I was lucky enough to have grown up on Long Island where many schools had excellent music programs. The Smithtown Public Schools had such a reputation. I started playing sax in 3rd grade and began private lessons at that time which I continued through high school. I can't thank my parents enough for this early support. My Dad took me (and my brother) to our lessons once per week at night at a time when I'm sure he would have rather curled up on the couch after a long day at work.
I made it into all of the regional festivals (sponsored by NYSSMA) in elementary through middle school but I missed making ALL STATE by 3 points. I think I received a 94 on the solo but the cut off was 97. At any rate, in the spring of my freshman year (1982), I tried out for the pit band of Care-In which was a charitable fund raiser led by English teacher Rob Raineri. The structure of Care-In was basically that of a revue. Songs were chosen by singers and then music was arranged for the pit band. It was always an exciting, energetic night where the most talented students could strut their stuff. As a freshman, I was blown away that we were playing funk, rock, disco, etc..with amplification in our school auditorium!! Was this allowed?
One of the songs was Find Another Fool by Quarterflash. It was sung by the stunning Diana Smith (I was absolutely smitten) and I had the sax solo. I remember it was in an impossible key with a million sharps that I never knew existed but I wanted the gig so I learned the solo.
Here it is (mind you this was before digital recording technology):
