Dave GreenTruckee High Music 24 Years of Memories

About Dave Green….

I’ll try to keep this introduction short, as this book is really about

how Dave touched the lives of so many young people in such an

incredibly positive way. The stories within are just a few attempts

at describing an incredibly dedicated, kind, gruff, talented, and

amazing human being.

In addition to being a parent of two very musically-inclined

teenagers, I have also been the pianist in the high school musical

pit band for over 12 years, and have had the unique opportunity

of seeing Mr. Green in action. (There were countless times that his

conductor’s baton was virtually inches from the tip of my nose). I

was able to witness – up close and personal – his interactions with

his students, and how he could be, at one moment, the “friendliest

teacher on earth,” and in the next minute he would be in someone’s

face, chastising a lack of “focus” on the subj

ect at hand. But always

with a purpose for making the band play up to its capabilities.

But in reading through the essays presented within, the one all-

important character trait that comes through, over and over, is

that Dave Green cares about his students. Really cares. Not just as

students. Not just as musicians. As people. I have never, ever, met

a teacher who puts more emphasis on the person, who was more

dedicated, who put in more hours making sure that the music and

tech theater programs at Truckee High School were suc-

cessful. But don’t take my word for it; read the stories

and see for yourself.

And I saw, first-hand, his influence on my own kids

and how he helped shape them into the adults

that they are today. For that, I can only say,

“Thank you, Dave.” You will be missed.

(Please note that the stories within this e-book have had their

authors names removed, as we solicited them to be anonymous to

the public. But Mr. Green’s actual physical book has the names retained within.)

It was a very sad day when I heard that Mr. Green would be retiring. Not only because he is a fantastic teacher who con-tributes more to Truckee High School than anyone else EVER, but he is by far the most caring, understanding, talented, and honest mentor anyone could ever have. Looking back on my time at Truckee High, I honestly don’t think I would have such positive memories about my time in high school without his guidance. Everyone knows how incredibly talented he is when it comes to music; he is a musician like none other and loves teaching others about it and what it really means. With that said, lets be honest, I was never the most talented student in the band room, so my memories of Mr. Green are not of his impact on me as a musician but more as a person.

To this day, I have no idea how old Mr. Green actually is... so I have difficulty saying he was another father, uncle, possibly grandfather (he does look like Santa) figure in my life but I do know that he is family. I don’t think I really understood to what extent he was part of my family until I had left Truckee to go to college in Seattle. I remember I was out of my element to say the least. The entire University of Washington campus is twice the size of Truckee. I remember being in the middle of “red square” on campus when I got a phone call from Mr. Green just checking in to see how I was. I instantly felt that feeling of home, I knew I could talk to Mr. Green about how scared and lost I felt and his words would make it better, just as my parents did. I continued to call Mr. Green for guidance throughout college and was really able to learn from him no matter the physical distance between us. Just as with my own father, I knew that Mr. Green would answer my call no mat-ter how far into a piece the fourth period band was. He would

answer and then hold the phone up so I could hear them play and then we would talk.

It really is true that Mr. Green knows everything there is to know about anything. We even used to quiz him in band. To this day I am convinced that I could ask him anything from why the sky is blue, to what you do when you have a tooth-ache and he would have an answer. I would even go as far as saying his answers were always correct...although we didn’t have smartphones back then to fact check! But they always seemed pretty legit! He knew exactly what to do when I got stung by a bee outside during marching band practice. I had no clue if I was allergic to bees, but I knew that Mr. Green would know how to take care of it if I was.

Mr. Green has always been there for so many of his students when they needed him. Through all the laughter and tears that accompanied my time at Truckee High he was there to com-fort or laugh with me! I am pretty sure he even helped me win homecoming queen by convincing all the band kids to vote for me. But the best part about Mr. Green is that he has contin-ued to remain a part of all of his student’s lives long after our time at Truckee High. Simply posting a photo of him with the caption “If you know who this man is...” had so many of us previous students responding because how could we ever forget Mr. Green? I am thankful for having him as a mentor and I am sad that future students will have to roam the halls of Truckee High lost without his guidance but I truly appreciate all he has done for me and my family! After who knows how many years, I think its time Mr. Green had some Mr. Green time away from all those crazy high school students!!

I really have a lot to thank Mr. Green for.

As most of us know, Dave has a particular nature about him that can’t be matched by others. His pres-ence in a room demanded respect, and the dynamic he brought to the teaching world really brought out the best in people. While there were so many teachers that bored the snot out of me, Mr. Green was not one of them.

