Mr. Robertson,First off, I want to say thank you for everything you have done for all of us over the years! I know that isn't enough for all the sacrifice and time that you have put in to your music programs and for your students. You have accomplished so much in your career!!
I didn't start off in Band my Freshman year like most. Instead, one of my friends that was in marching band got me involved. I volunteered my time to help load up the Penske Truck to go to field competitions in the northwest and help out with the Flower shop/Audrey II on the field. At a field show in Everett, WA, as we were unloading the equipment from the truck, I got to talking to you about how I used to play the Trombone back in elementary school. You talked to me about how I should pick up the Trombone again, and after a few months, I did. That was 1 of the best decisions that I ever made in High School. You allowed me to start remedial Band to relearn music, the scales, and the music for the field show for that year. You taught me and pushed me to learn. I learned and progressed so much so fast that you helped me change my whole class schedule to actually join the Marching Band class and worked me into the field show for the Rose Festival, Festival of Bands competition in 1995.
You always pushed me and expected a lot from me. Without me knowing, you taught me so much as a young adult. You reignited my love of music, I have life long friendships with my fellow band mates, because of you I always strive to do my best and always push my self to do better. You taught me many life long skills such as determination, hard work, leadership, attention to detail, and many more that that I still use to this day. Those skills that you taught, were used successfully while I served in the United States Navy. I even joined the marching band at Boot Camp. The marching was pretty easy for me.
I have MANY fond memories of High School and most all revolved around Marching Band one way or another; either at band camps, our travels, competitions, or just out and about with fellow band mates. Memories such as the almost knee deep mud at Grants Pass High School (was not fun moving the flower shop around in that) and making a clean sweep of awards in prelims and finals; learning new drills out in the hot parking lot of CRHS; the Florida Trip in 1996; the smell of wet wool uniforms after marching in the rain at U of O in 1996; marching in the complete down pour at the Starlight Parade in 1997, and winning State in 1996. I remember that I even got to help you decide on the new uniforms for Skyview High School by trying them on and discussing the pros and cons of them. Even after all these years, I STILL can remember all my parts and the full music to all 3 of our field shows. I even hum them at times to this day.
It was sad to hear that you were leaving CRHS. You had made CRHS Chieftain Marching Band one of the top bands not only in the Pacific Northwest, but in the country. You have an opportunity of a life time to start a new music program fresh, from the ground up. And look what you were able to do with that program. You once again showed everyone what you are capable of and made that music program one of most pristine music programs in the Pacific Northwest.
Unfortunately I put my horn down a while ago. But with memories of marching band flooding back to me over the past year, seeing our field show performances on Youtube, and watching the parades that I once participated in this year, made me realize how much I really miss it all. I miss the music, the Camaraderie, the Marching, and most of all, the fun! I decided that I am going to pick up my horn again. I hope that some day I can join the One More Time Around Again Marching Band. After my children seeing the videos and me talking about marching band, they are now interested and wanting to join Marching Band some day. I would LOVE to have you as my kids band director some day. I know that they would learn so much from you.
You have touched and taught so many life long skills to so many people over the years. May you continue to touch young lives, inspire people to strive high, and grow the love of music and the preforming arts. High School Marching Band & field show competition world is, in my mind, losing a legend. Your replacement has huge shoes to fill. I wish you well on the next leg of your journey Steve.
Neil Viertel
countryboy1978@msn.com
Columbia River High School Chieftain Marching Band
Class of 1997
Trombone 1995-1997
U.S. Navy Vet ('97-'08)
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