band

I was a band geek. From 1989-1993 I was in color guard, winter guard, field band, parade band, concert band, and drum circuit. I started in color guard, however, I blew out my knees my freshman year, and from then on my participation was sporadically based on whether my knees could handle turns, jumps, and “jazz” runs. Through it all, Chuck was our coach. He smiled, laughed, yelled, got frustrated, but was always respectful, caring, and pushed us to do our best. He showed us how.

My tribute at his obituary site:

Chuck was my coach on and off for 4 years. He arrived for his first year at La Canada High School my freshman year. When I blew out my knees and could participate in Color Guard anymore, he was kind and caring. He pushed me when he felt I wasn’t giving my best. He was patient when I didn’t understand something. And when I faked a particular move for the *entire* season because I just didn’t get it – he didn’t say a word. I trusted and respected him as a teacher. I’m so sorry for your loss.

His obituary:

Donald “Chuck” Ward Jr. (January 17, 1962 – August 21, 2010)

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Donald “Chuck” Ward, Jr., 48 of Los Angeles, CA. passed away in London, England on August 21, 2010 with his partner and family at his side. Chuck was a native of Lysander and a 1980 graduate of C.W. Baker High School, Baldwinsville. Chuck received his Master of Arts in Student Development from Azusa Pacific University. Chuck was a Counselor & Professor at Pasadena City College for 22 years. He was also a National Conference judge for various Marching Band and Color guard competitions. Chuck was pre-deceased by his sister, Donna L. Ward of Baldwinsville in 2009.

Survivors: His partner of 20 years, Robert Cook, Jr of Los Angeles; his parents, Donald C. and Alice B. Ward of Baldwinsville; five sisters, Sally (Gordon) Clarke of Cato, Norma (Stan) Newman of Sandy Pond, Margaret Seeley of Pulaski, Nancy (Skip) Thomas of Baldwinsville and Kathy (Dave) Rode of Sterling; a great-aunt, Mildred Beebe of Baldwinsville; and several nieces and nephews.

Services: Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service on Thursday, September 2, 2010, at 11:00am in Lysander Cemetery, Lysander, NY.

Contributions: PCC Scholarship Fund, C/O Cynthia D. Olivo, Ph. D., 1570 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA. 91106.

http://falardeaufh.com/obituaries/obit.php?id=Obit-2010-02

A question response! Yay!

L., an old friend from high school asked

band memories – Germany?:)

I’m a band geek. What she’s talking about was the trip we took to Germany and Austria my freshman year (her senior year, I believe.)

We went to be in a “parade” in Munich for Easter. It wasn’t, in fact, a parade. We actually, if I recall correctly, just played standing still in the city quad. I have pictures, but they’re packed away, so I can’t scan them. I know there are some floating on the internet, I’ll grab them and link them here.

Anyway – memories. That year, I was in the color guard, and not playing in the band yet (I blew out my knees and had a hard time marching, so at one point I played in pit percussion so I wouldn’t have to march or dance in the field shows.)

I don’t remember much from the trip – probably because it felt like a whirlwind, and it was only the second time I’d traveled away from my parents.

I do remember having a yellow shirt I had to wear because my mother packed it and it was the only clean thing left. I remember my roommates. I remember that we had free time in Munich, and my roommates and I got lost on the subway. Which was awful, ’cause I really really had to go to the bathroom. We found the hotel again just in time. I also remember feeling rather grownup because we got lost on the subway. In Germany. Where all the signs were in GERMAN and we still found our way back to the hotel without having to ask a grownup. I was only 13/14 at the time, so it was a huge deal.

I remember my purse got stuck in one of those turnstyle doors.

I remember we played a concert at a castle in Austria, and thought it was absolutely gorgeous. I still want to go back and explore Austria more.

I remember one girl who shall remain nameless being completely airsick nearly the whole upteen hour flight. And then back again.

I remember buying this decoration – I don’t even remember what exactly it was. A decorative egg, I guess, of some kind, that fell apart eventually. I kept it for years.

Other than that all I have are impressions. All good impressions. A feeling of warmth when I look back.

Chuck Ward, 1962-2010

Germany Memories

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