I ended up moving to California to live with my Dad. It was a difficult move, especially because there was a total lack of parenting support from all sides. I knew very few people, and my academic achievements meant very little in the new school environment. I had to start fresh. Mr. Green was one of the few that challenged me; he always expected the most out of his students, which is why I think so many of his stu-dents tried as hard as they did.

It’s been seven years since I was a student of his. Emotionally, I still have a very rough time visiting Truckee. I came there during such a difficult point in my life, (maybe even one of the lowest points of my life). And, if it weren’t for Dave’s guidance, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I mean this in the greatest possible way too. Even though I was an emotional train wreck (like so many teens most often are), I met my husband (and best friend) my senior year of high school while taking his class. I will be forever grateful for being stuck in the jazz band, marching band, and symphonic band (the list goes on)—with an instrument I had never played before. He always had the expectation that I can do something really great if I put my mind to it.

Thank you Mr. Green. Thank you. Fall Concert, 2008

It’s so hard to pick out one memory to share about the years spent with Mr. Green because he made such a com-plete and full impact on my life — for the better. I re-member several times on trips when he went completely out of his way to make sure I was okay. I had a stom-achache one night on band tour and he went next door to the gas station to make sure my heat-ing pad was warmed up in the gas station microwave. When I needed water to take some medicine on the way home from Disneyland he stopped at a Denny’s specifically so I could use the bathroom. It was the small gestures of caring like these that made him so much more than a teacher to all of us.

We always knew that

he really cared for us. I still remember when 10 or so of us

went to see the 4th Harry Potter movie at midnight. It was

the night before an honor band and Mr. Green knew that we’d

all be there. The movie theater over by the old Park Lane mall

in Reno made a big show of not letting people in without a

ticket and we were all lined up in our matching Harry Potter

tee-shirts that someone had made us, playing some sort of card

game in line and who comes striding in past the people guard-

ing the lines? Mr. Green, camera in hand, to take a picture of

his “kids.” We were all his kids and we will all continue to be

his kids. He is the reason I

taught piano lessons to kids

for 4 years and why I plan

to go back to that in the

future and the reason I cry

every time I see Mr. Hol-

land’s Opus.

On my wedding day, besides the whole marry-ing the best man in the world thing, I was be-yond happy and touched to see Mr. Green there, standing in the back of the group watching me get married. It takes a special kind of teacher and a special kind of

man for that. Mr. Green, even after all these years, it seems strange to call you Dave, but truly, you have made my life better and I could myself extremely lucky to have had you as a teacher and to have known you.

Kellie’s Wedding

I spent many, many hours with

Dave Green during my time in

band between 6th and 12th grade.

Between honor bands, festivals,

solo and ensemble trips, our first

band tours, starting up march-

ing band, playing in the pit for

musicals, and spending 2 1/2

hours every day with him dur-

ing band class and jazz band

he was a large part of my suc-

cess in high school. He inspired

me as a musician and provided

me with abundant opportunities

to perform. Not only that, but Mr.

Green is much of the reason I

am who I am today. I gradu-

ated from Truckee High School

and went to college to major in

music education with the intent

of being a middle school band

teacher. I now teach Kindergar-

ten through 6th grade general

music and choir and can only

hope that I can inspire my stu-

dents half as much as he inspired

me and made a difference in

my life. I will be forever grate-

ful for the time I spent with Mr.

Green.

“Crazy For You” Rehearsal, 2003

I would say I have 3

main memories of Mr.

Green

1. I distinctly recall a

time where I had to

make a tough decision

between a band event,

and a softball event. I

had worked very hard

to make varsity, but was

worried I would disap-

point the band. When

I went to Mr. Green to

discuss the matter, he

started beaming and

asking me all about softball and told me that he and his wife

had coached a Korean Women’s softball team that went on to

win some sort of championship. Not only was that another

example of the crazy amount of things that man has accom-

plished in his life, but it meant a lot that he went on to say he

fully supported whatever commitments I had to my softball

team.

2. During my first year of college at Cal Poly, I knew that Mr.

Green would be coming to campus during Cal Poly Open

House for an honor band. I began telling my roommate about

Mr. Green and what to expect should we run into him. I de-

scribed him as a semi-homeless looking man with a beard and

an Indiana Jones hat. No joke: about 5 minutes into walking

around the Open House booths I hear a grumbly voice from

nearby. I turn to my left and out from behind a dumpster

steps Mr. Green, eating a plate of pie with the student who was

participating in the honor band. My roommates eyes grew

about 2 sizes in shock, whereas I didn’t even flinch, “Oh, there’s

Mr. Green.”

