@yahoo.com

Hello everyone. How have you all been? I have been fine. For those who don't know me, this probably won't interest you... scroll down.

So, I'm 30 and the grey hairs are starting to come in. I live in Murray, Ky. I have never been married, nor had any children. But I have my career, as well as my passion for music. I'm a restaurant manager by day, musician by night. I am the guitarist in the Murr-Vegas All Stars, a local favorite that specializes in R&B, Blues, Motown and Funk. Check out our website sometime. www.murr-vegas.com

I have many fond memories of my time in high school, most of them come from the music program. L.A. to D.C. For those who were there, it is an awesome thing to be be able to say that I went from one coast to the other before I graduated! I shouldn't forget the great friends I met... The ones I still keep in
touch with, and where are the ones I have lost touch with? Who have we all become? For some, music was a learning experience that will carry them through their lives. For me, I knew it would always be a way of life.
I am really looking forward to the reunion so I can thank everyone involved in molding my musical life. I
hope you will all there.
Drew
 

Shannon Devers '92 flute

Noticed there were few of the young ones of us posting. I’m currently in ATL and didn’t here about this till too late to come. Would love to have been able to make it. I wouldn’t have been much use at the concert anyway, I’ve touched the flute since 92 and only played piccolo for PEP band at a few hockey games in college.

Have a wonderful reunion and hopefully I can make the next one.

Shannon Blanchard (Devers)

Shannonblanchard@comcast.net
 

Hello everyone,

This event is a wonderful idea.
After high school I went to Murray State and majored in Music Education with Drew Collins, Steve Mathis Justin Martin, and Jon Whitaker. Five guys from the same school into everything at MSU. While at MSU I met Ronnie Payton in the various bands I played in. My second semester I discovered that music was not my true calling. I switch my major to engineering and received a B.S. and M.S. in the field. I am currently a mechanical designer/industrial engineer with Farris McIntosh & Tremper Inc. in Paducah and teach engineering graphics for University of Kentucky at the Paducah Campus. Our firm has done several school projects: Central, Jonathan, and Benton Elementary, MCHS Performing Arts Addition, and the new North Marshall Middle School, Marshall Co. Library, too many churches to list, MSU RSEC and Fine Arts and all the hospitals in the purchase area.
I live in Paducah with my wife Jennifer, our son Carson (13 mo.) and Reese (Chocolate Labrador).
I hope I am not the only one from the class of 1993.

Trombone Section 1993
Michael Sullivan
Farris McIntosh & Tremper Inc.
Consulting Engineers & Land Surveyors
124 S. 31 Street
Paducah, KY 42001
Phone (270) 443-8491

ps My email address can be listed michael@fmtengineers.com or msullivan@vci.net
 

Phil May ­ drums 1982

John ­ great job with the website. I recently spoke with Tiffany Collins and Kevin Farley. They both directed me to the site. It has been great to catch up on what has been happening with all of the alumni. The photos on the site are great. I love all those knee-high tube socks (the same ones my 8 year old is now begging to wear). I can’t believe it has been 24 years! When I think back to high school days, all of my best memories revolve around band. Did we actually attend classes too? I guess so, but no memory of that! I remember one band trip where we were putting tic-tacs in someone’s ear (who was that?) while they were sleeping. Seems a great plan, no?

Glen ­ Hi to you too buddy. You are looking good. I’m jealous that you still have all your hair. Perhaps you could share some!

I’m not sure if I can attend the reunion, as that weekend is the start of my son’s spring break week and we are trying to get a quick trip planned. I hope to see you there, but if not, I thought I would at least provide a quick (or not so quick) summary of the years since high school.

I graduated from Murray State and moved to Nashville in 1987. Worked as a CPA at Price Waterhouse (where I met my wife Amy) for 5 years and then joined Sony/ATV Music Publishing in Nashville. I worked there in a great job for 11 years. In the pre-children days, Amy and I got to travel for business/pleasure often and life was really good. I started an advertising business in 2003, which I sold this year (thank goodness!) and have also been working as a consultant in the music business over the past couple of years. I just finished a long-term consulting project with a client in London and I’m now launching another music-related business with some great guys that live in New York and London. The new business requires a good bit of travel too, but I’m working from home (in Franklin, TN) when in town, so that is a nice change.

