Ray Robinson

Class of 1987

Marine Corps
Self-Employed

While I went to college for music, I ended up going into the Marine Corps. One of my fond memories in the Marines was meeting a couple fellow musicians. We each had our family send our horns to us and we would jam together having a blast. Music is just a great way to connect with people on many levels.

I was in the band during high school. Freshman year we had a marching band, which was fun but short lived. I wonder if the school ever brought marching bands back...or whether I was part of the last one. I have many fond memories through my years playing sax. I really enjoyed playing in the pit orchestra one year. My passion though, was the Jazz Workshop. It was a pure joy getting to play with great talent and performing in numerous competitions. A funny thing that I'll never forget, was my very first solo. We were playing at the mall and when it came time to stand and play...I froze! Terrified...but it didn't deter me. I would go on to love playing in front of crowds. I remember thinking it was cool to play on the radio one time in Milwaukee. Getting to participate in the "top ten high school musicians in Madison," the highlight for me was a workshop we did with Billy Joel's band. Oh, I remember being filmed for an instructional series too. Another cool experience was getting to Madison Jazz Society events with Mr. Endle. He would be performing and a time or two getting to sit in with the groups. I can go on and on - so many wonderful memories! I will stop rambling with this. I was made aware of this by a former band mate. Alllll these years later and music has formed bonds that go on forever. Some very special people I met over those years and they are just as special today.

Performing Arts is an imperative part of school. There are so many things that benefit students and often students that otherwise wouldn't have activities to participate in. Not everyone is an athlete. My two kids come to mind. One followed my footsteps and left baseball to play in his high school band. Here it is a major commitment as they all have to march. If nothing else, they learn teamwork. The other had no interest in sports or music, but found her passion in theater. Performing Arts have been an important part of their education and development, just as it was for me. I'm saddened that cutting funding for Arts is even contemplated.