You Say That You Don't Play The Drums? The Lakewood Schools Music Program, A Study In Excellence...(As Marching Band Alumni Again Take The Field!)

Gary and Robert Rice recently met William (Bill) Ludwig III, grandson of the founder of the Ludwig Drum Company. Bill is holding a special drum, made by his grandfather, while Gary is holding his newly restored "Ranger" drum. (Photo courtesy of Joe Partridge)

You say that you don't play the drums?
We don't care, that's cool!
We just want you all to know,
That Ranger drummers rule!

OK, so now the truth can come out. Yes, it was I who composed that poem some years ago.

The fact remains that the Lakewood Ranger Drum Line is a very special unit of highly talented young people who are a crucial part of the equally talented Lakewood High School Ranger Marching Band.

It would also be a significant affront were I not to mention the considerable and eclectic talents of orchestra string members, as well as the outstanding Lakewood Project, an electric string ensemble always on the cutting edge of musical creativity....and did we discuss the choirs and the other bands?

All of this commentary has, thus far, only mentioned the high school music programs. The elementary and middle school music programs of the Lakewood City School District also produce outstanding musicianship in every way.

I must, however, reveal my personal bias to you. I was once a part of the Lakewood Ranger Drum Line. Still am, as a matter of fact, but this time as a Lakewood Schools volunteer. Dad (Robert Rice, a former Lakewood band, orchestra, and choral director) and I continue to volunteer with the Lakewood middle school band students of our district under the direction of Julie Tabaj (Garfield) and Brian Griebel (Harding).

Lakewood music programs are amazing. The tradition of fine music in Lakewood goes back many years in our community. Visionary instructors like Lovia Thomas and Martha Taylor, as well as Arthur Jewell, Evelyn Sabol, and T.R. Evans, insured that a groundwork for exemplary instrumental and choral instruction would be laid in our city that would simply be the best. Others who followed, like Richard Strang, Fred Schauffle, B.Neil Davis, Ulah Gilmore, Ron Lucien, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Selby, Lorraine Compeau, Lenny Gutkowski, Robert Dugan, Glen Schnittke, my dad Robert Rice, and so many other fine music teachers all made sure that the stellar music programs of the Lakewood Schools would continue.

The present music instructional staff of the Lakewood schools maintains this fine tradition that contributes so much to the reason why we can continue to talk in positive terms regarding the pulse of this city. Whether on the football field or on the stage, the talented students of the Lakewood music programs have, time and again, been ambassadors for Lakewood both here and abroad.

Additionally, the alumni of these Lakewood music programs, like those of Lakewood's academic and athletic programs, continue to contribute their time and their talents, helping to insure that musical success continues to be a part of the Lakewood schools. Every year, as just one example, alumni of the Lakewood Ranger Marching Band reassemble out on the football field to play the Alma Mater yet again. As those stirring tones waft throughout the stadium and over the bleachers to the wider community beyond, the tradition of Lakewood Ranger musical excellence continues.

This year, the alumni band members will be playing with the Ranger Marching Band during the Lakewood vs. Cuyahoga Falls game on Friday, October 15th. If you were a member of the Lakewood High School Ranger Marching Band, you are invited to return to the field to help celebrate the continuing musical legacy of excellence that is the Lakewood Schools. Dust off that old horn and oil it up. Your services are once again needed and appreciated!

Current LHS band director Brian Maskow invites you to assemble in the LHS choir room, next to the band room, by 5:30 p.m. that evening for the 7:00 p.m. starting time of the game. The uniform will be jeans or khaki pants and a Lakewood top. There will be an official LHS marching band alumni shirt available for a donation. A reception in the choir room will follow, post-game. Alumni band members will march up to the game with the rest of the LHS band and will be admitted to the game free of charge. Other friends and family members will need to purchase their own tickets and enter through the spectator gates. If you have any questions, or you plan to attend and perform, you'll want to notify Director Maskow at the LHS band office at 216-227-5980. People needing to borrow a Lakewood Schools band instrument should also check with the Director for availability.

As for me? I just rescued, and completely restored, a vintage Ludwig field drum to 1950's-'60's Lakewood High School specifications. Like my "famous" restored Ludwig bass drum, it too was found languishing in a music store, ready for the trash heap. My personal dilemma will be whether to use my new field drum or that classic bass drum on that evening. I suppose that decision may depend on how the old back will be feeling at the moment. One way or another, I hope to see many of you out there supporting our schools!

Read More on Pulse of the City
Volume 6, Issue 20, Posted 8:30 AM, 10.06.2010