Mr. Edgar Quarles Rooker became my band director in the 9th grade, when several of us were transferred, during forced busing, from Kiser to Mendenhall in 1971-72. We were not happy campers, having to leave Mr. Herbert Hazelmans renowned 1st period band. I got into trouble just once with Mr. Rooker when he confiscated my slide bottle, after I had sprayed Paul B. Troxler during rehearsal. Back then, you didnt ask for anything back, and no parents intervened; we were too scared to tell them. But as I was packing up my horn, he threw it back to me, warning, Bernie, next time, its mine! Mr. Rooker and I both ended up the next year at Grimsley High School. He was the Concert Band director, and only got those players who didnt make Symphony Band. The duty also fell to him to conduct - with a yardstick from the balcony - the massed bands on the floor of the Grimsley Gym during our fall Greensboro City Schools Gala - there must have been over 1,000 of us. When I played the Blue Bells of Scotland during my senior year, he was so excited to teach it to the Concert Band, and we took it on the road to a couple of run-out concerts. Mr. Rooker came to my senior recital at UNCG. He also came to my conducting concert while student teaching. I never remember inviting him to these events; he just kept track of me, and showed up. He was very proud to welcome me to my first NCMEA Convention in 1981, and ten years later, nominated and pinned me into membership in ASBDA. My first judging experience was on a panel between Ed and Ray B. Haney, and thats exactly where most of my ratings fell - in between theirs! After teaching dozens of years with him at UNCG Summer Music Camp, frequently on the same concerts, I will always appreciate the great influence Ed Rooker had on my life as a student, musician, teacher, and person.
Posted on: Thu, 03 Apr 2014 02:58:07 +0000
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