I just wanted to send you a note to tell you my deepest thanks for putting the reunion together. I had the most wonderful time this past weekend. I will remember this event as one of the memorable events in my life. I heard many other people say the same thing.

I managed to make the afternoon band session which I enjoyed so much. It was really wonderful being part of the band - and the experiences with everyone while we worked (and played!) so hard. It was good looking back and seeing that we still connect!

Just like the hundreds of other people who attended the "Big Weekend" - I wanted to say thanks for a terrific time. I saw people I never would have seen otherwise (or if I had seen them around town, wouldn't have recognized!), and it was a real treat!

Thank you so much for putting together such a phenomenal occasion. It was better than I ever dreamed it could be, although I was looking forward to it very much. It was remarkable how easy it was to get back into old friendships, and the playing session... WOW! What an incredible rush.

What a great weekend! We haven't stopped talking about it. We watched our video from the "concert" tonight. I never dreamed I would want enough video tape for the whole session and as a result only took enough for about 30 minutes. I would love to get a copy of the whole thing if you hear of anyone who got it all and would be willing to make copies if we supply the tapes.

I just wanted to thank you for all of your extremely hard work you put into this weekend. We really had a great time and rekindled tons of memories. Also, the CD Rom is wonderful. Watching our half-time shows gives me chill bumps!

I want to let you and your reunion team know that I had a great time. It was a wonderful weekend and I thought you all did a great job pulling it together. I got to see people I thought I would never see again in my life. Thanks a million!!!!!!!!!

Turns out that I was able to make it after-all to the main event last Saturday night and am very thankful that I did. Can't thank you enough for making this incredible event happen! Great Job! It was so great seeing so many people happy to be together again.

I hope you'll be able to avoid the Post Band Trip Letdown Blues. (Now it's back to the working equivalent of ap chemistry, calculus, civics, and all the homework that might entail...)

I just finished watching the videos from the CD and I'm just one big goose bump!!! We really were AWESOME! Every event last weekend and everything on this CD has really taken me back to those "glory" days.

I think I am even sadder now that I was not able to attend. Of course I knew that a good time would be had by all but I think it is in the retrospect that I realize just how much fun I missed. The older I get (and I am getting old!!) the more nostalgic I get. I am anxious to get pictures and see some posted online. Pictures are the next best thing to actually being there. As someone who was not able to attend I would like to thank you for all you did. It has been fun to read the bio's and to just remember those times. Boy, have lots and lots of memories been triggered!! Thanks for that, it means a lot!!

Got email from Kathy re: her web site with pictures. They brought tears to my eyes. Everyone looks the same, only older. What a great time. So very sorry I missed it.

Anyway, even if you are tired of hearing it by now, THANK YOU! It was one of the best reunions I have ever attended. I am so glad I came, and so sorry for everyone who didn't.

I can't tell you what a wonderful time I had and how much I appreciate all you did. Suffice it to say this was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. THANK YOU! You did a great job!!

I just wanted you to know how much I have enjoyed all the festivities. You did an OUTSTANDING job. It was a great success, and everybody I have talked with had a wonderful time.

THANKS FOR ADDING ONE MORE PAGE TO THE "TIMES OF OUR LIVES" MEMORY BOOK. THIS WEEKEND FAR EXCEEDED MY OWN & I FEEL SURE, MOST FOLKS EXPECTATIONS. BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!!!! I AM THOROUGHLY EXHAUSTED FROM ALL THE LAUGHING & SMILING & GOING.

I have to tell you....I had the best time and didn't want the night to end. I had a hard time getting my group out of the north hall to go home. We all ended up going somewhere else to close down a bar in town and to continue our catching up. I realized that I hadn't seen some friends in 17 years.

I'm sorry that I was not able to go all of the reunion, but I did enjoy seeing the folks that I did see, including Sparks and Ward.

The reuinion was fantastic!!! Thank you thank you thank you for all the hard work you and your committee put in to the events. I had a blast and saw people that I did not think I would ever see again. What a wonderful weekend!!

