A “Cancun” and a couple a’ Cadillacs
November brought a milestone— I was turning 17!
That of course meant my probationary Learner’s Permit was expiring. I would soon take the written and road tests to earn my Driver’s License.
“Advice For the Young At Heart” by Tears For Fears
Tears For Fears – Advice For The Young At Heart
On my birthday, November 15, Mom took me out of school for the big day, and she and Mona came with me to the DMV. There, I passed both tests (the driving portion in our ’76 Caddy), and I strutted out of there holding my FIRST official New Jersey Driver’s License! Mom, Mona and I were giggling and happy as I waved proof of my latest achievement.
We three went out to a celebratory lunch at Chi-Chi’s, where Mom presented me with my birthday present: Two sets of keys, each color-coded according to car—blue for the Coupe DeVille; red for the Eldorado! WOW!! My own keys! To think my parents trusted me enough to do that was amazing. We had “fried ice cream” with a birthday candle on it for dessert. What a fine day to remember!
When I arrived at school the next day, I was surprised to find my locker decorated with birthday balloons. I was welcomed and congratulated by my friends, and I wasted no time flashing my new certificate of freedom.
One of the youngest in the class (I had entered school a year early, in 1971), I was among the last of my peers to get my driver’s license. Soon after that, I was driving a car to school and parking in the Senior lot. I would give friends rides and would never consider abusing my parents’ trust. It was the best—listening to the car stereo driving to and from school … in a Caddy. Life was very good indeed!
NJ Allstate: Achieved!
I also auditioned for NJ Allstate Orchestra and made first violin! Were Mom and Gordon T ever happy for me. What a great experience that was—rubbing (el)bows with the best players in the state, with the most challenging music I’d had the pleasure of negotiating yet.
Among the selections were the EXTREMELY intense An American in Paris by Gershwin, and Carmen Suite No. 1 by Georges Bizet. We had two performances, one for the parents and families and another at the Atlantic City Convention Center for the paying public.
That two-day trip was so much fun. We East Brunswick musicians were bussed down together and we stayed at the Deauville Hotel (where Mom met the Beatles) on the Boardwalk. It was an adventure, and all of us had fun rooming at the hotel and hitting the boards between obligations. Rehearsals were in a big ballroom.
Both concerts were combined with the All-State Chorus, who teamed up with us in the Symphony for a closing selection of The Battle Hymn of the Republic. It was electric; the very rafters of the cavernous Convention Center vibrated with glorious resonance as voices and musicians rose in crescendo at the end … a performance to remember.
Officially A Mountaineer!
One day, an early spring snow closed the schools around lunchtime. Since I hadn’t taken the car, Mom picked me up, and brought the news we’d been hoping for.
Mom, wearing a mischievous smile, handed me a thick envelope when I got in. The return address was embossed West Virginia University Office of Admissions and Records.
My excitement grew as I opened it while Mom looked on. I read, “We are pleased to congratulate you …” and I knew that I was headed for WVU in the fall! Mom and I dissolved into hysterics. Her heart must have ached because this meant I was definitely going to a school eight hours away.
However, she showed nothing but joy and pride.
We immediately got papers rolling for Guaranteed and National Direct Student Loans.
I wore my West Virginia Mountaineers long-sleeved tee to school for the first time the next day (bought the previous summer in hopes of acceptance).
I was beaming. All my friends were happy for me, and at the time we were all excitedly juggling acceptance letters.
I would go on to study Music Education at the College of Creative Arts. NOW … this meant I could audition for the WVU Drumline!
We contacted the College of Creative Arts for information about auditioning, which from afar would require a tape of prepared exercises and a solo piece.
Prep for the WVU Drumline
Enter drum instructor Mark C. We arranged private lessons down in his studio in preparation for making the audition tape, which I promptly forwarded to the Percussion Department. Mark said I had good chops and should have no problem. I SO hoped he was right.
The reply wasn’t as we’d anticipated. Apparently, all slots in the ridiculously competitive Drumline had already been filled (a day late and a dollar short, so to speak). Obviously, an audition by tape had put me at a serious time disadvantage. They encouraged me to re-apply the following year, as I showed real chops in my playing.
“Beat Box” by The Art of Noise
The Art of Noise – Beat Box (1983 original)
Mom took one look at that notice and refused to see my dreams go down the sewer. She addressed a letter of reply directly to the Director of the percussion department. She stated that I had practiced for months, and in so many words conveyed my absolute ambition to be in the WVU Drumline, even if as only an equipment gofer.
The second letter arrived a week later to notify me that there had been an unexpected opening in the line and I WAS IN!!!!!
Thanks Mom! Thanks for going to bat for me … thanks for going the extra mile!
She insisted, “you made it because you deserve it, not because of the letter,” which was true—but her written response got me just enough airtime to be considered. If they were looking for a passionate, competent and devoted member, I was their “man.”
I would further audition for placement within the Line at band camp later that summer. My ambition? SNARE!!
With drum lessons winding down and my place at WVU secure, Mark the drum instructor and I began to develop some feelings for each other. He was almost 21, and I was months from being “legal”… hardly scandalous.
