The Gold Beach High School Band is so good this year that they’ve won the right to compete in the state competition against other top Oregon high school bands in Corvallis May 6-7. No one can remember the last time that’s happened, and the reason is because of our new music director, Mike Reetz, is so superbly talented and charismatic that he pulled the best out of these outstanding young musicians. Everybody is very excited about this.

The band gave its annual spring concert at the school gym the other night, and Mike gave out awards to some of the band members. The children and grandchildren of Backwoods Home Magazine employees picked up a bunch of them, as did some of BHM’s friends, and even BHM’s owner. It was like a near sweep at the Emmy’s.

The photos show the recipients and describe the instruments they play. The Denning girls are the daughters of BHM Editor Rhoda Denning. The Duffy boys belong to Lenie and me. Cameron Adams is the grandson of BHM Ad Manager Lorraine Adams. Matt Anderson is our personal friend and frequent visitor to both the BHM office and Duffy home. Ilene, of course, is the BHM business manager and owner, along with Dave, of BHM. She volunteers for many things at both the grammar and high school.

Mike Reetz is the real hero of the band’s success. He rode into town from North Dakota one day at the beginning of the school year and took over the band. Things have changed completely since then. He made our band a contender, and famous in our own eyes. Gold Beach will be lucky to keep this young man a few years before he moves on to the bright musical future that is awaiting him. Maybe we can strengthen him in the process by showing him what good, hard working kids from a small town can do.

I’m delighted; I love good music.