The Penn State Alumni AssociationWhat’s been happening: While living in Westchester-New York City area for 48 years,I returned to Penn State for 25 continual years to play in the Alumni Band. Am still performing after retiring to Sarasota, FL in 2004 mainly for retired people playing the tunes of the 40's and 50's with many Big Band veterans. Upon hearing about this 2010 edition, I realize that will be approaching 85! Before my February 1945 first semester, I had played the Pocono resorts, including Fred Waring's Shawnee Inn as a member of the house band, playing for quite a few celebrities. After turning age 19, my decision to attend Penn State was wise. Played with the Campus Owls for two semesters before forming my own group in 1946, a move that developed many memories performing at many activities in State College. I will always remember Dr. Hummel Fishburn & Dr. James Dunlop for their understanding in my transition from full time performer to a performing-teaching combination. After two tours with the Will Osborne Band and a few months playing New York City for the 802 card, I returned to State College to begin the M.Ed degree. Four years at Bald Eagle Schools, two in Shippensburg, left PA for NY, first at New Rochelle and finishing at Irvington-on-Hudson. Probably the most thrilling memories of my life has been observing the MD graduation of my two sons at Penn State Hershey and Jefferson Medical. No complaints!! |