Amy and I have 3 boys ­ Jackson (8), Conner (5) and Dylan (2). They are precious and great kids. Can’t imagine life without them. Some of you have recently heard that My youngest son was diagnosed with a serious disease when he was about 8 months old. I won’t elaborate here, but you can read more about that if you’d like at www.caringbridge.org/tn/dylanmay. Talk about a quick lesson in setting priorities! The kids keep us very busy with sports and other activities, which I imagine is typical for many of you as well.

My dad still lives in Gilbertsville, so I periodically at least get to drive by the school and the normal hangouts from high school. One of those (the skating rink in Draffenville) reminded me to take my oldest boys skating a couple of weeks ago. Funny how much you forget about skating in 20 years! Were those floors as hard then as they seem to me now?

I hope to be able to attend the reunion, but wish you all the best if we don’t see each other soon. You can reach me at phil@maytn.com.
 

Wayne Fisher here, (class of 84)
Hello again Everyone,

I could not wait to become a Marching Marshall while I was attending North Marshall, Jr. High.

Tony P., Lewis E., Glen A., Phil M., Brian D., John S. to name a few. You guys were legends in my book.

Mr. P. I loved band camp. I only wished it would have lasted longer.

Brother Mickey, Brother Scott, Brother Daivd,Brother Gavin. Where is Brother Tim?

After H.S., I went to Paradise Island, SC USMC (Hey Duck and David, I lost a boot band.) and made a few stops around the world being a Marine and a Contractor for the Dept. of State.
Guyana
Trinidad
Jamaica
Barbados
Brazil
Venezuela
Mexico
Canada
Germany
Austria
Belgium
England
France
Finland
USSR
Luxembourg
Netherlands

I met my wife from Guyana,South America and got married in Hasselt, Belgium in 1992. Her name is Haifa. We live in Frankfort, KY and we have one child. Clarissa is now nine and is active in Girl Scouts and now starting the violin.

My Brother Dan is living in Las Vegas for the past year. I will get his e-mail at another time.

No Mr.Clem, I do not have my 79 Cordoba. I wish I did.

Can’t wait to see everyone.
Libby1260@aol.com
 

Jeannie (Brinkley) Mitchell-Class of 88 colorguard/flute

Dear committee - I think you are doing a great job. I am so excited about this. I was planning on attending but will be out of town. I will miss you all. Just a little about me. I married Benny Mitchell Jr. we live in Benton, have a 14 year old son-Jeffrey and a 13 year old daughter-Samantha. I am not a band parent but football and cheerleading are real close. I have to say Band is not just a class. It was the best. I learned a great deal and made a lot of friends. Mr. Martin will always be remembered - he was one of the best teachers I ever had.

I hope you all have a great time at the reunion. I will be wishing I was there. If anyone would like to get in touch with me. Email address is bmitchell35@charter.net.
To Rhonda DuFriend - I am jealous that your in Hawaii - maybe when Debbie makes that trip I could go with her, what do you think-Deb!!!!


Jeannie Mitchell--class of 88
 

IF YOU REMEMBER YOUR SHOW NAMES AND/OR SONGS FROM YOUR YEARS OF MARCHNG - PLEASE EMAIL MR. COLVETT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE - mcolvett@marshall.k12.ky.us
 

