David Cox

Simply put, I have been a musician all of my life.
I continue to practice and perform, and although I receive a pension from the American Federation of Musicians as well as SS, I have not the slightest interest in retiring. As long as I can cart my drums, timpani, and percussion instruments around, I will continue to perform. My motto for life has always been: "If you are paying I am playing."

My school story is quite short compared to most of you I would guess:

I was a lost soul after Jr. High. There I was part of an excellent instrumental music program as well as being placed in the top tier of students at Benjamin Stoddart Jr High. Bused to Surrattsville HS, grouped with low achievers, the band performed at football games. In senior year, my mother was able to have my transfer to Oxon Hill. There I became part of the best music program in the county if not the country. The band, director Mr. Bill Johnson, was fantastic and energetic. I was back on track and if not a hit socially, I fell in love, played all of the concerts and festivals, as well as playing a solo at one of my last Oxon Hill Band Concerts. I also recall playing for a school performance of Carousel.

The year went by much too fast, but that positive experience was for me, a lifesaver!

Not a fan.

Donna did a mass mailing, and I was astounded by the extent of her work on the site. I was also able to send messages to long lost friends and bandmates as well as reconnecting with my school girlfriend.

*Elementary School in Washington DC.
*Benjamin Stoddard JH.
*Surrattsville HS.
*Oxon Hill HS. Senior year.
*Manhattan School of Music, BS in performance
*Julliard School, two years professional studies
*City College of New York at Brooklyn College. MS in performance.

I did not, what I did was practice for a xylophone solo with the Band that week. I was not unlike Frank Owens, a band geek I fear.

Barbara Wilson in both cases.

Thank you for making it possible for the two of us to reconnect. If it were not for Donna, and the OHHS site this would never have happened.

thank you, Donna.
DC