This class had a soundtrack.

 

“A long long time ago, I can still remember how the music used to make me smile….”  Upon hearing these words we are immediately thinking about English class at ILS and we are listening to the History of Rock and Roll under the guidance of Mary Jo Walsh or Robert Koziol. In fact, during our last exchange of emails there were more of us reminiscing about this class than any other one. This class had a soundtrack.  

We hear Blue Moon (pa pa pa pa….blue moon….) we go back to Albert Carballosa, Manny Fernandez, Victor, Rocky and Albert surrounded by beautiful ladies singing on the left side of the stage dressed in 50s garb. We do not just remember it; we are practically there. The ILS fight song played with kazoos, or anything played with a kazoo, reminds me of Karmen Knievel driving the school bus taking the band to play at a halftime show at the cafetorium at ILS. And, the band doing a choreographed halftime show in the halls of the cafetorium. Listen to Stairway to Heaven…back to English Class discussing the phrase: “And she is buying the stairway to heaven.”  I hear “She Came in Through the Bathroom Window” from the B-side of Abbey Road and I remember Elvis discussing with Mr. Koziol the meaning of the phrase: “But now she sucks her thumb and wanders/By the banks of her own lagoon.” Mr. Koziol and Elvis had a difference of opinion on the meaning of that verse. I bet not even Elvis remembers this.

Music to me has always been a reminder of where I have been. I mostly remember beautiful times with family or friends. Anything that is sad I tend to forget the music playing. If I hear the “Revealing Science of God,” from Tales of Topographic Oceans I am in the car of my great friend Rocky. He is taking me to school and that is the song that is playing. Except that only one channel was working. When I hear the song in stereo, it just does not sound right…or was it left? If I hear anything by Alanis Morrisette, my daughter is 15 years old again and in ILS herself. I miss my daughter living at home. Many songs remind me of these times, with all my children living at home.  Listening to the finale of Suor Angelica and I and mom are sitting in front of a small tv screen in abuela’s bedroom, intently listening to the opera. I listen to the song “Nosotros” and I am back with my dad and he is explaining the meaning of the lyrics and the history of the song.   I was 8 years old at the time but remember every expression. These songs bring them back to me even if just for a little while. La Macarena takes me back to one of our reunions when all of the beautiful ILS ladies danced it for us. I could not wait for the next verse.

These songs are all tied to meaningful memories.  They allow us to become unstuck in time just like Billy Pilgrim in Slaughterhouse Five  Hearing those popular songs immediately transport us to that wonderful place and time when we were together at ILS or anywhere else with people we love. I cannot wait for the scene in Planet Tralfamadore with Valerie Perrine. I remember Bibi telling Mr. Koziol that she believed there was more nudity than was necessary. I agreed with her but kept quiet.

“Another Day” by Paul McCartney and I am in Sts. Peter and Paul, listening to Maria Balbona and Eneida Alejandra Garcia singing to us in Mr. Fraker’s Class. Mr. Fraker would always make fun of them when they got to the refrain and sang… tu, tu tu tu its just another day. I thought they sounded great. It was at this time that Carlos and I both decided to buy Guitars. I did not know we had to get lessons. Playing my guitar reminds me of being together with Carlos learning from Robert how to play certain songs.  The last time I was with Robert, I was showing him some songs I had learned from Steve Walroth. During these times I am with Robert and Carlos again.

One song reminds me of Fabio. “Gonna Fly Now”  or the theme from Rocky. As we finished watching the movie and exited the Miracle Theater, Fabio was so inspired he ran up the stairs. Up to that point, I had never seen Fabio run anywhere. “Paradise by the Dashboard Light” by Meatloaf or any early song by the Police and I am again at Variety Records in the Omni mall, talking to Victor as we alphabetized the cutout bin with the music playing full blast. That was a great job.

The theme from the Children of Sanchez, reminds me of my honeymoon. (I will stop there). Staying Alive takes me back to the first time I asked my wife to go out dancing. Only one problem, I had no idea how to dance. Victor, Fabio, Marlene, and Maria Rivas held emergency sessions trying to make the Moose look like John Travolta.  Seemed like an insurmountable challenge. It was. We had a great time. I have always been blessed by Great friends.  I always pray that my children and grandchildren are blessed with friends like the ones I met at LaSalle.  Whenever I hear Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” I am with Cristina dancing the father daughter dance at her wedding. I hope to never forget that.

If I hear Maroon 5’s Memories or Pachelbel’s Canon and I am back at the Cafetorium, together with beautiful people, celebrating the life of a dear friend.

These are not sad memories. These are happy memories. These are fond memories. These memories that take us back and we are again with them. They make me appreciate the time I spent with those who have passed and to appreciate and celebrate every one of those who are still with me now.

 

Fight on LaSalle,

 

Moose