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REGINA ALBA Azusa High 2002
	In band from 1998 to 2002
	I was in: Marching Band, Jazz Band, Orchestra,
	Other activities: PAGENTRY/WINTER GUARD
	Instrument(s): Alto Sax,Tenor Sax,Flute,Piano
	I Rarely play my instrument

I remember	Freshman yr.	Sophomore yr.	Junior yr.	Senior yr.
Director	Susie Marin	Susie Marin	Susie Marin	Susie Marin
Drum Major	Joey Valenzuela	Regina Alba (me)	Me	Me
March	Magnificent 7	Africa	Horror	Paris

ALL MY THREE YEARS WITH HANGING OUT WITH LEROY HARRIS JR. REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND! MY FAVORITE MEMORY LIES WITHIN THE STAFF RETREAT FOR MY SENIOR YEAR. WE WERE HEADING UP THE MOUNTAIN ON OUR WAY TO ARROWHEAD LAKE. WHEN WE NOTICED THAT ONE OF THE OTHER VANS WAS LAGING BEHIND SO MRS. MARIN DECIDED TO PULL OVER TO WAIT UP. BUT SHE PULLED OVER SO FAST ON THE TURN OUT THAT DANNY PEREZ YELLED SO LOUD LIKE A GIRL CAUSE HE THOUGHT WE WERE GOING OVER THE MOUNTAIN. THAT WAS THE BEST MOMENT EVER!!!! THANKS MARIN FOR YOUR CRAZY DRIVING HABITS, YOU ALMOST SCARED US TO DEATH~ MY OTHER FAVORITE MEMORY WOULD BE..WHILE PRACTICING IN THE BAND ROOM, MY SECTION LEADER RAY MADRID DECIDED TO GO INTO THE UNIFORM ROOM FOR NO APPRENT REASON.. JUST THEN, RAY DECIDED TO COME OUT OF THE UNIFORM ROOM (WHILE WE WERE REHEARSING)ON A BIKE THAT HAD NO AIR IN THE TIRES. PARADED AROUND ON THE BIKE IN THE BAND ROOM (WHILE MARIN WAS TEACHING) AND THEN FELL CAUSE THE BIKE HAD NO AIR. MARIN WAS SO MAD THAT SHE HAD TO LAUGH AT HOW FUNNY IT WAS. RAY YOU ARE AWESOME!!! MY LAST FAWN MEMORY WOULD HAVE TO LIE WITH MY GRADUATION DAY. UNFORNTUNATLY MRS. MARIN WAS UNABLE TO BE THERE SO SHE HAD A SUBSITUTE TEACHER HANDLE THE GRADUATION. IT IS ALWAYS TRADITION THAT THE DRUM MAJOR GETS TO CONDUCT THE SONG @ GRADUATION. ON MY GRADUATION DAY THIS PARTICULAR SUBSITUTE THOUGHT HE COULD CONDUCT THE CEREMONY (SINCE HE HAD SOME MUSIC EXPERIENCE) AND I WAS FURIOUS!! THE WHOLE SENIOR CLASS SAW ME CRYING OUT OF FRUSTRATION CAUSE THEY KNEW HOW MUCH I HAD GIVEN INTO THE PROGRAM, AND TO NOT LET ME CONDUCT ON MY GRADUATION..THEY KNEW THERE WOULD BE TROUBLE. A COUPLE OF PEOPLE FROM MY SENIOR CLASS WENT DOWN TO THE SUBSITUTE AND TOLD HIM TO GET OUT OF HERE SINCE HE WAS NOT THE PERSON WHO SHOULD HAVE BEEN CONDUCTING. HE GOT MAD AND TOOK OFF. I KNEW I'D GET MY WAY. ESPECIALLY SINCE THAT'S THE BAND THAT I DEDICATED 4 YEARS OF MY LIFE TO AND GAVE 3 OF THOSE AS A DRUM MAJOR. I AT LEAST DESERVED TO CONDUCT THE LAST SONG FOR MY GRADUATION.
~ REGINA, Thu Dec 22 15:40:23 2005

Tracy Mayfield Brenner Azusa High 1974
	In band from 1970 to 1974
	I was in: Marching Band, Orchestra,
	Other activities: Mixed Chorus, All School Musicals, Concert Choir, Aztec Singers, Songleader my Junior Year, Co-Captain of the Varsity Swim Team my senior year,
	Instrument(s): Flute
	I Sometimes play my instrument
I think it's sad that no one's posted anything here since 2004. What's up with that?
I remember	Freshman yr.	Sophomore yr.	Junior yr.	Senior yr.
Director
Drum Major
March

