Please Note: I wrote this post originally 8 years ago on Facebook. I was able to tag my Jr. Band Director, Mr. Dan Meeks and he was able to read it. I am glad I was able to tell him what he meant to me. He was truly one of the best music educators. The song by Michael W. Smith "Friends Are Friends Forever" was a song he dedicated to us. A Life is not too long to live as friends and I am honored and thankful that I could remain friends with him over the years. You see, my earliest memory of Dan was when I was a small child-toddler, he held me on his hip while he was directing one of my brothers. That's where my love of music started. RIH Sir, I'll see you again in Heaven's band...hold a spot for me.
I learned on a marching band field. Yes, folks, you read it correctly!
I've been thinking back on my life and some of the most influential people in my life besides my parents were my band directors: Karl Robinson and Dan Meeks.
Not only did these men teach me some hard lessons but they loved me and every other band kid. They showed us kindness, happiness when it was needed but they also showed us what it means to work hard, to persevere, to not give up, and that superior is not just a rating--it is an attitude.
Starting out with band in the 5th grade, these men taught us the basics about music and playing an instrument with such care and love for band that they made us want to move on to band in the 7th and 8th grade.
In the 7th and 8th grade they taught us that just because a certain type of music isn't your favorite, you still need to find appreciation of each genre. Mr. Meeks taught us to read college level music. He inspired us and challenged us. June of 1990 (end of my 7th grade year), there was a tornado that went through our hometown of Harrison, Ohio. Would you believe that Mr. Meeks went to every child's house that was in band to make sure that we were all safe and accounted for? The Spring of that year was so magical!
At the spring concert of my 7th grade year, I can remember standing in the parking lot of the Junior School talking with Mr. Meeks, my parents and there might have been a few others. As we were about to go inside, all of us at the same time saw a shooting star and Mr. Meeks says, "See that....it is definitely going to be a magical night!" You see, that was the night he announced that we were accepted to attend "Disney Magical Music Days" where we got to perform concerts at Disney World and Sea World! I remember a song he shared with us at our end of year banquet with a framed print out of the words (I, sadly, can't find mine anymore.) But I will never forget that song or those words:
Friends Are Friends Forever by Michael W. Smith
YouTube Link: http://youtu.be/Ped1jYLFtkA
Packing up the dreams God planted
In the fertile soil of you
I can't believe the hopes He's granted
Means a chapter of your life is through
But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong
And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends
And with the faith and love God's given
Springing from the hope we know
We will pray the joy you live in
Is the strength that now you show
We'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong
And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends
And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends
To live as friends
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends
No a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends
Even when a chair or a music stand flew through the air, (we knew to duck because it was usually aimed at the percussion section or in some cases, those rowdy trumpets! ;) hahaha) we knew deep in our hearts that you loved each of us. Mr. Dan Meeks, you were the best of the best and because of that you spurred a deep love for music that I can now share with my children...teaching them all I know and I can do so now with confidence because you taught us not only music but you taught us how to care. Thank You, Sir!
No comments:
Post a Comment