Hey there, Jamie Woolridge Drumline class of '91

I just heard about the reunion a few days ago, sounds like a who's who jam session if I ever heard one. Nothing major goin on with me I still live just down the road from the highschool, and I'm still playing the drums. I have played with many local bands around the area over the past 15 years from Nashville TN to Illinois. Played on a few bands demos when their drummer wasn't comfortable at the session. I have got to meet some big names along the way ..... Country artists, even though I'm a rocker lol My big thrill was a few years back playing a July 4th show at a Hotel in Nashville. Jamie O'neal and her sister came in and sang with us and partying in the penthouse suite afterwards ... the rockstar dream had it's 15 minutes to shine lol. I now work for Kinder-Morgan Coal terminal in Grand Rivers so I guess ole Connelly is the one sending that stuff to us lol. This whole week I have been having memories coming back from the Tourney trips ... Graceland ... Mardi Gras .(still have my beads) and the Bahamas, and remembering the lectures from MR. Martin on another one of the drumlines latest and greatest pranks. Waterballooning the colorguard (miss ya Bynum) using the drum room as our personal lounge.... wasn’t a drum in there lol Showing up late to the practice field in Morrison's old duster with no brakes and hitting a tree to stop . and MR. Martin saying " I think you boys may want to get those fixed" as we scrambled on to the field. I have to work Friday night, but I'll be there Saturday morning I guess I have to trade in the Matt Sorrum signature sticks for the SD1 Generals again, but I can still make noise just the same lol .. take care everyone and hope to see all the old crew. "Biscuits and Gravyyyyyyyy!!!!!"
International Brotherhood of Drumdogs, Jamie Woolridge
thedemon_13@hotmail.com

Dave Clem, ..The class of ‘85

Well,T-4 days and counting!! I get to leave in 4 inches of snow in the morning, but Hey! ,it's worth it! Jeannie and John, hats off to ya; for the web site, and to everyone else making this possible! My current girl friend, and other friends of mine think this "band reunion" was a great idea ,and since Wayne Jenkins and I ( among others ) started talking about this idea ,some time ago, I'm personally glad to see it come to life. Mr. P., excuse me, Dr. P., we are all looking forward to seeing you again, and want to wish you God speed on your trip there! Jeannie, it is March Madness, and as a 15 year UCONN fan, I have to hope you will have a TV there so I can watch them play on fri. night. ( Sorry to you UK fans!!) You found out out what UL found out this year...watch the " Beast from the East"...LOL!!!...And get Dr. P. a bull horn, so (just for old times sake) we can go to the practice field and watch him throw it from the tower!!! THAT..would be great!!!! LOL!!! Gotta pack..see you guys on fri.!! OHHH, and one more thing to Jeannie... You said in a previous post for me to expect the unexpected...., I AM ,the unexpected...!! LOL!!! See everyone on Fri.,....

Dave Clem
Remember:...Its better to swim with the sharks, than to sleep with the fishes......
 

From Debbie Clem Proctor

ROAD TRIP TO HAWAII.... OOPS, that would be PLANE TRIP TO HAWAII.....

Any body wanna bring gummy bears?? Kim Darnall...? Gummy Bears...?

Look out Rhonda.... here we come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can't wait til Friday Night!!!!

Everyone traveling be safe, my prayers are with you!
proctor4@yahoo.com
 

Drumline 95-98 Badge #418

I wish so much that I could come, but I am too busy at work to be able to come in. Arrrgg. I am living in Mississippi now, and I am the Director of Technology for the Aberdeen School District. I am now a Cisco Certified Network Associate(CCNA) and a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, with a specialization in Messaging(MCSE+M). I'm also a Cisco Voice Professional(CCVP). I enjoy my work, and it presents a new challenge every day.

I have been married to my wonderful wife Samantha (Graves Co. Girl) for about a year. She is the secretary at our church and is really happy to be working there.

I have always looked back on my years of band and wished that I could go back and do it all over again. I have my badge hanging in my office and I proudly tell, anyone that asks, what it is all about. I have also been helping out with the school district drumline and have spoken to the high school band on several occasions about taking pride is what they do, in all aspects of life. I still have all the old photos, and I look at how fast time flew by, even though it didn't seem like it at the time.

I hope everyone is well and has a great time at the reunion.

To those who remember and miss him, never forget Eli Linn. He was like a brother, and I miss him very much. He is what kept me going.

Thank you,

Kevin W. Knuckles - Director of Technology
CCNA, CCVP, MCSE+M, A+, Network+
kknuckles@aberdeen.k12.ms.us
 

Greetings to all bell-ringers, reed-wetters, cadence-keepers & baton-slingers. It will be a treat to re-acquaint with the people around whom I spent most of my School Days! The funniest, coolest, smartest, and finest- looking students were ALWAYS in The Band. This Reunion should be GREAT. I'll be there! 