Horse Talk Instructor (in the Choir Room at lunch!) Anyone remember that? Making Ray Rayes go nuts because he couldn't flare his nostrils! Reminding Paul Schlosser about how my brother Ross picked him up and put him in a trash can at lunch time once. When I was a Freshman in band, we had an upper classman that would teach us how to march. That person was assigned to us, and was responsible for us learning marching commands, and drill. My "Big Sister" when I was a freshman was Diane Ward. She was the first chair flute at the time, and the one of the piccolo players. She really helped me alot and I appreciated it. Years later, she started attending my church and i was able to tell her how much she helped me as a newbie in the band! When we were getting ready for National City, we would march out on Cerritos Ave. in the mornings during zero and first period. On one of these days the Seniors decided to pull a "senior prank" on all us lower classmen, and I remember standing at attention on the street while the seniors roamed through the ranks. They had eggs in their hands, and we all started looking very nervous, but, being the proud Aztec Bandsmen that were were, we didn't dare move. All of a sudden I saw confetti eggs being smashed on peoples heads, and to my horror, I also saw raw eggs being smashed on people's heads. Jim Cook, one of my brother's good freinds, a trumpet player, a senior, walked up to me, smiling, and I thought to myself, "Oh good! It's Jim, he'll be nice and not smash a REAL egg on my head! It'll be confetti, I can trust HIM!" NOT!!!!!! I got it with a raw egg right on the top of my head! Sad part was, I got permission to go home and wash the egg out of my hair, but I had to walk home because my mom wasn't home! And then I had to walk back to school, and I think I got in trouble for taking so long to get back to school. DANG THAT JIM COOK! But! To this day, I still talk to him!
~ Tracy, Sat Aug 6 00:54:09 2005

Jack Hunter Azusa High 1962
	In band from 1958 to 1962
	I was in: Marching Band, Jazz Band, Orchestra,
	Other activities:
	Instrument(s): Percussion
	I Still play my instrument

I remember	Freshman yr.	Sophomore yr.	Junior yr.	Senior yr.
Director	Ross Davis	Rosss Davis	Ross Davis	Ross Davis
Drum Major	Jack Frye	Jack Frye	Jack Frye	Darlene Kemper
March

OOPPS !!!!! Correction !!! Please note that Jack Frye was the Drum Major my Freshman -Junior Year, not Darlene Kemper. Darlene Kemper was Drum Major my last (Senior) year only. Sorry for the mistake. By the way, Jack Frye ended up being on the same Fire Dept. as my self retiring as a Battalion Chief. Also I forgot to mention that I met my wife while in the band at Azusa (Charrie Williams) and we have been married mow for 36 yrs. Thanks again for this wonderful web page.
~ Jack , Fri Oct 15 13:41:05 2004

Jack Hunter Azusa High 1962
	In band from 1959 to 1962
	I was in: Marching Band, Jazz Band, Orchestra,
	Other activities:
	Instrument(s): Percussion
	I Still play my instrument
After high school, I went on to major in music in college. I went to Cal Stae L.A. I decised to join the Fire Department before being drafted during the Viet Nam war and unpon returning from the Army decided to remain a firemen instead of making music my career. I remained a fireman for 35 yrs. and upon retirement started playing the drums again. I am currently playing in 2 different 15 piece "Big Band" Jazz groups.
I remember	Freshman yr.	Sophomore yr.	Junior yr.	Senior yr.
Director	Ross Davis	Ross Davis	Ross Davis	Ross Davis
Drum Major	Jack Frye	Darlene Kemper	Darlene Kemper	Darlene Kemper
March	Bravira

The best memories were the ones I had while in the Marching Band. We won 3 Sweepstakes trophies in a row at National City. We were invited to play at the winter olympics in Squau Valley as well as the Presidential Innauration parade in Washington, D.C. for President Kennedy. Unfortunatly back in the 60's the school board would not let us attend either. We performed for the Pro Bowl in the Los Angeles Colliseum among other things. It was a magical time. I was the Band President and will never forget my time while in band. It doesn't seem possible but I will turn 60 my next birthday. Hello to all the Azusa High Band members no matter what years you were in the band. Carry on the great traditon of the past as well as the future.
~ Jack, Fri Oct 15 13:10:24 2004

