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Remembering Those Days

— “I dare say that many of the people marching in that B&W film from 1972 have seen their own kids compete through the years”

The effort has begun to get all of the old marching shows up on YouTube. See: Pearland Band Alumni. The first one available from the Fall of 1972 was so much fun to see. It’s the one and only in black and white. An interesting thing about that year was, unbeknownst to us, they were going to choose one band from each Region to compete in a newly created UIL State Marching Contest. After seeing all the bands perform, it was announced that little ole us from PHS had been chosen! We were exuberant! The contest ended up not happening, and I don’t know the inaugural year for it — it was after my time. Through the years I’ve seen several of the programs I teach for compete — Even traveling to San Antonio to see my niece and nephew compete with their school. I dare say that many of the people marching in that B&W film from 1972 have seen their own kids compete through the years as well as doing like we all do — go to a football game to watch the half-time show. Who doesn’t want their family being a part of it all — there was just nothing like it!

Retrieving vids and visiting 2/9/20. Jack and me “the survivors!” ; – )

Forming this Scholarship

— “Their story of meeting at Sam is a delight!”

I would like to send a huge note of thanks to the SHSU Division of University Advancement for their help in creating this scholarship. Also, of course, to the Farisses for putting their seal of approval on our efforts. Their story of meeting at Sam is a delight! Sam Houston State Teacher’s College became “Sam Houston State College” in 1965, and finally became “Sam Houston State University” in 1969. Jack and Pat got to be a part of it in its earlier ‘heyday,’ and saw the key leadership of the music department arrive and prosper. The music program has seen incredible development since their time there. To all of the Pearland Band Alumni and Friends who are helping to fund the award, thank you for being such a tight knit and wonderful group of people, you will always be Jack and Pat’s “kids” according to the Farisses themselves. We will all keep our fingers crossed for the growth of the Jack and Pat Fariss Music Scholarship, and look forward to seeing it help students in their quest to become music educators. ~ Steve D. Matchett (M. Mus. SHSU ‘94 – PHS class of 1975)

Jack and Pat Fariss – Dec. 2019

From the Honorees, 30 Dec 2019:

“You have no idea how much something like this means to us. … Sharing our life and love with you was always such a pleasure. We never felt we were working because we were having so much fun. I don’t know if the students realize exactly how much pleasure and motivation you were to us and the dedication so many had that it simply kept us going. As I listen to the music you produced, I am always in awe of your performances and find it hard to believe that we were the leaders of such wonderful talent and so much hard work. …
With all our love and support,
Jack and Pat”
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