3. As the 3rd Lee child to go through the band, in total we had

about 10 years playing for Mr. Green between us. In all those

years, I heard Mr. Green himself play twice. Once from behind

closed doors in his office, and I was convinced it was recorded,

and the other was at one of my sisters’ concerts. Band direc-

tors tend to have large egos or often bring up their years play-

ing, but for a child prodigy, you very rarely would hear Mr.

Green bring up his own skill. I always admired this because it

showed he really cared most about his students, but also flab-

bergasted me when I finally did hear him. As any musician

can relate, music has the ability to tug on the soul. I can recall

with crystal clear clarity what it was like to see him play. I have

never been so moved by a sound before nor have I since. As an

8th grader weeping in the audience, I understood that God sent

the gift this man possessed.

Mr.Green has, hands down, been one of the most inspiring in-

fluences in my life. He is part genius, part comedian, part

tough cookie, part the most dedicated and caring teachers the

world will ever know. He is beyond one-of-a-kind and I feel

extremely privileged to have been one of his students in music

and in life.

I look forward to attending his retirement celebration, and

Truckee High has a very very large hole to fill.

Thanks!

Fall Concert, 2006

I think one of my favorite memo-

ries was on tour, the year of the

camping joke. As we know, Greeny

has a wonderfully sick and twisted

sense of humor. We were playing

at one of the homes for the men-

tally challenged and there was a a

woman jumping up and down inces-

santly behind Mr. Green while we

played a song. Mid-song, someone

calls out, “Mr. Green, she wants to

go camping with you.” The whole

band falls apart laughing, we

are barely able to hold it

together. I look up and

Greeny is still conducting

but crying with laughter and

his belly is shaking with

the effort of trying not

to laugh aloud.

I remember one time we were at the old folks home and the lady behind him was just whining and complaining. “It’s so cold” and “why is it so loud?” “I’m tired”. This continued all through our perfor-mance until someone turned to the staff and said “could some-body please get the fog horn a blanket? She’s freezing up here!” It still makes me laugh when I’m on stage and see an old lady in a sweater in the crowd!

Winter Concert,

2010

I loved that he always kept a clown nose in his pocket and would put it on to loosen us up before we played a concert or festival.

I have a memory of my first honor band with him

as a freshman and he put Queen on and

braked to “Another One Bites the Dust” on

the freeway, and then had us all hop out

and do a chinese fire drill at a stop light.

Yeah Greenie.

Band Tour, 2007

I was planning to transfer to Truckee High School for my sophomore year, and Mr. Green asked me to audition to determine if I needed to be in the Freshman or Symphonic Bands. Although I was very nervous for the audition and missed a few notes, he graciously allowed me to join Symphonic Band.

During my first year in Symphonic Band, I would noodle absentmind-edly on my clarinet while Mr. Green was trying to teach. Combined with my constant inquisitiveness, I must have been difficult to put up with! As I spent more time in band class, I learned a great deal about hu-mility and respect from Mr. Green and (mostly) overcame my propen-sity for noodling while he was teaching.

The honor band trips I took with Mr. Green stand out most prominently in my mind when I think back to band. During the spring of my sopho-more year, Mr. Green and I trekked all the way up to Humboldt for the NorCal regional honor band. During the long drive from Truckee, Mr. Green regaled me with stories of his time in Indonesia, gave a running commentary about points of historical interest along our trip, and told me about the other clarinetists I would be competing against at the honor band. During the honor band weekend, Mr. Green invited me to dinner with some of his band director colleagues — I enjoyed hearing the “inside scoop” about the high school band world.

At other honor bands during my junior and senior years, Mr. Green was supportive and accommodating of both my musical and athletic goals. Before one trip to Fresno for the All-State Honor Band, I told him that I wanted to go for a run if we got a chance to stop during our drive. While we were cruising along Highway 99 through the Central Valley, Mr. Green spotted a large field in the distance and told me it was time to lace up my shoes. While I ran laps around the irrigation canals, Mr. Green dutifully kept watch to make sure that I did not get into any altercations with the bovine and equine denizens of the pasture.

Most of all, I enjoyed Mr. Green’s unique sense of humor on our trips. He has a gift for levity.