Kevin Dempsey Azusa High 1991
	In band from 1987 to 1991
	I was in: Marching Band, Jazz Band,
	Other activities: ASB, Football, Wrestling, Baseball, Tennis
	Instrument(s): Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone
	I Still play my instrument
I played Trumpet from 1987-89, Then BAritone and Trombone 1990-91. I have played in various rock bands after high school on both trombone and guitar.
I remember	Freshman yr.	Sophomore yr.	Junior yr.	Senior yr.
Director	Ted Burton	Ted Burton	Ted Burton	Ted Burton
Drum Major	Luis Lopez	Luis Lopez	Luis Lopez	Abel Acosta
March	Fairest of the Fair

My most memorable event was our 1989 Spring Break Tour of Arizona. We(Myself, George Lopez, Robert Gomez, Tommy Avila and Luis Lopez) found lots of trouble to get into that week. Toilet papering our hotel room (which brought the maid to tears), holding freshman over the rail for a birds eye view of the Grand Canyon, sneaking into the Mesa Community College gym for a few 4 on 4 basketball games and many failed attempts to sneak into the girls rooms late at night. Lots of harmless(or harmful) teenage, away from home for the first time, fun. I will never forget the friendships and the pride I gained as a member of the Aztec Band. We are and always will be the pride of AHS. We have more trophies and championships than all AHS sport combined. I still talk to and spend time with my fellow band mates and other Aztec band members. People Like Jim Rosales(Teacher AUSD, shocking, I know...)John Rosales, Samira Ghandor, George Lopez, Robert Gomez, Tommy Avila, Luis Lopez, Matt Sandlin, Adrian Acosta(Teacher AUSD)and many others. I spent 1997-2003 at AHS as Teacher as well. Once and Aztec always and Aztec...
~ Kevin , Wed Sep 15 14:53:32 2004

Mike SILVAS Azusa High 1969
	In band from 1967 to 1970
	I was in: Marching Band,
	Other activities:
	Instrument(s): I WAS THE MASCOT
	I do not play my instrument

I remember	Freshman yr.	Sophomore yr.	Junior yr.	Senior yr.
Director
Drum Major
March

I was the Little guy that marched with the band in the 60"s I remeber Kip Decker and Michelle Wolfe. Also going to National City. I have some pics from then i will attach them this weekend.
~ Mike, Wed Sep 15 12:32:03 2004

Susie Marin Azusa High 1994
	In band from 1994 to 2004
	I was in: Marching Band, Jazz Band, Drum Core, Support:
	Other activities:
	Instrument(s): Woodwinds
	I Still play my instrument
Band Director
I remember	Freshman yr.	Sophomore yr.	Junior yr.	Senior yr.
Director
Drum Major
March

All of them
~ Susie, Sat Sep 11 13:16:46 2004

Raymond Prittie Azusa High 1964
	In band from 1960 to 1963
	I was in: Marching Band, Orchestra,
	Other activities: Track and field
	Instrument(s): Bass Clarinet
	I do not play my instrument
I recently retired as an engineering manager with the LADWP. My current musical skills are limited to playing very very simple tunes on a piano, i.e. "Chop Sticks"
I remember	Freshman yr.	Sophomore yr.	Junior yr.	Senior yr.
Director	Ross Davis	Ross Davis	Ross Davis
Drum Major
March

Winning the Sweepstakes - again - at National City
~ Raymond, Mon Jul 19 22:09:34 2004

tricia rodriguez guerra Azusa High 1992
	In band from 1989 to 1993
	I was in:
	Other activities: pep club, pep squad
	Instrument(s): flute
	I do not play my instrument
i recall always being a first chair. i played in the chaffey honor band one year with other azusa band members. i tried out for the rose parade one year, but, unfortunately didn't make it.
I remember	Freshman yr.	Sophomore yr.	Junior yr.	Senior yr.
Director
Drum Major	luis lopez	abel acosta	tuttle	eric sorenson
March

band was just so much fun. everyone was so crazy. people that didn't go to school with tell me I must have been like that one girl in "american pie" with her "this one time in band camp" stories from all the stories i've told about band. like there was this one time we went to san diego and it was my birthday and susana brought a cake and told me it was a mexican tradition for me to take the first bite out of the cake, I knew she had to be joking, so when i went to take a bite out of the cake she smashed my face into the cake, and then she knock on all the doors on our floor so everyone could see.
~ tricia, Tue Jul 13 18:48:36 2004

Dixon James Azusa High 1973
	In band from 1970 to 1973
	I was in:
	Other activities: All School Musical Choir
	Instrument(s): trumpet and tuba
	I do not play my instrument

I remember	Freshman yr.	Sophomore yr.	Junior yr.	Senior yr.
Director	Al Clifft	Tom Jackson	Tom Jackson	Tom Jackson
Drum Major	Jon Koenig	Kip Decker	Kip Decker	Rick Rivera
March	The Southerner	Fairest of the Fair (?)

