I was just struck with the news that my high school band director, Mr. Nygaard, is in hospice and isnt expected to live past the next few days. This is devastating. There arent enough words in the English language to describe how many people he affected. We had a large band and several sets of auxiliary units; and he knew everyone. Like the back of his hand. If he didnt know you like that, you werent a part of any of his groups. I credit him with a great many things, but mostly, making me feel like there was nothing I couldnt do, and pushing me to show that to the world.
I was very very shy before meeting him and trying out for drill team. Snicker if you will. Drill Team. Have no doubt, we were amazing. In one year, we won the Dodger's Battle of the Band's championship over a school who'd been winning it for years. Killed at the Chino tournament, bringing home 20 trophies. Something that's not since been topped, nor do I ever see it being topped.
He was the missing parent, sibling, family, friend, to any of us who were missing that component in our lives at the time. It made us want to be great for him. To be perfect. I wanted to write him a letter about some of the things that were 'me' specific, but it would just go on and on. So instead, I wrote something simple that made my feelings known. I'm sharing it with you here if you care to read it. I'm praying it gets there before he's gone. I really love this man. He made me feel like it was ok to live.
Dear Mr. Nygaard,
You're the man, every man should hope to be. You're the man, who made us unique. Strong. Confident. Perfect. Before you, I was incredibly shy. After you, I had the fortitude to stand up and be myself. You shaped me. I have been a mother, a Marine, a police officer. All proud moments. Moments that pale in comparison to how one positive comment from you felt in a 110 degree heat.
Mediocrity was your enemy. Perfection your goal, and love; your medium. We always knew, under that tough exterior, that as much as you loved the performance; you loved us more. You knew us better then we knew ourselves. There were so many of us, but you still knew. You could pick out one flat note, one missed step as a sign that we were not focused, and that there was more then a reason why.
The Draagyn. It fits you as well as our uniforms did. Legendary. Strong. Rare. I cry tears for you now, but of love, not sadness. Love, because I know where you'll be soon. You're going to be directing Heaven's band and auxiliary units and telling them, "From the top, let's do it again" I love you from the depths of my heart, Michelle Martinson
12 years ago
