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In case you are unaware, George N. Parks, a fine tuba player and passionate director of the UMass Minuteman Marching Band, died yesterday. His infectious enthusiasm for music will no doubt be missed and his influence in music education and all things marching will continue to be felt.

I went to his drum major camp in the summer of 1981. It was huge for my personal development. I never saw him before or after that week, and it was a long time ago now, but this news has nevertheless caused me real grief. There are so many of his "starred thoughts" that I still carry around with me today. What a great man, and a great teacher. The loss to the musical world is tremendous. "May light perpetual shine upon him."

EDIT: Did anybody else ever see him throw a mace about fifty turns, to the top of a stadium, and catch it spinning? That was the least of the things that made him great, IMO. I didn't even know he was a tuba player until I read the original post here! In my mind, he lived and died a drum major's drum major.

talleyrand wrote:Did anybody else ever see him throw a mace about fifty turns, to the top of a stadium, and catch it spinning? That was the least of the things that made him great, IMO. I didn't even know he was a tuba player until I read the original post here! In my mind, he lived and died a drum major's drum major.

George was the drum major of the West Chester University of PA Golden Rams marching band when I was there getting my undergrad. George would heave that mace, walking straight ahead with his eyes level, and after what seemed like an eternity it would fall into his hands without any motion, eyes still flat. A great performer, and a valuable part of the tuba studio.

I haven't seen George since, but it is easy to extend that his positiveness, joy and pursuit of perfection continued to make him irreplaceable as both a director and a person. I know that he was able to share this with a number of directors and professionals.

Much too soon, but rest in peace, my friend.

I marched in the Reading Buccanneers under his direction for many years in the late 70's - early 80's, he was a motivator and an unbelievable showman.

If you could total up all the kids he has inspired and motivated to do their best over his career, including UMASS, his Drum Major Academies, and directing band festivals for the past 30 some years it has to total well over 10,000 youth.

Truly an inspiration. He had more energy at 57 than most people have at 27, it was truly a shock to hear of his death.

ken k