Applaud Weatherred’s career

Jody Lawrence-Turner’s May 20 article, “On a high note,” transported me to high school. Dave Weatherred has organized Spokane Public Schools’ Band and Strings Spectacular for 18 years but, in my memory, he’s that nice, determined trombone player in Mr. Henry’s band, Capital High School, class of 1973.

I applaud Dave for following his lifelong love of music and sharing that enthusiasm with kids. Not all under his tutelage will become musicians or music educators, but they’ll learn about music appreciation, hard work, precision, listening and cooperation. Hopefully, they’ll grow up to support arts and advocate for preserving those programs in schools.

Lacking Dave’s musical talent and practice ethic, my career path led to science and policymaking, but some of my fondest high school memories relate to band: pep band camaraderie; thrilling marching competitions; stage band confidence-building; flexibility to try unfamiliar instruments; and equal-opportunity adventures like Washington, D.C.’s Cherry Blossom Festival expanding students’ world views and social skills.

A sixth-grader interviewed for your story said, “Some kids … don’t get the best in life. Playing an instrument can bring joy to them.” Bravo to Weatherred for making that happen over all these years. Best wishes for many more.

Nancy Chaney

Moscow, Idaho