I met Rafael
Méndez - Clyde Hunt
Rafael
Méndez and Clyde Hunt
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I had the great pleasure of encountering the Magnificent
Méndez, not once but TWICE!
The man was absolutely gracious, both onstage and in private. And yes,
as principal cornet, I received the (I suppose) obligatary 20 or so
minute private lesson. At the close of the rehearsal the real fun
began. He gave verbal instructions to all sections of the band,
as to which notes to play for an inprovised accompaniment for the
CARNIVAL of VENICE session. He, of course, played most of the
variations which you and I know - and then began the impromptu Mendez
variations. Anyone with doubts about this man's ability to
IMPROVISE - simply should have been there!
The very next year Méndez returned to Kent State
University. But this year when he "sent ahead" the music, there
was a selection with which I was not familiar. But I learned it
because I practiced all of the music (solos) with the band, everyday.
To make a long story shorter, that "extra" piece was sent along for me
to play, with the band, at the evening concert. The upshot - I
had another lesson with the Master, and got to play "that" solo, while
Mr. Méndez conducted!!
Suffice it to say, that 11 X 14 on the wall, of
"Rafael and Me" is to this day, one of my great treasures.
And that concert, as a nineteen -year - old, isn't a half bad memory,
either.
Thanks for listening
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