Missing sweepstakes at National City in 1973 by 1/10 of a point. It was a disappointment to lose, but we did such a good job, and won the showmanship trophy, so it was a great feeling.
~ Dixon , Tue Jun 22 14:43:55 2004

Natalie Adams Azusa High 2003
	In band from 1995 to 2003
	I was in: Marching Band, Orchestra,
	Other activities: Volleyball, Softball
	Instrument(s): Snare Drum, Pit, Clarinet
	I do not play my instrument
I staeted off playing clarinet in the 5th grade. Freshmen year I was in pit. sophmore through senior year I played the snare drum.
I remember	Freshman yr.	Sophomore yr.	Junior yr.	Senior yr.
Director	Susie Marin	Susie Marin	Susie Marin	Susie Marin
Drum Major	Regina Alba	Regina Alba	Regina Alba	Natalie Adams (me)
March	Africa	horror theme	tour de france	Native American theme

The Band retreats! (freshmen, sophmore, and junior year)
~ Natalie , Tue May 4 12:41:54 2004

Kirsten Fox Fox Azusa High 1979
	In band from 1976 to 1979
	I was in: Marching Band, Orchestra,
	Other activities:
	Instrument(s): flute/piccolo
	I Sometimes play my instrument

I remember	Freshman yr.	Sophomore yr.	Junior yr.	Senior yr.
Director	Tom Landes	Tom Landes	Tom Landes	Tom Landes
Drum Major	Frances Manning	Frances Manning	Kenny Alva	Steve Grinter
March

Every band review, parade, concert, and field show. It was some of the best times I ever had in High School, and I met some of the best people and friends in the area.
~ Kirsten Fox, Mon Apr 19 17:55:32 2004

Mark Greve Azusa High 1976
	In band from 1972 to 1975
	I was in: Marching Band, Jazz Band,
	Other activities: Student Gov't, golf, choir
	Instrument(s): trombone
	I do not play my instrument
No longer involved, but I do love instrumental music, classical,salsa. Have been to several drum & Bugle Corp compeitions.
I remember	Freshman yr.	Sophomore yr.	Junior yr.	Senior yr.
Director	Tom Jackson	Tom Jackson	Tom Landis	Tom Landis- I left band that year
Drum Major	Rick Rivera	Randy Alva	Fransis "Pep" Manning	Pep
March

The band tours, being with so many families while on the road. Being up all night at hotels, especially the National City Band Review. Hid a bottle of Jim Beam in bathroom toilet while escort mothers searched our room. That was close. This last year, summer 2003, at University of Washington Husky Stadium, Drum & Bugle Corp competition, looked two rows above me, saw my old band director from High School, Tom Jackson. Was a great reunion.
~ Mark, Wed Apr 7 17:41:28 2004

See Ifyoucanguess Azusa High 1974
	In band from 1970 to 1973
	I was in: Marching Band, Orchestra,
	Other activities: Student Government
	Instrument(s): woodwind
	I do not play my instrument
What talent? I was faking it.
I remember	Freshman yr.	Sophomore yr.	Junior yr.	Senior yr.
Director	Al Clift	Tom Jackson	Tom Jackson
Drum Major	Jon Koenig	Kip Decker? Rick Rivera?	Rick Rivera? Randy Alva?
March	???	???	???

Hanging out at the bandroom. Partying with my friends (Dave Hart, Vern Eppard, Steve Kloster, Mike Kloster, Bruce Akin, et al) before, during and after games. NOT getting to wear our hats backward as we marched out of the stadium after a winning football game (because we did not win one, single homegame all the time I was in band), so I guess this is not a favorite memory but rather a depressing, painful reminder that even though band was great, the football team sucked. Getting to know several of the girls in Drill Team. Having my shoes get "failed" before a parade because I didn't get them "white" enough. Having Mr. Jackson throw his baton at me in the middle of a piece because I was talking (it was fun making him blow up). Finally having someone, during my junior year, wear a uniform with a higher number than mine (the smallest uniform was #001 and the biggest was #100, I wore #99).
~ See, Thu Mar 18 16:09:37 2004