Mr. Green is a one-of-a-kind director and mentor, and I consider my-self fortunate to have benefitted from his tutelage.

Back to School Night, 2006

I’ve been trying to write about Mr. Green for a month now and I think the difficulty stems from how much Greenie meant to all of us growing up. None of us had a teacher as long as we had him. He was our constant. He taught us as crazy, little 11 year olds in 6th grade all the way through into crazy 18 year olds in high school. Seven years straight! I can’t even quantify the influence that he had on us simply by just being there for us all those years.

He created a home for us. We always knew that we could be in the band room. Band was our family in every pos-sible way. We made our very best friends there and many of us even our first loves. And the whole time, through every possible up and down of our lives, Mr. Green was there. With a clown nose, a dirty joke and a mischie-vous, up-to-no-good laugh - he knew just how to be the perfect combination of respected teacher and in-on-the-joke friend.

When I think back on my time at THS I’m so completely struck by something I don’t think any of us as teenagers truly appreciated. The man was a saint. The amount of patience he has for kids is astounding. He was never truly angry with any of us no matter what we did, and believe me, there were plenty of times where he understandably could have been.

It’s funny, Greenie was my music teacher for seven years and I only remember hearing him play for us once. Just once. Don’t get me wrong, he could spot one of us playing a bad note from a mile away and sing it back or show us how to play it properly in an instant. But he never just performed for us. That single time I remember though because of its rarity, but also because it made me see Greenie in a different light. We knew he was talented - he could play almost every instrument at least well enough to teach us, but at that moment I saw what a great musi-cian he was. At the same time though I saw how important to him teaching was. We had to actually coax him to play that day - something you’d think he’d do all the time considering his skill, but instead he’d rather focus on our

learning. He made us feel important.

Speaking of sainthood, the man spent his entire spring break taking all of us around California on Band Tour in one huge bus. He lived with us for a week 24/7 and we had the time of our lives. He taught us an appreciation for those who had fought in wars when we visited veteran homes; he taught us how much those older than us have to teach us when we stopped to play at retirement homes where older couples danced to the tunes we played from their past; and he taught us to always be kind to those who had disabilities or were simply less fortunate than us when we entertained residents of convalescent homes. And all this he did while instilling within us a love for music and what it brings to people’s lives.

I honestly get choked up when I think of THS without Mr. Green. It’s not possible to picture it as home for he is the heartbeat of those halls. No one is there earlier, later or more days a week than he is. I can’t imagine the musicals without him in the pit. Even behind the scenes, he’s the go-to guy for all things theater. I still remember him teaching me to run the light board and the spotlight for the plays when I was a freshman - he’s a man of many talents. I can’t imagine all the future young musi-cians who walk through those double doors not having the same haven that was the blessing of our high school years.

All that being said, what I do know is that no one on earth is more deserving of a rest and a life full of hap-piness. Even in retirement, I know he’ll never sit still and that he’ll go on inspiring kids who want to play and musicians hungry to learn. It’s just his nature.

Wherever he goes, and whatever he does in the future, I know that Truckee High will never be the same without him and because of him. We’re all forever changed for, and better because, our paths crossed the bearded man with a heart of gold.

Lots of love Greenie.

Mr. Green was one of the most incredible teachers that I ever got to know. He always pushed students to be

more involved in academics, band, or other school activities. Not only did he teach me a fair deal of music

theory, he also developed my leadership skills, my spatial awareness skills, and how to drive a car better. Green

was incredibly supportive of the community that band created among the students, by talking to us about

important issues about life or showing up to jello wrestling to spectate the event. I’m extremely grateful for all

of the opportunities that Mr. Green gave me to grow and develop as a student as well as a person.

