A band director, a drum major, a father, a leprechaun, an eternal Peter Pan. The man was larger-than-life, animated, caring, respectful, a sage, immortal...
Everything I am right now I am because of what George Parks taught me during my time at the Drum Major Academy. I have taught a handful of drum majors with his methods, and my Senior year of high school I won the coveted "Best Drum Major" trophy at a competition for the first time in my high school's history, and I owe it all to him. I used to be shy - he taught me confidence. I had no idea how to be a leader - he taught me to lead with a firm, fair, fun hand. He taught me to sit up just a little straighter, that "If you fail to plan, plan to fail," and "If you can't change it, don't complain about it." That last one I repeat a lot. He told me that no matter what I do, I need to do it with love. Isn't that something we should all strive for?
This immortal, wonderful man passed away on Thursday night from an apparent heart attack after a performance of his beloved UMASS Marching Band. He died doing what he loved, and I can't think of a better way to go. He was 57 years old.
George Parks left the world too soon, and there are tens of thousands of band people out there who understand exactly how I'm feeling right now. We are all a part of the George N. Parks brotherhood. We understand how he was gipped by the Lucky Charms guy. We feel the urge to conduct when we hear the music from the movie "Hook." We know the sting of a mace bruise while trying to perfect the George Parks mace toss. Most importantly, we know to always keep our chins up, and our eyes "with pride."
I can truly say that the world lost an unsung hero on Thursday, and the best legacy that we can all give him is to continue living our lives under his influence. That is what he would want...
I leave you with a scene from "Hook." You are the Pan, George Parks, and Neverland is lucky to have you...
