Bill Benz
Residing In: | Myerstown, PA USA |
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Spouse/Partner: | Sharon |
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Children: | Jeffrey, born 3/6/1964; Laura. born 6/17/1965 |
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Occupation: | retired computer programmer |
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Bill's Latest Interactions
I was greatly saddened by the news of John White's passing. He was a
good friend. I appreciate all the comments on John that my classmates
have sent in and would like to add my own.
No one has mentioned that John was a trombone player in the great Mt.
Lebanon High School Marching Band. That he was. I played snare
drum in the same band and happily remember all the trips we made for the
band --- Friday nights for the football game half-time shows and
then serious travel for the Rose Bowl and Orange Bowl parades. John was
a dedicated musician, but he never talked much about it with his
friends.
My drum teacher Mr. Allebrand took John and me and a few others to
performances by Stan Kenton's big band. If you don't know Stan Kenton,
you should. He was a big deal in the era of Big Bands. His band was
maybe 35 or 40 professional musicians playing at a huge dance hall. The
first time we went, John managed to actually talk to Stan himself and
request that the band play a specific number. Stan apologetically
confessed that the music sheets for that number were not packed or
travelling with the band. .
The following year we went to hear the Stan Kenton band again. Stan
somehow sought us out and spoke with John for fifteen minutes or so.
They had brought the music that John had requested and played it first
thing!
I tell this story mainly to indicate how people responded to John.
Posted on: Dec 20, 2020 at 4:33 AM
Posted on: Dec 20, 2019 at 4:35 AM
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Posted on: Dec 20, 2017 at 4:33 AM
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Posted on: Dec 20, 2015 at 4:33 AM