|
|
McLinder and "Auntie B"
By Mona Lease
Hi, all!!! Before I sat down to write this column, I had a conversation
with "Auntie B." We strolled down Memory Lane and enjoyed reliving a
few "old times."
I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome "Auntie B" aboard this
humble little column. This is a place to exchange new ideas - try them
on for size. It's a place to say, "Yep - I've been in this or that
situation and made it through it. It's good to know I'm not the only
one who "muffed up" something." And - if nothing else - you get a
chuckle from some joke to brighten your day - or pass it along to help
someone else.
Before I continue, I want to sat that I am not downgrading any person
now teaching. I do not know them. I am not saying they are bad people
or that their professional abilities are subpar. That being said:
Stan Linder recently passed away in Florida. He was the orchestra
director for many year in Greenville - until his retirement, actually.
Stan went to the elementary schools in Greenville and talked to the
kiddies about music. He showed them various instruments. Students from
his orchestra were on hand to demonstrate their instrument of choice
and tell a little about it - cost, practice time, performing concerts,
and such. If you wanted to join - you signed up and Mr. Linder would
come to your elementary school to prepare you for the "big time" and
help you take your next step - Jr. High!
Stan (Linder) took young students to the Brethren Home to walk it's
halls...stopping outside the resident's open doors to play Christmas
carols.
On a bus headed to Toronto, Canada...Stan helped Greenville students
make the most of another opportunity - making music and new friends in
a new atmosphere...Canada...with it's different and yet the same goals.
Those goals being to get through school and carve out a life for
yourself.
A group of some 10-15 adult musicians got together to give concerts at
Greenville's Marling Band Shell. These were for roughly 8 weeks every
summer and free those 8 consecutive Sundays...early evening. The
reason? People should have the opportunity to enjoy good music - free.
John McCoy (deceased) did the same thing...at the same time...for the
band at the Jr. High. John said you have to be committed to playing
music - to practicing.
McCoy was the band director so...except for the drums...every
instrument required you to blow air into a mouthpiece to make that
instrument produce a sound. Your cheeks are not allowed to "puff out"
so you build up those muscles by pulling in your cheeks while you blow
out the air. This is called "ombouchure" - a French word. Bouche is the
root of this word and means "mouth." Or in layman's terms, this is
referred to as "the lip." So to keep "the lip" in shape - practice!
I studied under John McCoy. I heard him say, "I would not ask you
students to do anything I would not do." For us students...that was
pretty impressive to hear as we were probably 12 and Mr McCoy was maybe
32.
"McLinder" is a composite image of these two who put their belief into
action...that being that kiddies are important. That with a little
guidance and teamwork - we can at least show the kiddies we adults can
be a bridge to a road that leads to their future. They have to
walk it.
Be that "McLinder" to a kiddies across the street or elsewhere. Let
them know "I would not ask you to do anything I would not do."
Remember the kiddies and our service people. Take good care of the
furry and feathered ones out there. Be safe and healthy. See ya next
time. Ever Toodles!!! MONA
|
|
|
<
|