My favorite part was playing in the band on Saturday with Ward conducting. That man still has it - I'm sure he is great at what he does for a living now, but he was a genius in band directing. Playing on Saturday made me realize how much I miss the connection with those people and the ability to make music like we did then. It was special.

I could talk for an hour and still not be able to express all my gratitude and appreciation. Your efforts were monumental and the results phenomenal. The reunion exceeded all expectations!!! Sunday was like the day after Christmas, the reality that it had come and was now gone. Saturday was surely a day to remember. The afternoon session on stage blew the mind. The sound was amazing and so beautiful, and to have Dave up front directing again literally went back in time as if the past 30 years never happened. I was up there playing again with three other original members of the very first GHS drum line (from the first summer practice at Whitesburg in 69 before the school actually opened!) - I can not even begin to tell you how precious that afternoon session was. The words from Dave and Jim Saturday night left many with the realization that yes, these two guys were truly as great as we remembered, even more so - and that we all are very blessed to have been their students and to be life long members in a very special and unique society of pride and accomplishment called the Grissom High School Tiger Band.

We did not have an opportunity to thank you for all of the work you have done, or more importantly for the once in a lifetime experience that you have provided for so many of the grissom band family.

We were there just for the Sat breakfast and the CONCERT -- because it was that! The memories came flooding back. Wonderful music--- I doubt if it has been equaled anyplace, friends relating those tales that made band so much fun , a reminder of all the long hours and discipline it took to prepare for the contests --which were many. Barb and I were band parents and we want you to know that we had special friends there too and just watching everyone was a special treat. John also had his family there and I believe they learned something about their dad that they would never have known.

God Bless you and thanks for the memories ! It was superbly done !!

The feeling and atmosphere of the whole weekend is something I'll never forget. And it's something that could only be shared with the people in attendance, no matter what years they attended. I heard over and over again people say that it was much better than the standard "Class Reunion" and I agree.

I just wanted to again say thank you. Especially for those of us who were marching in that band 30 years ago, it was a real trip back in time. It was a wonderful weekend!

We agreed that it was the best get-together we've ever attended.

The game was exciting and more fun than any of us expected. We loved seeing Ward and the ex-drum majors conducting. Of course, winning the game and the city championship didn't hurt! Hearing the Budweiser theme once again was a real kick. And nobody could tell us "no"!

The pancake breakfast hit the spot and we hooked up with a lot more of our friends with plenty of time to chat.

The music session was the most amazing event of all. I believe those of us in the audience were as blown away by it all as much as the players and directors. Having Ward and Sparks miked was an inspiration. I have to say many of us were close to tears hearing how beautifully the pieces were played and with such spirit! And, truthfully, I saw some male members of the audience sniffing, too, and not from allergies! As I said when it was over, even if you haven't played in a while, a music education like y'all received at Grissom never leaves.

The VBC event was the perfect ending. The food and the hall were great and the mix of structured and non-structured time was just right. The tribute to the deceased members, with the perfect band piece in the background, was outstanding. We reluctantly left that night with such warm and wonderful feelings.

And I especially want to thank you and all the band alumni for making the band parents group feel so welcome. I don't know when I've enjoyed myself so much as I did Friday night and Saturday, talking with so many of Anne and Steve's friends from that most memorable time. It was such a congenial group and it reinforced long-held feelings that that was one of the "best of times." You certainly helped bring back (and to renew) wonderful memories.

You have made last weekend a time of my life that I will never forget! I too, was absolutely floored at the quality of music we made together on Saturday. It all made sense, however, when Dave asked for a show of hands of those who were in All State Bands. VIRTUALLY EVERYONE!!! You will never know just how much I appreciate you and your committee's efforts to make this a highlight in my life. I am 47 years old, and have experienced much in life. Last weekend, though, ranks right up there. When we were done playing together on Saturday, it stirred up a feeling and an emotion in me that was not unlike the one I had as a Senior in high school. It was like the feeling I had when we just finished playing the last note at Six Flags competition. Before anyone could say anything, I knew we had WON! What anticipation, what exitement, what a wonderful feeling of accomplishment!!! And what a unanimous feeling of team pride.

