The "School on the Hill" in West Palm Beach, FL

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Latest Activity: Apr 18, 2016

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Band trip to Washington, DC 2 Replies

I remember how excited I was to be on that trip -I remember that 3 Greyhound buses transported us there -I remember the concert we played on the steps of the Capitol -I remember seeing the Iwo Jima…Continue

Started by Lois Stone Wiley. Last reply by Lois Stone Wiley May 26, 2011.

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Comment by Lois Stone Wiley on June 8, 2011 at 12:13am: Thanks, Sue. I remember the Iwo Jima motel too! It would be great if you guys could come up and see us in Palm Beach Countyville, GA! LOL!! Jim does such a great job getting us all together for what we call our mini-reunions. George Reese joined us last year! We have them in October because that's the time so many PBC folks make the mass exodus to see the fall colors. We always have a great turnout. Please join us!! I'd love to see you again.

Comment by Susan Collie on June 7, 2011 at 3:08pm: George, thanks for the info. That is the same address I found on the internet but wasn't sure if it was him. Picture already went out in today's mail. Hope they like it.

Comment by Susan Collie on June 7, 2011 at 3:05pm: Lois, I think we did visit Mount Vernon. We did have a concert on the way home in someone's school gym. I have few memories after the party because I knew how much trouble I was in and dreading my visit to the Swyers' home to apologize.I remember our bus driver's name was Ernie Collette. I remember the phone booth in the Iwo Jema motel (where I called my parents), As far as visiting other attractions, I can't remember. Lois, you still look great. Maybe one of these days my husband and I can get up to Palm Beach Countyville, GA,and join a reunion in the mountains. Jim Grantham has extended an invitation and I have seen all his pics. How great he is to do that for us.

Comment by Lois Stone Wiley on June 6, 2011 at 3:53pm: Sue, I loved your story about the trip to DC in '58. That's hilarious - and a memory like none other. Thanks for sharing that. I was wondering if you remember anything about the places we visited on that trip. Did we go to Mount Vernon? Did we walk up the Washington Monument? I have a feeling we did both, but no vivid memories of that. Is there anything else you recall we did as a group? Did we visit Annapolis? My husband Joe and I will be in Washington in a week or so, and I haven't been there since our band trip! So that's what prompted all my questions.

Comment by Susan Collie on June 6, 2011 at 9:40am: George, do you have a current address or something for Jerry Swyers? I have a great picture of his folks taken during that memorable band trip and I think his family would love to have it. It's a beautiful picture

Comment by George Reese on June 1, 2011 at 7:31am: Sue,

That is one of the funniest stories that I ever heard. Sorry I missed the Washington trip. Going to Mr. Swyer's and confessing must have been one of the boldest and hardest things you ever did and then having to stand up in in front of the band and admit your guilt.

Mr. Swyers touched everyone of us in some way or another. He taught us many life long values. I think of my band experiences often. - George "Thumper" Reese - Trombone

Comment by Susan Collie on June 1, 2011 at 7:15am: My memory of the 1958 trip to Washington D.C: Jackie Faircloth and I decided that we would tell everyone that my birthday was the next day (it was NOT).When we came down to dinner there was a huge "Sweet 16" surprise party in the dining room waiting for me. I started crying and called my parents who were furious with me. My boyfriend at home was also furious because Mr. Swyers lined up all the boys to give me a Sweet 16 birthday kiss. Well, not only did they have a cake and presents and kisses, it was also Mrs. Swyers' birthday as well. When we got home I had to go over to Mr. and Mrs. Swyer's house and admit what we had done, and apologize. Well, the next day I had to stand up in front of the band and apologize to everyone, but Mr. Swyers thought it only fair that I return all the kisses. Needless to say, when my 16th birthday came in November, it was a very quiet one.

Comment by Carol Havlik Briscoe on May 28, 2011 at 7:43pm: My fondest band memory was the trip to Gasparilla Parade and the 5 mile march in brand new band shoes. Everyone got to go to the State Fair after the parade. I sat in the bus and nursed by sore feet. It wasn't much fun, but it sticks in my memory and reminds me of all the good times we had in band. Band was definitely the best part of high school and the flute section was Awesome.