markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Thank you for the reply. We had fabulous music!!
Mark

StuartNaylor

Hey Mark. Always enjoy your Jazz posts. I started Trumpet lessons at 9 years old and was doing gigs with my own band at 14. During my teens I played in 4 big bands and at 18 entered the business full time. Played a lot of pit orchestra work and nightclub house band back in England. After a few years working cruise ship I landed in Nashville where I mostly do small band jazz and a bit of R&B. Keep the Jazz post coming.

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Nice to hear from you, Stuart.
Thanks for the reply.
Mark

foodie65

Interesting story Mark.
Thanks for sharing.

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Thanks for the reply and interest.
Mark

mr spock Loc: Fairfield CT

I found your musical history fascinating Mark. However, I'd also like to hear more about the "golf" in your Hedgehog signature

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

My uncle taught me from age 9 - 11. I played my first 9 hole round at 11. I played a bit more until I was 14, not really a great deal. My father passed at 41 and that was disastrous both financially and emotionally. I took up the game again after my discharge from the Army in 60’. Many rounds and lessons from age 22 - 30. In 67’ we adopted our first daughter. Stopped playing - too expensive and time consuming. Took up tennis. I began playing golf again in 85. In 2008 I began coaching golf in HS. I retired from teaching in 97’. Tore two discs in my back in 2010. I returned to golf in 2012. Played sporadically until my back, again became a serious issue. I have not played for 5 years. I have thoughts about playing again. Too bad, because golf is free in my county of NJ for those 85 and older. I qualified in Feb. 😃 !! Still thinking of playing again.

How’s that for a recap of why my “handle” has golf in it?

Thanks for asking.
Mark

kvanhook Loc: Oriental, NC

Give playing again a shot. Do whatever your back can take. I tried golf back when Moby Dick was a minnow. I once shot an 84. I don't remember what I shot on the second hole.

dancers Loc: melbourne.victoria, australia

not in Melbourne , Australia, I fear.

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Thanks for the encouragement. I have an epidural (another) soon and possible surgery. I can still swing the club. It’s the walking to the shots, greens, … that’s the difficult painful part. I’ll see how it goes.

Thank you,
Mark

Uncawalt Loc: Rimrock AZ

Hola Mark! i also played a Conn Cornet in middle school and led my high school trumpet section... when i got to NAS Memphis for Aviation ASW (Antisubmarine Warefare) electronics training, the Company 7 band leader told me he had professional trumpeters in first and second chairs, but he had a baritone slot open... fortunately treble clef, since i didn't know bass clef!
That was my perfect instrument and i played all over that baritone as we marched throughout the near South playing Navy music for county fairs... almost got to go to Mardi Gras, but edged out somehow, so we missed that show. Some of our numbers started traditionally, but then our jazz trumpeters would just go nuts with improvs, and then we would all come back together and finish the piece.
Sadly in those days i only played written music, envying the freedom of the jazz players... but when i got my first of many Native American Flutes, they taught me to play the musical energies that had waited so long to come through me... still playing for meditations and Grand Canyon Youth river trips at 77... thanks for sharing your gifted selections and for the relaxation, memories, and inspirations they generate!

mr spock Loc: Fairfield CT

Thanks for taking the time to relate the details of your golf "career" It was my passion for many years until two torn rotator cuffs and spinal stenosis put me on the sidelines for good. You're fortunate enough to have music as another passion. My wife is a musician (ukelele) but I have zero musical talent. Its why I get so much pleasure from photography.

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Thank you for sharing your interesting past and current musical experiences. I played my first "gig" for a dance with 4 others. I was paid $2. We knew 4 tunes and played them all night. Nobody cared - they all danced.
Mark

mr spock Loc: Fairfield CT

I considered surgery but from everything I've heard its a risky proposition, particularly for us "older" guys