I admit it; I was a failure playing a clarinet in about fourth or fifth grade. I’m rhythmically challenged, too. As I remember when we were introduced to personal instruments in grade school I was interested in playing a horn, say a trumpet or cornet, but, since I was wearing braces at the time, I got a clarinet. In recent years I've wondered if I might be a musician now if I had tried playing a horn, instead, back them.

I listened to Rock and Roll as a teenager, and I still like the oldies from that era, but I don’t listen to it very much.

A required course in music appreciation in college gave me a little (very little) knowledge and a liking for some/much classical music.

In the summer of 1997, through the activities of my son-in-law, I was introduced to the sound of British Brass Bands. I was hooked on the sound immediately! Since then I’ve become quite a fan of British-style Brass Bands and have become a follower of several in the Midwest and a member of the North American Brass Band Association (NABBA).

The pages linked to this page contain more information about brass bands, both in general and specific groups, and other musical groups that my wife and I appreciate.