Winter Concert, 2012

Dear Mr. Green,

When I reflect back on my school years, you are most definitely the first teacher that comes to mind along with all the great memories I still cherish as a result of being your student for so many years. It all began with bus trips to the High School for 6th grade band. I was terrified about learning how to play the clarinet and terrified about whether or not I could ever really be a part of that foreign, yet so intriguing, world of music. The fear soon faded and transformed into beaming pride as you led us in playing simple tunes like “The Big Surprise” for our poor supportive parents - squeaks, bad notes and all. In the years that followed Beginning Band came Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Pep Band, the first ever Truckee High Marching Band, Pit Band, concerts in the high school auditorium, concerts at Regional park, concerts at Donner Lake, play-ing “On Wisconsin” in the halls of Truckee H.S. and on the chairlift at Boreal, band festivals, solo and ensemble festivals. The elated feeling we got when we would receive a command performance, honor band, red bowties and matching cumber buns, black pants and white collared shirts with crazy neck ties. Unpre-dictable moods, the smell of sardine lunch on your breath, your clown nose whipped out at just the right time in an attempt to calm our nerves before a performance, and by far the best memories of all – going on tour and after all the hard work of loading and unloading buses at one stop after another, seeing the smiles and joy in the faces of dear elderly ones in rest homes and nursing homes across the state. I’ve never known a more dedicated teacher than you, Mr. Dave Green. Of course, you were always the first to arrive at school each morning for 6:30 AM Jazz Band. But you were also rumored to have slept over-night at school at times there was too much work to be done to get the theater ready for show time. Your band room will always hold a special place in my heart. I laughed in that band room, I cried in that band room, I found myself and broke free from extreme shyness in that band room. Perhaps that would not have been possible had it not been for your unique, rarely rigid teaching style. I still remember one day my senior year when you looked down at me so pleased and said “You’ve blossomed! It’s wonderful!” Thank you, Mr. Green, for seven fabulous years as your student. Thank you for teaching me how to read music and how to play the clarinet. Thank you for all the wonderful experi-ences I never otherwise would have had. I will be forever grateful for my time with you and for all the lessons you taught. Best wishes to you and your family as you enjoy your retirement! With much love.

Pre-FestivalConcert, 2011

I always had a lot of respect for Dave, and though I may have not been the best student, he believed in me.

My favorite class with Mr. Green was Tech Theater, where we were taught sound, lighting, and how to build

stage props for a theater setting.

One year we went on a field trip to Ashland for the Shakespeare festival. It was an amazing trip. I, unfortunately, was on a

troubled path at that point in my life and had found myself in an unfavorable situation with the police. I’m telling you this be-

cause I feel it is important to help describe the person Dave is. He never seemed to look down on me or treat me different because

of that. He believed in me even when I wasn’t believing in myself.

I will hope for the opportunity to shake his hand and wish him off on his way to his next adventure.

Homecoming Parade, 2007

Oh Green Machine . . . I can’t believe retire-ment day is finally here! You are one of the most caring and giving people I have come across and that was evident in so many as-pects of your life – from your dedication to your students, to your children, and to anyone else who needed you. You were there when I needed a shoulder to cry on (espe-cially when I got braces and needed to re-learn how to play the trumpet) and there when I needed a good kick in the butt. You spent endless hours guiding us and supporting us. TTHS is going to lose a true hero.

There are so many good memories I have from band – your crazy eye when the brass section was messing around, taking us on the infamous crazy band tour and having us play in convalescent homes and psychiatric insti-tutes, and the fact that you know virtually ev-ery person in the whole wide world (no joke, we once stopped at a gas station on band tour in Sacramento and you knew the attendant). Out of all the high school memories, the band ones are the absolute best. I cherish the memories of all the bands you brought to the school – symphonic band, marching band, pit band, jazz band, and everything in between.

One cannot even begin to list all the lives you have touched throughout your years of teach-ing. I am not sure anyone will ever be able to fill your shoes and impact as many lives as you have. I am going to miss stopping by old TTHS to see if you were around, but I wish you all the very best in the future!

Those “crazy eyes.”Last Concert...Spring, 2013

Dave Green poured his heart and soul into his teaching and music program. Whether it was a band perfor-mance, honor band, solo and ensemble, teaching the students to march on the football field, spring break band tour, the pit music for the musical productions, he was there. I remember one time traveling to San Francis-co with several students and Mr. Green to purchase solo and ensemble music. He was my GPS, they hadn’t been invented yet. I was amazed at the high level of musi-cal performances he coaxed out of his students. I will be forever grateful to him for the work and effort he put forth for my daughters as well as all his students. The town of Truckee certainly was blessed to have him as the music director. Thank you Dave Green.

I am convinced that “Dedication” is Dave Green’s middle name! We have known Mr. Green since my son was in sixth grade, 20 years ago. He studied with him throughout both middle and high school so we have had the opportunity to witness first hand, his commitment and caring for every child under his wing.

There are so many stories that stand out in my mind including the love and support he showed our family during our difficult time following the death of hmy son’s father.