What a great weekend you and your committee put together! There were so many high points I can't begin to list them. The Sat. playing session was probably the best part. Being so far from Huntsville, it was a real treat just to come back and relive the memories.

The weekend was absolutely perfect. I did everything (except show up on time for breakfast) and definitely, for me the highlights were playing again on Friday night and Saturday afternoon. I even spent the in between times reading through the booklet and I really appreciate the quality photo/video CD.

I can say without a doubt (don't mean to get mushy, sorry, but gimme a break since I'm a pastor now) that this reunion weekend will go down as one of the highlights of my adult life. It's amazing to look back 17-20 years and realize just how important the band was in my life. I even wonder if I would be a pastor now if it had not been for the leadership, commitment, and passion I learned in that band. It was a little like getting a glimpse of heaven (and another glimpse over the weekend) that gives me hope for my life and ministry and a sense of purpose - I want to be a part of something like THAT with each chapter of my life.

And though I haven't played my trombone much over the years, I picked it back up and began practicing last year in preparation for the reunion ... and ended up being the only trombonist that brought their horn back for the game ... and during the reunion weekend I was offered a gig (must still have it!) by one of the other trombonists who play and teach professionally, and now I may play semi-professionally around Birmingham to add another facet to my life. Wow.

Thank you for an experience that truly brought my life back around full circle.

What a great weekend! My sister and I were talking after Saturday night and we couldn't think of anything that could have been done any better.

What a wonderful weekend! It was better than I even imagined it would/could be! I agree, that the Sat. afternoon playing session, which I adamantly insisted that I would not participate in (believing that you "can't go home again") was one of the most fabulous, surrealistic experiences of my life. I even got one of those eye-contact things that only happens in the GHS band and with Ward or Sparks and that made me, as a teenager, want to play better each time so I could get "one of those". To me, that is worth almost anything. I think that, before this weekend, I would have sold my soul to the devil to experience what I experienced this weekend. And, to think: I didn't have to do that! All I had to do was to show up and go with the flow!!!!! I thank you, from the very bottom of my heart, for this weekend. I laughed and cried and floated on cloud nine the whole weekend. I am exhausted, and exhilarated, and feel like I have recaptured some of the joy of life that used to be mine when I was in that time of my life. Please realize that this was an unbelievable experience for, I'm sure, everyone, and I hope for you as well.

Thank you again for creating a dream come true for me. I am honored and blessed to have been part of this, now and then.

Just wanted to share with you my side of Saturday afternoon. I haven't played my french horn in about 16 years, nor my piano in 3-4 years. So I was not really to interested in attending the "play together" gig on Sat. afternoon. And after staying up until 3:30 am Friday nite, I was really tired & left the brunch to go home & take a NAP. Well..............after 30 minutes at home I thought "Stupid , this IS your band reunion & there ARE people down at the school along with Ward......GO."

ANYHOW, Saturday afternoon lit some fires under me. Today I went to the music store & bought some music for my horn that has a CD accompaniment music with it & got the horn out & I hope will keep it out. What a blast!

I know you have gotten 5,000,000,...,000,000 emails saying THANK YOU!! But I have to say it too. This weekend was worth every second you put into it for me. I missed talking to a few people, but I will hit them at the next reunion.

I thought the 'jam session' Saturday afternoon was awesome. Those people on stage were not a band per se, since there was such a wide range of ages, but nevertheless, the music was still there in their souls. I was impressed!!!

As a band parent who enjoyed sharing in and watching the warmth of friendship so apparent int the gatherings last Saturday, I thank you. Many wonderful memories and friendships rekindled.