Tony Presti Azusa High 1968
	In band from 1964 to 1968
	I was in: Marching Band,
	Other activities:
	Instrument(s): Snare Drum
	I Still play my instrument
I bored Julie in an Email...I've always played since leaving Azusa. I studied with some great teachers including Murray Spivak in Hollywood, and Chuck Flores. I played in rock groups, including the Volume Five and the popular Soundproof Cookie Jar while in High School. After the group broke up in 1969, I moved to Detroit where I played with Justice Colt, 1970-1971, (search Justice Colt, 1970-1971...Tony Presti) After returning to LA, I played with a group called Von Ryans Express in New York as the opening act for Little Anthony and the Imperials. I went into the Air Force in 1975, and played in the drum and buggle corps. while in the service I would go to Jazz Clubs while off duty and play with local groups, including the Tacoma Community college Big Band. After getting out of the service I went to college in Detroit and played with the Macomb College Big Band, and began playing gigs in and around the Detroit area, including "the bird of paradise lounge" in Ann Arbor Michigan. I've continued to play and teach, and currently play Thursday Nights at "Colombo's Italian Restaraunt" in Eagle Rock California. I'd love to see some of the old guys...lol
I remember	Freshman yr.	Sophomore yr.	Junior yr.	Senior yr.
Director	Ross Davis	Ross Davis	Mr. Pete Graselli	Mike Seeley
Drum Major	Cheryl Wilkinson	C.W.	Calice Rhode?	I think it was a guy
March	Stars and Stripes Forever	?

National City...winning sweepstakes...dinner at the Bahia. Water Baloons...laughing till your gut ached. Getting sent outside to work on drum cadences. JAmming with the USC Band! Richard Armenta boarding the band bus....and saying, "May I have your attention please"? then he simply said thank you...and sat down! I was always in the last row...right end, I could see the whole band. I remember the absolute dedication, the remarkable precision, and perfect diagonals. I remember these people who were watching our band pass, and hearing them say, "Look at the way that kid is sticking his chest out...they really think their something" I remember sticking it out farther and thinking, "we're not just something, we're the best"! and this has been something I've never forgotten and live by...thanks to that experience.
~ Tony, Sun Jan 4 00:39:06 2004

Roberta Woolsey Vilarreal Azusa High 1976
	In band from 1972 to 1976
	I was in: Marching Band, Drum Core,
	Other activities: Aztec Singers Concert Choir Pep Club
	Instrument(s): DRUMMER
	I do not play my instrument

I remember	Freshman yr.	Sophomore yr.	Junior yr.	Senior yr.
Director	Mr. Jackson	Mr. Jackson	Mr. Landis	Mr. Landis
Drum Major		Randy Alva		John Sewell
March		Grandioso

My years with Mr. Jackson were the best. He was a bad-ass teacher with a really bad temper but we had a great Sweepstakes band!!! Drummers Rule!!!!
~ Roberta, Mon Dec 8 18:51:10 2003

Carol McGlumphy McIntosh Azusa High 1966
	In band from 1963 to 1966
	I was in: Marching Band, Orchestra,
	Other activities:
	Instrument(s): Clarinet
	I do not play my instrument
Less and less each year. I haven't touched a clarinet since graduating from high school, but I did continue to play the organ. Now my eyes aren't as good as they were so that, too, has ended.
I remember	Freshman yr.	Sophomore yr.	Junior yr.	Senior yr.
Director	Ross Davis	Ross Davis	Ross Davis	Pete Grasselli
Drum Major	Darlene Kemper	Cheryl Wilkinson	Cheryl Wilkinson	Cheryl Wilkinson
March	Stars and Stripes	Don't remember

Winning Sweepstakes at National City in 1963. That was my first parade because I was on split sessions the first part of the year and didn't get the "right session" to be in band. I had never felt so proud and excited before in my life as when the Azusa Aztec Marching Band took top prize. WOW! That was just the beginning of many more sweepstakes awards for our group. They were so great, and we have so much fun.
~ Carol, Tue Dec 2 15:05:59 2003

I prefer to keep myself anonymous Other School: Sierra Vista HS 2006
	In band from 2000 to 2010
	I was in:
	Other activities:
	Instrument(s): Eb Saxes (Alto and Baritone)
	I Still play my instrument

I remember	Freshman yr.	Sophomore yr.	Junior yr.	Senior yr.
Director
Drum Major
March

I would just like to say I am very awed. You (Azusa) have such a rich history, and I bet every single member in the Marching Band has such strong pride for being an Aztec. Great job, everyone. Keep making history.
~ I prefer to keep myself, Wed Nov 26 22:05:56 2003

Greg Roberts Azusa High 1967
	In band from 1963 to 1967
	I was in: Marching Band, Jazz Band,
	Other activities:
	Instrument(s): Percission
	I do not play my instrument
None. I do listen to the 8 track quite well
I remember	Freshman yr.	Sophomore yr.	Junior yr.	Senior yr.
Director	Ross Davis	Davis	GrASSelli	Seeley i think
Drum Major	Kemper	Wilkinson i think	Cheryl	Carlice
March

