Some Musical News To Lift Lakewood Spirits...

[Gary Rice]

Good friends:

Many of you are aware of Dad's (Robert R.Rice) being invited to conduct our
original "American Veteran's Last Salute March" with the spectacular American Festival Pops Orchestra, in the Washington D.C. area (Bull Run/Manassas) on November 19, on the anniversary date of Abraham Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address". Here's a link to a Washington Times review of that amazing concert:

http://communities.washingtontimes.com/ ... -veterans/

Dad is a former Lakewood band, orchestra, and choral director, and a member of the Lakewood Schools Staff Hall of Fame.

Our march is dedicated to all veterans and particularly to John Shepherd, a
Revolutionary War veteran, and as far as we know, America's longest-lived
veteran (117 years plus) who was a Pennsylvania native like Dad and I, and is
buried in North Royalton, Ohio. Shepherd was also a drummer, which is why I accompanied the march in Revolutionary garb and drum.

Dad and I have also composed marches for Lakewood High, St. Edward High, and the All-Ohio State Fair Band, among other schools.

Dad has been invited next Wednesday (Dec 7) to the Garfield School Winter
Concert here in Lakewood, at the Civic Auditorium, to conduct a musical selection honoring members of the Armed Services on the 70th anniversary of Pearl Harbor. Dad was in the U.S. Army from before Pearl Harbor, until after WWII had concluded.

Best wishes and sincere blessings for your holiday season!

Gary, with Robert Rice

[Gary Rice]

Good evening everyone,

I thought that I might pass along the information that the Garfield band and choral concert this evening at the Civic was spectacular in every way.

In addition, my dad's part in conducting a salute to our Armed Forces went very well, as there were many veterans rising in remembrance. The house was packed and highly appreciative of both the music and our service men and women.

Fox 8 News was also on hand and featured Dad and the Garfield 7/8 grade band on their 10 p.m. news segment.

It was a wonderful evening for Lakewood and the Lakewood Schools.