We get to the basketball game and something sounded strange with the Ute band. No drummer. After they played a couple of tunes which didn’t sound too great, I walked over and introduced myself to the band director Eric Peterson. I asked “do you need a drummer?” And he said “do you know how to play?” I told him I’d been playing for over 35 years and he said “oh you can REALLY PLAY? Go for it.”
So I played the rest of the night with the band. Pardon me tooting my own horn (pun intended), but I kicked ass and didn’t miss a note. It helps to be a fan who has heard the songs since I was a little kid.
After the first tune the band members all cheered and yelled out “get him a scholarship!” They’re going to send me a pep band shirt and make me an honorary member and they asked if I’d drop in and play a tune at each game! I said sure! So watch for me at the games on the drum kit!
I thought my normal seats on the 16th row were fine, but watching the game from 5 feet behind the basket was great. I could even hear Neville inhale when he made a big two handed slam. The view of the cheerleaders wasn’t too shabby either…