Puking in my suitecase at National City my sophmore year from drinking
~ Greg, Mon Nov 17 13:40:46 2003

glad stone Other School: GLADSTONE 2010
	In band from 1958 to 2010
	I was in: Marching Band, Jazz Band, Orchestra, Drum Core,
	Other activities:
	Instrument(s): EVERYTHING
	I Still play my instrument

I remember	Freshman yr.	Sophomore yr.	Junior yr.	Senior yr.
Director
Drum Major
March

MY FAVORITE MEMORY IS WHEN U GUYS KICKED OUR ASS AT THE GOLDEN DAYS PARADE
~ glad, Sun Oct 12 16:34:26 2003

Von Lambright Azusa High 1975
	In band from 1971 to 1974
	I was in: Marching Band,
	Other activities:
	Instrument(s): Trumpet
	I Rarely play my instrument

I remember	Freshman yr.	Sophomore yr.	Junior yr.	Senior yr.
Director	Tom Jackson	Same	Same
Drum Major	Kipper Decker	Rick Rivera aka "Mick Rivera"	Arturo Randolfo Alva
March	Father of Victory	El Capitan?

National City, Every Year (especially The Hana Lei, 1974)! Sweepstakes at Monrovia Round Up Days, and Covina Christmas Parade! Tours to Northern CA and Colorado!
~ Von, Sat Oct 4 21:39:29 2003

Kari Marie Donley Azusa High 2002
	In band from 1998 to 2002
	I was in: Marching Band, Orchestra,
	Other activities: Aztec Singers, Cross Trainers (Bible Club), Cross Trainers Club officer (Secretary/ Treasuer).
	Instrument(s): Flute
	I Still play my instrument
I have been playing flute sense age 13. I still play flute now with the Wind Symphoney Orchestra at Citrus College. In my Senior Year. Not only was in Marching Band and Concert Band on flute, I also sung First Soprano in Aztec Singers and First Alto in Concert Choir at Citrus College.
I remember	Freshman yr.	Sophomore yr.	Junior yr.	Senior yr.
Director	Ms. Susie Marin	same	same	Mrs. Susie Marin
Drum Major	Joey Valenzela	Regina Alba	same	same
March	The Thunderer	Glorious Victory	?	Mathaten Beach

Some of my favorite band memories are; Playing at the football games, compating in parades, feild shows, and bring home those well earned awards, especially the first place trophies from past field shows of my Sophmore and Senior year's in Marching Band. In Concet Band, going to festevels and bring home a #2 rating of all four -years. In Aztec Singers, doing community performences, Aztec Sing, Open House. With both Band and Aztec Singers; Night of the arts, Distrect Concert at Citrus College, and at my own graduation during my Senior year.
~ Kari, Thu Sep 18 11:10:32 2003

RANDY POPPERWELL Azusa High 1964
	In band from 1962 to 1964
	I was in:
	Other activities: chior
	Instrument(s): trumpet
	I Rarely play my instrument

I remember	Freshman yr.	Sophomore yr.	Junior yr.	Senior yr.
Director	ROSS DAVIS
Drum Major	WILKINSON
March	BRITISH 8th

national city, festivals
~ RANDY, Sat Sep 13 09:27:59 2003

Chuck Fulton Azusa High 1976
	In band from 1972 to 1976
	I was in: Marching Band, Jazz Band,
	Other activities: Tennis Team, Student Government (Supreme Court), Hiking Club.
	Instrument(s): Saxaphone
	I Sometimes play my instrument
Talented enough to enjoy and stay in the band. My senior summer, toured the US with the Kingsmen Drum and Bugle Corps.
I remember	Freshman yr.	Sophomore yr.	Junior yr.	Senior yr.
Director	Tom Jackson	Tom Jackson	Tom Landis	Tom Landis
Drum Major	Randy Alva	Randy Alva	Pep Manning	Pep Manning
March	Father of Victory	Grandioso	Bravura

The band tours of 1973 and 74 (visited Las Vegas, St. George, Flagstaff, and Durango) were the biggest events of memory. But, our trip to Zacatecas, Mexico was the largest thrill. I also enjoyed attending the football and basketball games (free of charge), and having a behind the scene and active role in the pep rallies. Enjoyed attemting to play a piece of music written by Rick Wakeman. Best of all, I enjoyed hanging out with the Manificent 5; my bestest buddies, Brian, Rose, Roberta, Fernando, and Ruth. Just a group of crazies enjoying youth.
~ Chuck, Tue Sep 9 02:16:17 2003

