HowardR and Bill M. were kind enough to meet me when I got off the plane. HowardR had to go back to his amazing hat business for a little while, so Bill M. was stuck with me until dinner when we were to again have HowardR join us.
Bill asked if I wanted lunch and I said, how about us having a hamburger and a coke....about 30 minutes and $39.00 later plus tip, (the hamburger was big and tasted great)I was experiencing what I consider to be one of the greatest cities in the world, and I was fortunate to have a first class tour guide who is possibly a member of the Chamber Of Commerce
Bill is very proud of the city and surrounding areas where he lives, as well he should be. I was VERY impressed with every aspect of the city and its people.The workshop started promptly at 10:00 Sunday morning. I was very gratified to meet so many with positive attitudes proudly sitting behind all kinds of steel guitars.
From a teachers perspective, one specific instance told me everything I needed to know about those in attendance less than an hour into the workshop....after I gave each one their SmarTab package (and again reminded them, they were my first SmarTab victims)I asked them to turn to the first song. I then told them of the different songs written, and explained the information contained in SmarTab, which took only a few minutes.
I asked them to begin playing the SmarTab. While they were doing so, I took the opportunity to approach and talk with each individual and was astounded to find NOT ONE person had turned one page to explore other SmarTabs which were included. This was a clear indication to me, everyone there was totally focused and committed to that which I had presented.
Having the privilege to teach many who are open minded, focused and willing to accept new ideas and suggestions, made the entire event a great and personally fullfilling pleasure for me.
It was totally clear everyone in attendance was willing and able to participate in every aspect of learning and playing.
I can only hope everyone there enjoyed the workshop as as much as I enjoyed having the privilege and honor of meeting and presenting my new teaching direction to them.
My sincere thanks for attending goes to:
HowardR
Bill McCloskey
Jim Cohen
Steve Alcott
Gerald Menke
David Doggett
Tony Palmer
Kevin Macken
John Light
Bob Godfried
John McCall
Lance Coleman
Dave Van Allen
Ed Bierly
Hiro Keitora
Stephen Miller
Peter Filler
If I missed anyone, please forgive me.
An hour and a half after the workshop, HowardR had me back at LaGuardia airport prepared to leave at 7:02. My flight was delayed for almost two hours due to a closed runway because of high cross winds.
Finally on our way at almost 9:00 local time we were number 5 to take off, and about 30 minutes later we were cleared for takeoff. Instead of the usual takeoff run we got to about 40 miles per hour and turned off and went back to the gate where we had departed.
The pilot informed us the right engine starter had failed and had to be replaced. (they taxi with only one engine to conserve fuel, and only start the other just before takeoff...or try too in this instance).
The end result was, I got home just before 2:00 am the next morning.... the good thing is, I had a window seat, and there was not one cloud between NYC and DFW airport to spoil a magnificent view of the cities of this great country and the beautiful lights.
Thanks again to everyone for their hospitality and all courtesies extended. I hope to somday have the privilege of returning.
A BIG thanks again to my friend HowardR for making this wonderful event possible!
