Frank and Tucker weren't gay???

[Susan Rogers von Mueller]

Ok, I've been out of the loop for awhile (living in san diego) but I googled the boys and see they are at Mt. Brook. AND MARRIED. I would have bet they were gay, so interesting to know I was wrong.

My funniest band moment was when I was a senior. Somehow, I convinced Blanton to let me switch to oboe, but could never play it. Probably the non-practice was a factor. :) During our concert competition, I had an oboe solo, but during practice, he would always let me skip it. Why?? I DON"T KNOW! Anyway, during competition, I got out not one note. OMG! It was seriously humiliating, but also very funny. In a humbling way, of course. :)

[Allison Sims Skelly]

http://www.mtnbrook.k12.al.us/cms/Dr.+Frank+Blanton/4373.html
There's the link to his page at MBHS and says he is now married to someone from Guatamala if anyone even cares enough to read about him.

[John Loper]

Hi Susan, I remember that on note!!!

[Susan Rogers von Mueller]

John Loper! What a treat to hear from you. Your family is beautiful, and you have not aged. So...you remember that LACK of a note? Hahaha. How come they never called me out on it?

[Jeff Donaldson]

Lots of life experience tells me that you can be married with kids and still be very gay. To this day, you'll not convince me that they weren't gay. Blanton got into trouble for calling us a bunch of pansies one morning. What straight man uses that word? I hated band and the only reason I was in it was because I was terrified of the locker room and didn't want to take P.E.

One year, I can remember the flag instructor being from Jacksonville State. His name was Cliff Pope. Several years later, we dated for a couple of months. I always did want to be on the flag team....and almost tried out for it.

[Susan Rogers von Mueller]

Yeah, I'm with you. So how did Frank get in trouble? Did someone tell? Did he have to apologize or anything?

Believe it or not, I managed to avoid PE since 5th grade. Yay for me!

[Jeff Donaldson]

One of the band members was angry that they were called a pansy....maybe it was panty waste.....anyway....the parents called him about it. I never knew what became of it.

Remember that one girlfriend who reminded me of a dominatrix? She always wore these knee high boots.

[Sharon Acoff Frazier]

see comment below. LOL

[Susan Rogers von Mueller]

Hello! I wore knee high boots! Man, those were the days. I read through the highsteppers comments, and I guess they don't wear those anymore. Which, by the way, was the best reason for being a high stepper.

No, seriously, I don't remember any women w/the boys. I didn't have the same hostility you (jeff) had toward band (which was totally understandable, dont'get me wrong). I loved band, and flirted w/both guys relentlessly in 1st, 2nd and 3rd periods. Anything to keep me from Mrs. Druman. Although I was very naive back in the day, I never felt like there was any response from the boys. Now to be perfectly clear, in hindsight, as an adult, I realize it was inappropriate for me to flirt, and for them to respond. but I did, and i can avow to the fact that they did not. I know that my original comments were unfair to assume they were gay since they never responded to me. I guess I can concede that. :)

Jeff, I'd like to talk to you more, I'll see if your email is on your webpage...

[Scott Redd]

I remember on out of town trips that both Blanton and Tucker would bring along lady friends to help out with the chaperoning. Maybe my memories are fuzzy, but I recall they were attractive.

I don't think either was gay. I think there's a certain mannerism one adopts when one studies and lives the liberal arts, music professional lifestyle that can be taken for gay, fancy pants, or high falooting. :)

To this day, I recall the lessons taught by Mr. Blanton. I've touched my trumpet maybe twice in 20 years, but I think every day about other things he taught: fight mediocrity, "situation awareness," self discipline, and other self-improvement practices.

[Richard Jones]

I remember your "OBOE SOLO"....gosh you were horrible....just kidding.......

Tucker went out with Cathy Roberts a couple of times in 87.....

Rick Jones

[Susan Rogers von Mueller]

Holy Sheesh, really? That is so scandalous to me. :) hee hee. I thought I wanted to date him when I was a student, but Cathy? I've got to hear more details...

[Sharon Acoff Frazier]

He had a girlfriend when I was in the band. She would stand and hold his umbrella while he conducted in the rain. It's so funny that we gave her the nickname of Fifi and his wife is actually named Mimi. LOL I never thought he was gay.