Austin Area Update
The frenetic pace has slowed somewhat since the end of the year - at least
it did until April rolled around. Here are the events that we have supported
since then:
April 2, 2004: Groundbreaking ceremony for the Cowboy Pavilion on the North
side of the Alumni Center. The program began at 4:00 p.m., with UT President
Larry Faulkner and Jim Boone speaking. We played Grandioso, The Eyes, and Texas
Fight and received a $200.00 donation for our effort. Thanks to all the folks
who made this during working hours, especially our special Guest Percussionist,
Derrick from the LHB!
April 17, 2004: Chi Omega Sorority Centennial. We were asked to play for the
many Chi Omega ladies who were attending the Chi Omega Centennial Celebration
at the Austin Music Hall. We played outside as each bus arrived, then moved
inside to play The Eyes and Taps as part of the ceremony. Thanks to all the
folks who made it through the long playing time and to Moton Crockett for conducting.
April 24, 2004: Delta Tau Delta Centennial Reunion at the Alumni Center. This
was a surprise appearance at the end of the dinner. We entered from the rear
of the hall, playing Grandioso. We did a few other traditional tunes and exited
quietly. We received a donation of $300.00 for this event. Thanks to everyone
who attended this late night event!
May 1, 2004: Band-O-Rama at the Erwin Center. We were invited by the LHB to
participate in Band-O-Rama for the first time in living memory. At the end of
the concert, the LHB made a square for us to march into. The combined bands
then played The Eyes and Texas Fight. Thaks to the 50+ members who made the
event. This appears to be a continuing opportunity for the LHAB to join the
LHB at future Band-O-Ramas.
May 8, 2004: Brenham Maifest Parade. Once again, we made the trek to Brenham
to participate in their annual Maifest Parade. As is our normal practice, we
rode our float around the parade route twice, playing the traditional music
- Grandioso, Victory, Wabash, March of the Longhorns, Texas Fight. At the end
of the parade, we did The Eyes and adjourned to the park for Barbecue, Beer,
and Blue Bell ice cream. We had a good turnout, and the folks in Brenham gave
us a nice $350.00 donation. Thanks to Moton Crockett for conducting, and thanks
to the Houston folks who joined us for the event!
May 20, 2004: Val-Pak Convention at the Alumni Center. The Val-Pak folks - yep,
the coupon folks - held their annual convention in Austin at the Hilton and
Convention Center. Their dinner at the Alumni Center was for over 1000 people.
We set up outside the Alumni Center entrance to play for each bus' arrival.
The Austin Wranglers cheerleaders were performing with us, and we were a huge
hit with the attendees. This was a very long event, with more than 20 buses
arriving - somehow, it seemed like a LOT more than that - but we made it to
the last one. This event was very good for the Scholarship Fund, with a $1200.00
donation from the organizers! Thanks to everyone who made it to the Alumni Center,
especially Moton Crockett for conducting! This event may bring us some additional
opportunities later on.
As always, "Thank You!" to everyone who participated and supported
us for these events. A big "Thank You!!!" to Moton Crockett (Our Fearless
Leader) for directing us at these activities. Id like to encourage anyone
who can to come and play these events if at all possible. Most of our activities
result in donations to the Scholarship Fund, so it is important to have a strong
showing whenever we can.
Please note: if you are not receiving our emails about these events (and you
would like to receive them), send an e-mail message to George Moxley (utband1@aol.com)
or me (dkjones@austin.rr.com) with
your current/preferred e-mail address and we will modify our list or add you
to it.
Hook 'em!
David Jones
Austin Area Representative