After graduation from Truckee High, he continued his study of music at CSU Chico. Dave was always available with a sympa-thetic ear and encouraging words of wisdom. The most impressive memory however is the night that my son conducted the CSU Chico Concert Band for his Master’s Project. Mr. Green, who had left Reno in the very early morning to teach his 6:15 am Jazz Band class in Truckee, finished the remainder of the school day then made the long trip to Chico to be there for his big night. After the performance, he returned to Reno so he could be on time for school the following morning. I can still remember how touched we were by this special man going above and beyond.

I know that my son agrees with me that we both consider Dave Green to be his mentor and our hero!

Marching Band,2006

One day in 2007, I was at musical rehearsal with the stage crew build-

ing some boxes for the Hello Dolly set. Being that I was “A,” dumb and

16, and “B,” not paying attention, I some how managed to skip the drill

off the top of the screw I was putting into the board, and instead put

the drill inside my index finger. There were no paper towels or first aid

kits within reach, so I walked from the side stage door, down the hall to

the girl’s locker room with blood running down my arms and no way

of stopping it from hitting the floor. I slowed the bleeding, wrapped it

in paper towel, called my dad and walked back to the theater to wait

for my ride to the hospital. Mr. Green came out of the band room and

looked at me.

“This your blood?” “Yes,” I responded. “You okay?” he asked. “Yeah, my

dad is coming to take me to the hospital,” I replied. “Well then, why are

you sitting there? Clean it up!”

So I spent the half hour I was losing blood out my torn finger scrubbing

blood up so nobody else would have to. I can honestly say that I have

never been squeamish about cleaning blood since. 

That day, I learned something about how to handle injuries. I’m not

sure if Mr. Green was trying to distract me from my horribly mangled

finger, or if he was trying to distract everyone else from the trail of blood

down the hallway, but it worked. He teaches inside and outside of the

classroom. Life lessons that are not preachy, but instead applicable. I chose

this story because it’s silly, but there are a million and one stories like this that have impacted the lives of THS students. This is

the man that let me sit in his office and sob when I had my first car accident, (and then helped me call my mom), gave me

advice on how to handle sexism and bullying in the high school hallways, allowed me to be his TA during second period when he

did not need any more help during my surgery recovery, showed me that a simple visit from a group of touring musicians can

brighten the days who have very few left, and maybe most importantly, helped empower me to realize my curiosity for learning. 

Thank you, Mr. Green, for helping me to define myself and inspiring me to chase what I love, and give back as much as I can.

Symphonic Band, 2005

Dear Mr. Green,

I wanted to thank your for the experiences that you were able to give me while I was in high school. Going on Band Tour, working with Telethon and being in Tech Theater gave me the invaluable experience that I needed to get my cur-rent and most recent jobs.

I now live in San Diego, and I am a junior at San Diego State University. Last October, after working in a kitchen at SeaWorld for several months, I applied for and got the job of working on the sound, lighting and tech crew for SeaWorld’s shows. We as a team were in charge of sound ef-fects, on stage prop movement, mechanical prop movement, sound for mics on the trainers working with the animals, and lighting for all of the outdoor shows. This was a very cool opportunity. I didn’t think that I would get the job — but by studying the notes I took during your tech theater class, I was able to pass the written exam, oral interview, and three physical tests to get the position.

I now work at a senior center. While I don’t do the en-tertainment, I serve food in the dining room and I know that the tiniest thing can brighten these residents’ days. The experiences that I had on Band Tour have been invaluable to my success in this position. By learning to listen to the stories, appreciate people for both who they are now and who they have been in the past, and always carry a smile no matter how exhausted, worn out, or how bad it hurts because my lips are too played out, I learned on Band Tour what I needed to secure- and excel at- at my current position.

I was sorry to learn last fall that the Tech Theater class had finally fallen to funding foes. It was among my fa-vorite classes in high school, and I think it was one of the most significant ways Truckee High contributed to my financial stability (having a job) today. I think that physi-cal, mechanical skills are the best thing that Truckee High taught my class during this economic time because that’s

where most of us have ended up thus far.

I was also sorry to hear of your impending retirement. I hope that I can thank you in person before you retire. I greatly appreci-ate everything that your taught me in my four years of high school, and I will always greatly appreciate the unity and solidarity of the band as a group, who I considered to be my school family during my years at school. Thank you once again for your years of teaching.

Last Concert...Spring, 2013

I was a part of the THS band from 2000-2004. I have two stories that have stuck out for me about Dave Green.

