Saturday, June 16, 2012

Fathers' Day Salute to My Dad


One of my earliest memories of my father is as a high school band director, standing on a riser at Grob Stadium, at what was then Spring Branch High School, a real-life leader of the band.

The Leader of the Band: Gerald Clanton
As a small child, I got to ride on the Band Bus to all the football games, and sit on the bleachers in front of the band--feeling the pulse of the drum section, and drinking-in the richness of that big, brass and woodwind sound.

Dad also took me to symphony concerts when Jones Hall was still new.

Dad's life was music then...and now, at age-83...as he continues to teach young students how to blow their first notes on a horn, or to tweak their embouchure for the best tonality. The gift of music was also passed to me, and whether it's a drum corps, a marching band or a symphony orchestra...I think of my Dad, and thank him for his influence, and providing me with a sweet soundtrack for my life.

Happy Father's Day, Dad.