And the Band Plays On

Thanks for your great article on USC Band Director Art Bartner (“Trojan Hoarse,” by Rob Felton, Oct. 29). Some of my most memorable experiences during my years at USC were in the Trojan marching band, and I attribute much of this to the pride and esprit de corps instilled in the band by Bartner. I believe you would be hard pressed to find another band program that has inspired so much devotion from its musicians, or one that is so loved and respected by students and alumni alike. Here’s yet another reason why you’re a Bruin for four years, but a Trojan for life. Fight on!

Michael Angelos

Fresno

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I know firsthand what Bartner and his Spirit of Troy mean to Trojan fans. As a former music major at USC, my biggest regret is that I played the piano--not a prime qualification for joining the Trojan marching band. That marvelous organization has brought a tear to my eye and tugged at my heartstrings ever since my undergraduate days. But it all came to a head on my 50th birthday, when my wife arranged for the band to put in a full-dress appearance at my surprise party. When they marched in playing “Conquest,” I started crying and didn’t stop for five hours. Did it make an impression on me? The band is now in my will.

Lloyd Peyton

Silver Lake