The first happened while I was still in middle school. We were invited up the high school to listen to the Dallas Brass perform. Before the concert started, a large bearded man stepped onto the stage. He promptly said, “I am Mr. Green, the music teacher here at the high school.” He looked like an extremely serious man, and spoke with complete authority. I could feel the intimidation spreading through the ranks of us younglings. After his intro, Mr. Green turned his gaze to look directly at us. He then said firmly, “To you middle school students here today...I am only going to tell you this once...” We all instantly froze. “This group has taken time out of their very busy schedule to play for you today.” As he continued, his voice gradually increased in volume as it thundered through the auditorium. “You will not talk! You will not move out of your seat! If any of you are disrespectful during the concert you will be removed by me person-ally! DO YOU ALL UNDERSTAND THAT?!” I felt like he was star-ing right through us. He didn’t move for a few seconds as he waited for any of the brave among us to utter a response. Not a soul in our hoard of SMMS tweens dared to let out a sound. I can honestly say that I have never sat so still and so utterly silent in my entire life. The ironic part of it all was that the high school students whispered and giggled amongst themselves throughout the concert. They must have known something that we didn’t. When the concert was over, Mr. Green intensely watched us as we exited the building. He said nothing but made sure each one of us left quietly and quickly.

My second story was far less terrifying and significantly more mean-ingful. As a junior at Truckee High, I was part of both the jazz and concert bands. In the spring of that year, we embarked on yet anoth-

er infamous band tour. On this go-around for tour, we made a stop at the veterans care and living facility in Yountville, CA. Being that I was planning on joining the military, I was excited to play there. Mr. Green always did a really good job of picking music that they always knew and loved. The energy in the room just felt different than anywhere else we had played for seniors. When we prepared to play our final song, I sat a little bit taller in my chair as I knew we were about to play a medley of songs from the Armed Forces. Mr. Green seemed to have noticed as he quietly smiled and pointed at me to ac-knowledge that he knew I was quite ready. As we played through the songs from the Army, Air Force, and Marines we could hear cheers and shouts coming from the gallery of veterans. One lady even danced around the room as we played, which made producing music quite difficult as many of us were holding back laughter. The medley took a somber turn as we transition into playing Eternal Father, the hymn often played for Navy Seaman and Officers as they are laid to rest or while in remembrance. Throughout the concert, an elderly man in a wheel chair was sitting with his wife, obviously a WWII Navy veteran. As we played, the Navy man in front of me hung his head low and remained motionless, all while his wife slowly rubbed his back, also with her head hung low. By the time Eternal Father’s portion of the medley ended, I could see the Navy man and his wife both had several tears slowly trickling down their faces. I couldn’t help but get a little choked up, witnessing this song having such an effect I had not seen before. However, the medley energetically con-cludes with the playing of the Navy fight song “Anchors Aweigh.” As soon as we hit the first few notes, the man instantly shot up from his hunched body position and let out a loud “Yah!”, while throw-ing his hands into the air. I had to stop playing for a brief moment as I was overcome by what I was seeing and had to smile. Just as

before, he and his wife both had tears coming down their faces. But this time they were both smiling ear to ear. As soon as we concluded the concert set, Mr. Green walked over to the Navy man and his wife. I don’t know what he said to them, but he held both of their hands as he talked. The couple smiled and nodded as he spoke. I remember thinking in that moment how good Mr. Green was at connecting with seniors, as well as children. He always knew just the right thing to do and what to say.

Mr. Green continued to talk with the couple as we prepared for the jazz band set. As we played through the classic set of 40’s and 50’s pop songs, it seemed the entire room was active with the majority of seniors getting up out of their seats and wheel chairs to dance around the room, as if it were VJ day in Times Square all over again. I remember playing with such inspiration through the jazz set that Mr. Green had to motion to me several times to lower the vol-ume I was putting out. However with every motion to me, he would follow it up with his legendary Dave Green “smirk” as if to say he knew why I was playing that way and was ok with it. As soon as we finished the jazz set, Mr Green immediately walked over to me. He stopped at my music stand and said, “Where did that come from?” I didn’t have a good answer for him, so I just kinda shrugged my shoulders. He looked around at the other trumpet players saying, “Did you all hear him? I kept hearing 3rd trumpet, 3rd trumpet, 3rd trumpet playing above everybody else!’ The other players seemed to agree. I just kind of smiled and laughed to myself. Mr. Green looked back towards me, patted me on the back while quietly smiling and said “Good job.” Although he didn’t say it, I know that he knew why I was playing with such enthusiasm that day. It is an experience I will never forget.

