Friday, December 23, 2022
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Mr. McManigal was my elementary and middle school band director in Albuquerque, NM. I started band in the 4th grade at Onate Elementary School and then progressed at Jackson Middle School. Mr. Mac as we called him was a wonderful influence for me. I started on the trumpet and then switched to tuba in the 8th grade. Mr. Mac said we needed a tuba player. I quickly raised my hand. Anything to please him.
Mr. Mac later became a real estate agent in Albuquerque. My parents worked with him several times purchasing and selling various properties.
I feel like I owe so much to this man. I hated middle school but loved Mr. Mac and being in his band. I continued with band in high school and college and became a band director too. I have been teaching music for 34 years.
My deepest condolences to his family.
Every time I hear Dan Folgelberg's classic song, I think of Mr. Mac. These words have echoed through my mind for years.
"The leader of the band is tired
And his eyes are growing old
But his blood runs through
My instrument
And his song is in my soul --
My life has been a poor attempt
To imitate the man
I'm just a living legacy
To the leader of the band."
RIP Mr. Mac!
Gary Schallert