Dave Green
Truckee High Music 24 Years of Memories
en…. About Dave Gre
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It was a very sad day when I heard that Mr. Green would be retiring. Not only because he is a fantastic teacher who contributes 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.
answer and then hold the phone up so I could hear them play and then we would talk.
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 matter how far into a piece the fourth period band was. He would
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 comfort 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 continued 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!!
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 toothache 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.
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 students 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 complete and full impact on my life — for the better. I remember several times on trips when he went completely out of his way to make sure I was okay. I had a stomachache one night on band tour and he went next door to the gas station to make sure my heating 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.
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 guarding 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 Kellie’s Wedding 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. Holland’s Opus.
On my wedding day, besides the whole marrying the best man in the world thing, I was beyond 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 We always knew that man for that. Mr. Green, even after all these years, it seems he really cared for us. I still remember when 10 or so of us strange to call you Dave, but truly, you have made my life 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 better and I could myself extremely lucky to have had you all be there. The movie theater over by the old Park Lane mall as a teacher and to have known you.
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 during 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 Kindergarten 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 disappoint the band. When Fall I went to Mr. Green to Concert, 2006 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 accomplished 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 described 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 directors tend to have large egos or often bring up their years playing, 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 flabbergasted 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 influences 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!
omy favorite mem I think one of , the year of the ries was on to ur y we know, Green camping joke. As ed lly sick and tw ist has a wonderfu g We were playin sense of humor. mes for the men at one of the ho a a and there was tally challenged cesup and down in wo man jumping . Green while we santly behind Mr ne Mi d-song, so meo played a song. to reen, she wants calls out, “Mr. G yo u.” The whole go camping with laug hing, we band falls apart to ho ld it are barely able up and together. I lo ok conducting Greeny is still laug hter and but cr ying with ing with his belly is shak ng not the effort of tr yi to laug h alou d.
I remember on e time we were at the old fo lks ho me and the lady behind him wa s just whining and co mplaining. “I t’s so co ld” an d “why is it so lo ud?” “I’m tire d” . This continue d all thro ug h our pe rfor mance until so meone turned to the staff and said “could so mebo dy please ge t the fog horn a blanket? She’s freezing up here!” It still makes me laug h when I’m on stage and see an old la dy in a sweater in the crow d!
Winter Concert, 2010
Band Tour, 2007
honor band with him I have a memor y of my first ueen on and as a freshman and he put Q the Dust� on braked to “Another One Bites all hop out the freeway, and then had us a stop light. and do a chinese fire drill at Yeah Greenie.
I loved that he alw ays kept a clown n ose in his pocket and wo uld put it on to lo osen us up before we pl ayed a concert or festival.
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 propensity 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 myself 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 possible 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 mischievous, up-to-no-good laugh - he knew just how to be the perfect combination of respected teacher and in-on-thejoke 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 musician 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 musicians 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 happiness. 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.
Winter Concert, 2012
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.
Pre-Festival Concert, 2011
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, playing “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. Unpredictable 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.
Homecoming Parade, 2007
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 because 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.
Those “crazy eyes.” Last Concert... Spring, 2013
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 aspects 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 every 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!
Dave Green poured his heart and soul into his teaching and music program. Whether it was a band performance, 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 Francisco 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 musical 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.
Marching Band, 2006
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 sympathetic 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!
Symphonic Band, 2005
One day in 2007, I was at musical rehearsal with the stage crew building 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.
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 current and most recent jobs.
Last Concert... Spring, 2013
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 effects, 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 entertainment, 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 favorite 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 physical, 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 appreciate 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.
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 personally! DO YOU ALL UNDERSTAND THAT?!” I felt like he was staring 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 meaningful. 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 acknowledge 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 concludes 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 throwing 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 volume 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 impression, 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
Dear Mr. Green Jeans, Although the years just seem to blend and pass by, I never will ever forget my years in band with you. I’m not going to lie; you scared the crap
1999 Band Tour
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
Dave, Mom, and Sister, 1998
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 sardine 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.
Spring Musical, 1997
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 imagine 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 knowing 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 retirement 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