Mr. Green is one of those special teachers that leave a positive lasting impres-sion, a great man and an amazing educator. He has influenced the lives of countless students over his illustrious career. He fully deserves his retirement and I truly wish him the very best. Thank you Mr. Green. Jazz Band, 2012

Something memorable about Greeny....Being in the flute section we were up close and personal with our teacher. He always decided to eat his sardines out of the can while we were setting up after lunch. He found much joy in breathing his sar-dine breath at us once we were ready to go!!

And then of course that lovely ear piercing whistle to get our attention!

Or when he forced us to practice marching band in a blizzard all of the way down and across the practice fields and back.

1999 Band Tour

Dave, Mom, and Sister, 1998

Spring Musical, 1997

Dear Mr. Green Jeans,

Although the years just seem to blend and pass by, I never will ever for-get my years in band with you. I’m not going to lie; you scared the crap out of me when I was in junior high! You were intimidating, loud, and pretty much everything I wasn’t. But through the years you softened to me and became a big teddy bear. You taught me not only how to read and play music, but also life skills like productively working with a group, following directions, and most importantly how to be responsible and on time. I always remember your rule…. “Early is on time, on time is late”…. I use that rule often today as I work with my patients in my office. You changed my life by teaching me music; in fact you changed my whole family, as we all learned from you. A million THANK YOU’s for believing in me and giving me the confidence that I could play in a band. I always wanted to make you proud during performances and I hope that I did. You are an amazing teacher and one hell of a guy! Truckee High has been privileged to have you for so long and I have been honored to have known you and learned from you. Best wishes on your retirement and ENJOY IT!!! You have worked so hard and touched so many lives, now it is time for you to chillax!

Best wishes and lots of love!! xoxo

Although there are many different stories, the thing that stands out in my memory about Mr. Green are his one-liners. They show how he could relate to the high schoolers, since his humor was just as juvenile as ours. And of course, there are many, many more, just that some aren’t suitable for print.

(To students who asked to use the restroom during class): “You went to the band room for a reed and didn’t have one there. Now you want to go to the bathroom, and won’t have one there either.”

“I could make you wait until your tonsils are floating.”

(To a student who was fiddling with headphones behind his stand): “Learn how to tie that thing in a knot.”

(While explaining that he’d adopted many kids from all over the world): “We go through all the ethnicities at home.”

What can I say about Mr. Green that so many others have not said already? His teaching style was a won-derful mix of demanding excellence and at the same time recognizing that his students are kids – and allowing them to be just that, all at the same time. He ruled with a firm (but playful) hand. He created a safe haven for many in the band room (including my kids) – a place to get away from the pressures and confusion of High School. Band kids were like a family – and like family, the relationships were not without conflict. But Green helped his students navigate those tricky waters. The lessons went far beyond music and the discipline that goes along with that. And, although most teachers spend time outside of the classroom in “extra” work, it is hard to imag-ine anyone who gave more time than Greenie. The results are impressive. As I have been working on the celebration for Green’s retirement, it is amazing how many of his students went on to careers in music – educators, performers, technicians, composers (many of whom can’t make the celebration but wanted me to wish him well on their behalf).

On a personal note, I can’t thank Mr Green enough for the concern and support he showed during an extremely difficult time for my son. I firmly believe that his actions, understanding, flexibility, and car-ing made a huge difference in both of my children’s lives. I am forever grateful for that. And I am hon-ored to have had the pleasure and privilege of know-ing Greenie as a teacher, as a person, and of getting to work alongside of him via TEMPO. His retirement leaves a huge hole in the Truckee High community and among Music Educators!! And I know he will miss pursuing his passion. I wish him well in his re-tirement years.

With love, respect and gratitude. Dave Green, 2000

This book is composed as a tribute to Dave Green, Truckee High School’s Band and Tech Theatre Director for 24 years.

Mr. Green was much more than just a “music teacher.” He was a mentor, guide and guru for hundreds of teenagers during many of the most difficult years of their young lives.

Read through some of the stories found within, and you’ll just begin to scratch the surface of how Mr. Green’s influence was an incredibly positive, guiding light for the students of Truckee High.

Thank you to all who supplied stories and photos, including Keith Kimmel, Allen Bolstad, Denise Hamilton, Mira Polochko, the Pendletons, Kellie Conway, and Mark Nadell