I think I knew it from the beginning.

My earliest favorite toys were ones that made music.

My father played violin, trumpet, ukulele, and later in life organ. I fondly remember my dad getting the uke out, opening song books and we children singing along with those old, corny songs.

Before I was eligible for school band, I got into the tonette and flutaphone (recorder) ensembles and learned how to read music.

As soon as I was eligible, I joined the school band. Pompano Beach, FL was a small town then so all the new guys got a practice pad and a pair of drumsticks. I learned the required rudiments quickly and learned to control the drumsticks.

Then the tenor saxophonist's family moved away, the sax rental was available, the band director asked who would like to try it, and I guess I was more enthusiastic than the others.

I took to it well, and was first tenor in the all-state band every year, and I also took section leader away from the default first alto.

My first professional gig was when I was in junior high school. I played in the school band, but after school, I was in this little rock n roll band. We were terrible, but so was everybody else back then.

We got the gig to play at a junior high dance. So there I was on the stage with my very best friends at the time. We were having the time of our lives, playing the top40 songs of the day to the best of our ability. I looked up and that cute girl who didn't even acknowledge my existence in English class was making eyes at me. And at the end of the night, they actually paid me money!!!

That night, I said, "This is what I want to do for the rest of my life."

I'm of retirement age and have no plans to do so. I still think gigging is the most fun I can have with my clothes on.

Insights and incites by Notes

Bob "Notes" Norton smile Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com

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