My high school band director was born on this day in 1935. He was a mentor and a friend. He was one of the most important influences in my life both in high school and after.

I have told this story before, but for new readers it is worth repeating. My junior year was a rough one for me and Mr. Shaner was always there with an ear to listen. He offered support, direction and advice. So when they planned the band banquet for that year, they wanted someone to do a speech about him. I volunteered.

I said that after you spend enough time with him, he begins to grow on you. I went behind the podium and put on a bald cap. (laughter) I then went behind the podium and came back with a baton and then imitated the way he’d look at it and such. (more laughter) I then went into a tirade of phrases and such that he often said in class like, “There is no way that you practiced this!” “The trumpets are way too loud again.” etc… (out of control laughter)

I had no idea how I was going to end the speech. I think I had just planned to say some nice things on behalf of our band. I ended up thanking him for all he did for me. It was an emotional and unscripted moment.

Afterward, he came up and wrapped me in a hug. He said to me, “That was the worst impression I have ever seen!” This brought more laughter and wound up being one of my favorite photos.

The following year, he got me back by doing a spot on impression of me which brought down the house! It was absolutely amazing!

After graduation, I approached him about getting the alumni together to march in the homecoming parade. They used to have an alumni band, but it hadn’t performed for a while. He was totally open to the idea and even ran rehearsals for us.

We started out with a bunch of us old folks and had a blast!

The above picture is from the first year. The band was back together! Eventually, we even got sweatshirts printed up and we actually looked like we had a “uniform.”

The group continued to perform up until the year after Mr. Shaner retired. I remained in touch with him up until his passing in 2020. I think of him often and he is always on my mind on August 1st.

Happy Heavenly Birthday, TS. You are missed.