OUR RECENTLY RETIRED DIRECTOR
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Mr. Steinke
writes: I began my
conducting responsibilities with the band in 1977. At the time, I had
intended this to be a 3-year trial period to see if the somewhat tenuous
condition of the band could be stabilized. Apparently following a family
tradition established by my mother, who temporarily filled in as our
church organist for fourteen years, I somehow managed to stretch that trial
period to thirty-two years! This could arguably be attributed to my
aforementioned genetic inclinations, or just an odd predisposition peculiar
to certain trombone players with a flair for the dramatic. In any event,
thirty-two years is a long time to inflict my musical will and unique sense
of humor on innocent band members and unsuspecting audiences. The Milestones
theme of my last concert as the Knightwind Music Director is not intended as
a Maestros greatest hits program, but rather a representation of
significant influences, both people and events, that helped shape my musical
perspective. From Paul Hilgeman, my 8th grade band director (who introduced
me to playing Gabrieli canzonas and Vincent Persichetti), to Frank Crisafuli
of the Chicago Symphony, my long time mentor and friend (who would take an
ordinary trombone lesson and turn it into a six hour marathon session...with
lunch included), there have been many profound musical influences in my life.
These and others have all helped shape who I am on the podium, and I am
indebted to them. I also want to thank those
loyal audience members who, despite my occasional forays into tunefully
challenged programming, continue to come back to hear what the band will
do next. Never underestimate your value as witnesses to live music: you are a
critical component to the craft of the musician, and I am truly grateful for
your perseverance as listeners over the years. |
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Last, at the risk
of cranking up the maudlin meter and shamelessly wallowing in sentimentality
(definitely not one of the traits normally associated with me) I would like to
thank all of those patient folks in the band, who every week turn my musical
musings and meandering into eventual performances. It has been both a
privilege and pleasure to make music with you. As to life after
the podium (or is it down from?), nothing much has changed. I seem
to be busier than ever with my playing schedule, and also hope to expand on
my entry into bicycle racing. This year turned out to be moderately
successful for me, winning a Bronze medal in the state time trial
championships, a Silver medal in the state road race championships, and no
crashes. Personal caveat: those awards were for my age class. I am
slower than growing moss compared to the younger guys, but I figure I still
have a few good miles in me. FINE |
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