David Smith Azusa High 1969
	In band from 1965 to 1969
	I was in: Marching Band,
	Other activities:
	Instrument(s): Trombone
	I do not play my instrument
Served in the U.S. Army Bands at Fort Carson, CO Fort Lewis, WA Camp Casey, ROK Seoul, ROK Fort Huachuca, AZ I served as Trombone Section Leader, Squad and Barracks NCOIC, Drum Major and Conductor.
I remember	Freshman yr.	Sophomore yr.	Junior yr.	Senior yr.
Director	Mr. Peter Graselli	Mr. Michael Seeley	Mr. Michael Seeley	Mr. Michael E. Seeley
Drum Major	Cheryl Wilkinson	Carlice Rhode	Carlice Rhode/Greg Mayfield	David Smith
March	Gloria/ National Emblem	Father of Victory	British Eighth/Stars & Stripes	King Karl King

Winning the State Champion Military Boys Divsion of Drum Majors at the California State Championships held at Arroyo High School in April of 1969.
~ David, Fri Aug 29 15:01:13 2003

Ross Mayfield Azusa High 1970
	In band from 1967 to 1970
	I was in: Marching Band, Jazz Band, Orchestra,
	Other activities: I was in Choir and Aztec Singers. I was on the varsity swim team. I qualified for and went to CIF. (All by myself cause the coach was busy with something else!?) That was the same weekend as National City so I got to go to Long Beach Swim Stadium for CIF and then fly on PSA airlines down to San Diego to join the band for National City.
	Instrument(s): Trombone
	I Sometimes play my instrument
I still have my trombone, although 99 percent of the time it sits in the corner in it's case, only to see the light of day when some appropriate occaision like New Years Eve needs a loud blast or two.

I remember	Freshman yr.	Sophomore yr.	Junior yr.	Senior yr.
Director	Michael Seeley	Michael Seeley	Michael Seeley	Al Clifft
Drum Major	Carlice Rhode	Gregg Mayfield	David Smith	Jon Koenig
March	?	?	?	?

remember we used to block off Cerritos avenue so the band could practice marching in the street before parades. That was fun. I remember Coach Burch Drake coming up to Doug Dickey and myself, and asking - "You guys are in the band, aren't you?" We answered "yes." And he said, "Well, I'll tell you what, if you make sure that the band does really good and wins at parades, you don't have to come to P.E. for the rest of the semester." "But! If you get caught for being out of class, you'll be in trouble for ditching. So go lay low somewhere and don't get caught and you won't have to come to P.E." I remember the band uniforms were excellent for keeping the heat in on hot days and for remaining several degrees colder than the outside air temperature on cold days. I remember at National City in 1969, back at the hotel after the parade, someone decided it would be fun to drop a water balloon off of the balcony of their room. I think it was from about 6 floors up. The balloon was released, gravity took over and at about the halfway point in it's plunge toward earth, band director Michael Seeley and his wife stepped out of the safety of the lobby. Not realizing what was headed their way, they positioned themselves perfectly onto ground zero and the balloon scored a direct hit on Mrs. Seeley's head. In 1968 at National City I was staying in a room with my brother Gregg, Tom Landis and Jim Camin. Someone decided it would be fun to fill our beds with Corn Flakes. It was determined that the culprits were Debbie Kershner and Margo Brusnahan. I can still picture in my mind the image of Margo as she entered Mission Bay after being carried out and thrown off the end of a pier by my brother and Jim Camin. Margo is now my sister-in-law. I remember during band rehearsal, David Smith used to pretend that his trombone was a cannon. He would spin his hand next to the mouthpiece as if he were cranking the handle to raise the weapon into position. He would make fine adjustments for range and azimuth towards the intended target before silently announcing "FIRE!" as he motioned the slide in and out, imitating the weapons' recoil. One day, Smith's imaginary target became band director Michael Seeley. Mr. Seeley was working with the clarinets to make sure they were playing their parts correctly. As David raised his cannon into position, he leaned back in his chair preparing to fire his weapon. Smith mouthed the words, "ready......aim......FIRE!" And as the trombones' slide jerked from the recoil of the silent blast, Smith's chair flattened out from under him with a loud CRASH! and he ended up sprawled out on the bandroom floor. I remember cruising around Azusa with my brother, Jim Camin, Tom Landes and David Smith. One night we were driving up Pasadena Avenue at 11th Street and Wayne Franks, Dave Durrell, Mike Kershner and some other guys were there. They decided it would be fun to have a war firing skyrockets at each other back and forth across the street. Then some guys from the football team came cruising by and we all motioned for them to speed it up and go faster. They rolled through the stop sign and took off going up Pasadena, not knowing what we all knew. There was a police car sitting on the side of the road up past the curve. They were about to be written up when someone else went flying past and the cops decided to go after them instead. I remember in the summers we used to go to 31 flavors on 66 out in Glendora. This was back before traffic signals had magnetic sensor lines buried in the street. The signals were tripped by large black sensor pads that were in the traffic lanes. As you approached an intersection, the weight of your car going over this pad would trigger the signal. We'd get our ice cream and then go out by the car. There was one of these sensor pads on the cross street back from 31 Flavors. We (this would be David Smith, Tom Landes, Jim Camin, my brother Gregg and myself) would all stand outside by our car, on the cross street to Alosta eating our ice cream. We realized that the sensor for the traffic signal on Alosta was right next to us in the street and because we were easily amused, we came up with the brilliant idea that if we all jumped up and down on that sensor we could fool the signal into thinking there were a lot of cars approaching the intersection. So we started jumping up and down in unison on this sensor and we had the traffic backed up for 15 to 20 cars deep on Alosta. I wonder how many pissed off drivers waiting for the light to change looked over at us never realizing that the weirdos jumping up and down in the street were the cause of their delay.
~ Ross, Thu Aug 21 23:37:13 2003

