In my freshman year of high school,I joined the Harper Cardinals concert and marching bands. I had taken accordion lessons in 8th grade and learned how to read music. I was able to progress in a few months from playing clarinet in the beginners band to bass clarinet in the Concert Band. This pleased me no end. My parents were very proud of me.
When football season came round the next school year, I learned to play the tenor saxophone in the Marching Band. I had many good friends in the band, on the football team and in the cheering squad. The band played at home and away games. We had routines for every half-time, and cheered like idiots from the stands. One year, we marched in the Loop Chicago St. Patrick’s Day parade. It was chilly and we had to manage to play with gloves on our hands, but it was quite a thrill knowing that we were on television.
I was now learning a great deal about instrumental music. I really enjoyed playing in band concerts and winning a first place in a woodwind group competition. By the beginning of my junior year, I had earned bass clarinet first chair. I proudly wore my school sweater with a band letter and a medal. There was no doubt that making music was making me very happy.
I was beginning to be very intrigued by the folk music that was popular in the early ‘60’s.Together with three friends, we formed a folk group that we called “Sonny and the Ramblers.” I bought a used guitar and taught myself folk songs to play in our group.
We first performed at a retirement home, later at several private parties, at our synagogue youth group, ,and every chance we could get at mixers all over the city. (A sure fire way to attract girls.)
I performed solo several times at my high school, and at the end of my senior year, coordinated and performed in a “hootenanny”at our synagogue. My parents and friends were there, beaming at me from the audience; the event was a huge success and a personal triumph. I continued to play and give guitar lessons in college and later, in the town where I got my first teaching position. I also led a guitar interest group at that junior high school, wrote and directed a play where I was a part of the jazz band, and accompanied the school chorus at a holiday concert, playing electric guitar. My son, David, who is an accomplished guitarist, and I played “Bad Moon Rising” for a variety show at my school. At a faculty holiday party, I dedicated Eric Clapton’s “Wonderful Tonight” to my wife. I also loved performing with my musical friends at school variety shows.
I am now learning to play the ukulele for my grandson. He seems fdelighted by the simple tunes that I can play and sing. I love to see his little face light up when he hears me play.
Recently , my wife suprised me with a beautiful 12 string acoustic guitar for Fathers Day. The rich sounds that come out of it remind me of of the folk tunes that I played with such great enjoyment so many years ago.
