My high school band director in Kenton, Ohio, was none other than Bill Moffit -- a name that should be familiar to many of you who are involved with music education.

It was Moffit who introduced me to Stan Kenton's band (nothing to do with the name of the town, by the way). When I heard Kenton's trombone section, I exclaimed, "Wow! I didn't know trombones could sound like that! I want to change instruments." (I was playing sax at the time.)

The KHS Wildcat Band, under Moffit's direction, was unparalleled in its time. We won consistent superior ratings at contests, and were renowned for our exciting halftime shows -- which often featured a drum show under black lights. Moffit wrote all of the musical arrangements for the band and choreographed the shows. I don't think I've ever known anyone who worked as hard as he!

We had a lousy football team, as I recall. Big burly linebackers were defecting from the team to play Sousaphone, cymbals, or bass drum in the band, because we had such a high esprit de corps.

Over the years, I've unfortunately lost touch with most of my KHS classmates. So if you are one, and you're reading this, drop me a note and let me know where you are and what you're doing.