Flashback Friday — On the March Again

Flashback to June 2009, the 65th anniversary of Port Chester, NY’s annual band night celebration. That’s me in the crowd, playing clarinet in public for what then was the first time in a long time.

Port Chester, NY, Band night 2009.

A whole lot has changed in the five years since — new career, new family members, new perspectives for me. (But the same hairstyle, albeit grayer!)

Back then, our daughter, Catherine, was beyond mortified to have to watch Mom in public making music with other people. As I recall, she begged to stay home, and once at Ryan Stadium, tried to slink away when Basil stood in the stands to get better photos. (Imagine if I’d been doing something REALLY embarrassing!)

She won’t have to watch tomorrow.

As we alums gather for the 70th anniversary, she’ll be having her own celebration — senior prom.

And if Wednesday night’s concert band practice was any indication, she’ll be missing two terrific performances. Even without the full complement of alumni coming from all over starting tonight, the band sounded awesome.

I found myself caught up and carried away by the music. I’m sure folks in the audience will be transported tomorrow, too.

If you’re in the area, come see why, all these years later, we musicians are still glad to be the Pride of Port Chester.

Concert band performs at 1 pm at Port Chester Middle School. Band night starts at 7 pm, at the high school’s Ryan Stadium. The alumni will take the field at about 7:50 pm. More details are here