William F. "Bill" Burt - Trumpet Section 1975
bburt@vci.net
 

CLASS OF '81!

I can't believe it's been 25 years since I last used white shoe polish or replaced a broken reed or completely changed clothes on a school bus or heard Mr. Pettigrew say, "One More Time!" What fun memories those are!

I rarely see any of you even though we are living in Marshall County (after much time in Alaska, Georgia and Tennessee). I'm bummed that I'm not going to be at the reunion this weekend, but our daughter is returning from an overseas mission trip, and she gets first priority! Greg and I have 2 kids, Kacey and Kevin. Kacey is a 19 year old ministry/communications major at Lipscomb University in Nashville, and Kevin is a baseball-playing, homeschooled, 7th grade drummer. I am back at work and loving it after taking an 18-year sabbatical as a stay-at-home, homeschool mom.

I hope another reunion is in the not-too-distant future. Thanks to all of you who organized this!

Stephane (Morrow) Reynolds, clarinet/class of 1981
stephanie@reidland.org

PS - Though my sister, Stacey (Morrow) Lockhart (trumpet/class of '85) passed away several years ago, both her children - Lindsay, 15 and Parker, 13 play trumpet in their school band at Nashville Christian Academy.
 

A poem Stacey (Morrow) Lockhart wrote soon after graduation about being in the band. Submitted by her Sister.

Sometimes I wondered if I would understand
Why people said we were lucky to be part of the band.
All the sweltering days of "4's & 4's"
Never seemed to fulfill our desires for more.
We wanted to accomplish it all in one day
We were just selfish and wanted our way.
But all the complaining of two hundred musicians
Never stopped Mr. P under any condition.
He begged and he pleaded and we all understood
When he said "one more time!" it wasn't for good!
After 2 weeks of band camp with pain head to toe,
We were now ready to perform our first show.
But after the contests the games and the trips,
Complaints were still heard from everyone's lips-
We were never satisfied with being like the rest
We always assumed that we WERE the best!
For three more years we marched and we cried
Never realizing just how quickly time flies.
Now a freshman in college leaving band behind,
I have come to realize and know in my mind
They said we were lucky but it didn't equate
That they were saying "enjoy" - but now it's too late.
Perhaps today you will understand
Becuase if I'm correct, weren't YOU in the band?

Stacey Morrow, 1985

Shelly (Hardin) Hudson Class of 1989

Thank you for doing all this work!! I just cleared my schedule today so that I could come. When I look back to my high school years my proudest and favorite moments pertain to the band and band members.

I currently live in Murray, KY with my husband. I have three amazing sons. My oldest (18) graduated high school last year and eleven days later left for basic training. He joined the National Guard and currently works here in Murray with his unit as a tech. My middle son is 14 (two weeks away from 15) goes to Calloway County High School and finally my youngest is 12 and attends Calloway County Middle School. Not one of them is band members. I am married to John Hudson of Calloway County. We just celebrated our 9th Anniversary. The last 10 years I have worked with my dad in his wholesale shoe company handling his internet business. I started doing some consulting work for ebay three years ago. A few months ago I quit working for my dad and started helping my husband with his electrical contracting company, Hill Electric.

I got my clarinet out this morning and started refreshing my memory of how to play it. I am truly glad I was home alone. My family would have had a blast making fun of the squealing going on. As I sat there thinking about some of my fondest memories as a Marching Marshal I can not forget the band director that was there for me when things were their worst. Steve Martin was more than director he was truly a friend. As I was telling my husband about my band years I remembered the friends that I have now lost contact with. How sad. I look forward to catching up with everyone and getting the info needed to stay in contact

Shelly (Hardin) Hudson
 

The Marshals are presently missing numerous years of scrapbooks for the Marching Marshals - you know the scrapbooks with the history of the year's performances and accomplishments. To be specific - we are looking for any scrap books from 1977-1988 If you presently have any past scrapbooks or know of their location please, please contact:

Mr. Colvett ( mcolvett@marshall.k12.ky.us ) at you earliest convenience.

All further notes will be posted on the After Thoughts page.
Thank you