What I actually wanted to play when band started in the 6th grade was the flute. But my two sisters before me quit band, so I had to take an instrument that the school provided. What was my next choice? Tuba! But, alas, they said I was too small. So I chose the next biggest instrument the school provided -- the euphonium! My band director, Linda Wegmann, played euphonium, and she was such an inspiration to me! I had to wait for my euphonium. Two other boys got the first pick, and there were only two euphoniums. So I sat in band class each day for several weeks with no horn. I watched and listened and took everything in. Then...my horn arrived! I was so proud of that horn! I had to drag that thing on the school bus every day to and from school. Yes, I practiced. Yes, I took my horn home every day. We had band every day in school.
Now you are probably wondering where the trombone actually fits in. It doesn't until high school. I was going to Hillsboro High School at the time where Mark Trautwein was my band director. He was a great teacher! And now there was JAZZ BAND...!!! And another trombone player named Daniel that I thought was so cute! Not to mention the guitar player, Ralph! Of course, I just HAD to get into jazz band.
Every week, my Dad and I would go to the Big Pevely Flea Market. We would set our watches in the parking lot to the minute. Then Daddy would let me browse the entire place by myself as long as we met back at the designated area at the appropriate time. This is where I bought all my instruments! I didn't have much money, but I saved it all for the flea market. I bought a trumpet, a cornet, a snare drum, guitars, a fiddle, a saxophone, and probably more! But Daddy bought me a trombone for $10! I took it home and taught myself to play it.
And I played that trombone all through high school and in college! I still have that $10 trombone, and I still play it.
