A former student of mine just wrote to ask if I had my old programs from San Jose Symphony (RIP). She wanted to see the program notes for Lou Harrison’s Elegiac Symphony, and we played that twice, the first time being shortly after it was written. Alas, I saved nothing. Nada. Zilch.

So sad, so sad.

San Jose Symphony (RIP) brought in a ton of very well known artists, both performers and composers. People we probably couldn’t afford. But because our conductor knew so many of them personally we’d get them. I’m not sure if we got special pricing. It’s rather doubtful. But we got them, and it was pretty darn incredible. I was just too young to know that, and to appreciate them as much as I should have.

So now I want to try and go back and compile a list of who we played with, and I do wish I could remember what we played as well. But I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to. My career began in 1975, and I was 18. That’s a bit of time ago.

Anyone out there want to start a list with me? DK? I know you remember a lot of names!