The Observation Deck

At the Lakewood High School Band Concert tomorrow evening (May 15) at the Civic. The American Veterans Last Salute March will be performed and is to be conducted by WWII veteran, and former Lakewood Band and Orchestra director, Robert Rice.

The March, dedicated to America's veterans, was recently performed by the American Festival Pops Orchestra in Manassas, Virginia. Dad and I created the march a few years ago to honor our veterans and it has been very well received. With my assistance, Dad has also completed original band marches for the Lakewood Schools, as well as for Lakewood Catholic Academy, St. Edward High School, and for the All-Ohio State Fair Band.

The march is dedicated to all veterans, and particularly to John Shepherd, a Revolutionary War soldier and drummer who was America's longest-lived veteran (117 plus years old) and is buried in North Royalton, Ohio.

I will accompany the band in Revolutionary garb, and on an authentic period battle drum. Dad will be in WWII uniform.

Looking forward to seeing you all there.

Thanks to Gary and his father for a great performance. Standing ovation!! I am so grateful to the Lakewood community in how they embrace our kids and the Rice family embodies this.

Thank you Kate, for your very kind words.

That extended standing ovation was indeed very humbling.

Kudos to Director Maskow and his students for an exceptional eclectic and dynamic performance that kept concert goers on the edge of their seats. Musical compositions from the traditional to modern styles were expertly demonstrated by the various bands and exceptional soloists.

Although Dad and I volunteer primarily with the excellent music programs of our Lakewood schools, we also have the opportunity to see many other people and programs in action throughout the various school buildings.

Perhaps the most impressive thing to us would be the continual positive and energetic way that ultra-high standards of educational excellence are encouraged and put into practice by the Lakewood staff and student body. The positive educational atmosphere in Lakewood's school buildings is something to behold. As long-time retired teachers, having experience in a number of other districts, Dad and I could tell you that Lakewood's peculiar "positive energy" regarding public education is not always seen elsewhere.

Again thanks to you, and to all who support the Lakewood Schools!