In my college classes we discussed what it takes to get an audience’s attention. “What is the role of artistry vs. the shock value of a moment?” “What does it take to get your attention?” Often, wardrobe malfunctions, same-sex stage kisses, erotic dance moves, suggestive lyrics, outrageous tweets, and other examples entered the mix. An … Continue reading Attention! →

Several years ago, we had the privilege of playing for a wedding in France. My French is not very good, so I was only able to pick up on some of what the Priest had to say. He used the word, “confiance,” in his homily – confiance – confidence, or trust seemed to be the … Continue reading Confidence →

A few years ago, one of my doctors retired. I miss his care and advice. Even more, I miss the little conversations we used to have on various topics. Full disclosure – one reason he retired is because the corporation dictated that he couldn’t spend time on such conversations. The process was becoming too much … Continue reading Intelligence →

Many years ago, I decided to change things up a little in my critical thinking class. I was growing impatient with all the emphasis on leadership as an educational buzzword – leadership conferences, leadership courses, leadership seminars, leadership development, and so on. I began to wonder about followers. What would leaders be without followers? So, … Continue reading Followership →

In search of wisdom… Job, Chapter 28, asserts that wisdom cannot be found in gold, silver, or precious gems. According to this passage, wisdom is “hidden from the eyes of every living thing.” Even destruction and death have only heard rumors of wisdom. God alone knows where to find it: “The fear of the Lord … Continue reading Wisdom →

Newborn Home Our family home had its closing last week... I was born in 1965 – When a young man at last had the means. His eldest son was the “rod man” While he surveyed my foundation. So, I was brought into existence As a place for his family of five. For two decades I … Continue reading Home →

Perhaps not one of my finest moments… During my first year of college teaching, at a regional state university somewhere south of Indiana, I had a trumpet student who thought he knew it all. I’ll call him Bob. No matter what anyone mentioned, Bob said he had already heard of it or had done it. … Continue reading Dick Slangsteen →

I still have a page from an old trumpet method book – chromatic studies – where I boldly scrawled, “repeat until you die!” Obviously, I was feeling frustrated enough to shout at myself in writing. The “advice” was valid though. I kept working on chromatic studies until I became proficient and didn’t feel the need … Continue reading Discomfort →

Originally written in 2020. I grew up watching shows like Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Maverick, Paladin, The Rifleman, Wyatt Earp, and The Lone Ranger. I probably owe more of my sense of morality to those shows than I want to admit. I realize it would be easy to criticize these TV dramas for being simplistic, anachronistic, or … Continue reading Heroes →

In 1973, I had an opportunity to be appointed to the US Naval Academy. I had met all the academic requirements and passed the physical exam. All that remained was to have my congressman write a letter of recommendation. Before he could do so, I needed to let him know whether I intended to accept. … Continue reading Windows →