What a fabulous weekend!! Thanks for your vision of getting us all together and for all the time and effort you put into making this a weekend to remember! I can honestly say I had some reservations going into the event-(would I recognize anyone, would we even WANT to see each other again, etc) and once we were all there--it was the greatest!! The football game was fun and the current band is continuing the tradition of excellence. It was nice of the team to win, too! The pancake breakfast was a great idea and I especially enjoyed seeing the school again. The music session was awesome!! I could not believe how great they sounded. And even though I didn't play, it was truly a moving experience. The "formal" event was great fun too. Ya'll did a great job on decorations, favors etc. Having old uniforms there was interesting--my have times changed. WHEN we do this again, you'll have to put the word out for more people to bring memorabilia to share. I also wish we could have somehow compiled a brief history of each year--songs played at half time shows, state contest, and what marching contests and concert competitions we are in each year and what we scored. I don't know if anyone kept those records, or if we would have to put it together from memory. Anyway, just and idea for the future. As to doing it again--I bet you could get a person from each class to be responsible for contacting fellow class members and encouraging them to come. Maybe do it again in 5 years? I think we all had so much fun, that it would be easy to convince others to come!! Thanks again for all you dedication and hard work. You have given us an opportunity to renew old and dear friendships and to relive a wonderful time in our lives!!

What an incredible weekend. I honestly felt like I was back in high school and that the 20 or so years since then were gone. To say much more would only be understating how wonderful the weekend was. Thank you for your thoughtfulness. I'll treasure this for a long time.

I can not express how much the reunion meant to me. I was not sure what to expect after all of these years, but some of the most 'forgotten' memories of my high school years came back full force. The highlight was Saturday night and I have lost sleep ever since trying to absorb all of the memories and friendships rekindled.

It was truly one of those "add to permanent list of great memories" type of events. It was really great seeing everyone again.

After playing with the band Friday night, conducting the fight song one last time, and then playing for Sparks again and Ward for the first time, I had a very complete weekend. That rehearsal/ performance/ jam session (or whatever you want to call it) was very therapeutic. I really miss learning music that well.

I looked forward to this reunion with so much anticipation, because I had a wonderful high school experience, and I knew being in the band was a big part of that. I didnt know what exactly to expect from the reunion, but I hoped for a memorable experience. and That is exactly what I got. Just being among the folks that made high school great and finding out what they were up to and then feeling that " togetherness" and comradere that we used to have was just super. One reason the band sounded so good Saturday afternoon was because I was in the auditorium...I enjoyed listening more than I would have if I had attempted to pucker up behind that horn..you guys sounded superb, I cant believe I used to belong to such a great organization. I had floods of memories crossing my mind as i listened, like having a Christmas concert in the cafeteria.......and all those stupid things ward and sparks used to say....funny they still say those things...watching ward direct "uptight" at the game was priceless.

It was WONDERFUL! We can't thank you enough for the work that you (& the committee) put into the reunion! And like you said, it was really neat looking around and seeing folks talking with each other! ...and playing in the same "band" as Connie for the first (and maybe only) time ever! So many memories to share... and so many more yet to come! There is no way a class reunion could ever come close to what we had this weekend. Performing together pulls something out of us that nothing else can. Both Mr. Ward & Mr. Sparks talked about how successful we have been. Mark York summarized their influence very well: they taught us HOW to be successful. Lots of HARD WORK.

What a great weekend! It was so cool to come home and see so many people that were so special that I had lost touch with.

Time travel just wasn't possible until last weekend! It was truly amazing - the years melted away and we were together again. Sitting in the audience and listening to the band (old band members) was awesome and a tear jerker. How lucky we all are to be a part of it. Thank you for your vision!

My 20th Class reunion was okay, but this was EXCELLENT! There were a few friends (mostly bandkids), a lot of acquaintances and a lot of strangers at my class reunion...this was like everyone was family! Even the ones too young or old for me to know had a common bond through the music and whole spirit of the Grissom band and the weekend. I had forgotten what it was like to be part of such a group. I've not experienced anything else like it anywhere, and am happy to have revived such warm memories. I'd almost become convinced with age, that it was all colored by youthful exuberance and was probably more common than it seemed back then, but we really DID have something special didn't we?!