I've sure nothing against english teachers. 2 most important factors
in my education were a sophomore music director amd english
teacher, Salinas Hi in 1952. First sat me down and said, when I
complained on difficulty in reading E flat French Horn playing in
F, "Just use that brain, Kid". By graduation in '55 I was ready to
become a professional symphonic Hornist in 2 orchestras to earn way
through San Jose State. Lesson? Use brain and stick to task. Has
always worked.
Later that 1st day over in Shop bldg where overflow class went I
met Jose Gallegos, my Eng class last period. Jose was a Mexican-
American Korean vet Marine just completed GI Bill U of Chi, BA and
now a teaching a last period dullness class made of Okies, rich
farmers, Chinese, Nesi, and Latino kids. Just about a UN groupage.
We felt him strict but cool. I did an essay on what in heck were Jack
and Jill looking for water atop a hill. All us farmers knew damn well
springs were at the bottom. Got an A and didn't see Mr G except in
passing. June '54 , he wandered into the music room and asked if I'd
like to be guest humor columnist on the newspaper he would teach and
sponsor next year. I gulped and agreed so became To wit: by Don not
on the masthead just dumping a column on Marline Puneo my editor
while in Music Apprecaiton class each Tue. I'd my choice of going
into the newspaper biz or music where I was getting paid already in
college and took the bucks. Sadly, later found was much more fascile
wordwise than fingerwise on Horn but soul was a strong point made me
of value.
I taught in S Alameda Warm Springs a year and left to go "FlY JETS!"
Jose earned some extra money nights teaching a program at Solidad St
Prison 20 mi south Salinas. You may have heard of a few Solidad
Brothers he sparked. "Soul On Ice" was one of the 60's hits.
I feel I've great credentials. Kinda world class. Experience,
honors ,just staying alive to retire combat disabled.Even can claim
hippie scorn in arrival San Fran Intl, '67. Any such here are bush
league to a pro. CD