Tracy Mayfield Brenner Azusa High 1974
	In band from 1970 to 1974
	I was in: Marching Band, Orchestra,
	Other activities: Mixed Chorus, Songleader, Aztec Singers, All School Musicals - Music Man, Oklahoma, Lil Abner
	Instrument(s): Flute
	I Sometimes play my instrument
Tell you what? About my instrument? Or about my experiences in band? Band was a blast, we were awesome, and yes, others have an opinion of their years in band, but, even though my years were from 70 to 74, the band was MOST awesome in the 60's. Sorry guys, but it was, and there has never been a class or year that compares with the Aztec Marcing band under the direction of Ross Davis.

I remember	Freshman yr.	Sophomore yr.	Junior yr.	Senior yr.
Director	Al Clift	Tom Jackson	Tom Jackson	Tom Jackson
Drum Major	Jon Koenig	Rick Rivera	Randy Alva	Randy Alva
March	Fairest of the Fair

My favorite memory.......hmmmmmmmm, there are too many to tell here. I think it would be the pride I felt in being a part of a award winning band, and the pride I had in being a Azusa Aztec. There really is nothing to compare with the feeling one got marching down at the Pike in Long Beach, the drums thundering off the tall buildings, everyone marching thier best, people stopping and looking, hearing people say "There goes Azusa, they're a really good band." That was an era that now, is gone, because the Pike is gone, and unfortunately kids don't get to experience that place. The Long Beach parade, the awards ceremony in the Long Beach Arena, the whole place filled with bands..........just too awesome. I know that field shows are the thing to do now, but you know, there's something to be said for street marching too.
~ Tracy, Wed Aug 20 09:24:42 2003

Julie Krejci Wilson Azusa High 1979
	In band from 1975 to 1978
	I was in: Marching Band,
	Other activities: German Club
	Instrument(s): Flute
	I Still play my instrument
After nearly 20 years of collecting dust I pulled my flute out of the closet and joined a community band this year. It is lots of fun and it is amazing how fast it comes back. The band's web site is www.jhcb.org

I remember	Freshman yr.	Sophomore yr.	Junior yr.	Senior yr.
Director	Tom Landes	Tom Landes	Tom Landes
Drum Major	Pep Manning	Pep Manning	Ken Alva
March	Army of the Nile	War March of the Tartars	French National Defile

So maybe I'm a little mixed up on the marches, it has been a VERY long time. I have many good memories from my time in band. National City was always fun, I remember everyone planning to flush their toilet at the same time and thinking since I was on the bottom floor there was no way I was going to participate (I married a plumber, go figure). Riding that rickety old roller coaster, the house of wax that years later they found a dead guy in. The bus breaking down of the freeway on the way home. Also when we all changed into our street cloths on the bus, boys and girls together. Those wool uniforms were so hot and itchy we could not wait to get them off. If my parents had known about that they would have had a COW! (as a parent now I can see their point) Going out to TP peoples houses after the Friday night football game before a Saturday parade. And getting my bottom chewed after our house got it and trying not to grin too much. Boy was my dad mad, I know all involved remember!
~ Julie, Tue Aug 12 22:46:31 2003

Updated: May 31, 2006
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