Dr. Jones was the heart and soul of HMB. During my decade with the band, we went from Commings to Fry, cellar of the conference to Pasadena, and seven years of bowl games, traveling in style...the time of our lives. The band doubled in size, new drumline, uniforms, graduate-staff...all aspects of the band transformed. We were transported musically, as well. Dr. J. was a killer arranger and we coveted the opportunity to write drum parts to his work. Listen to recordings and you can hear the electricity...it was goosebumps on a regular basis. My parents came to the pregame shows in the Field-house, stood in the front row and cried their eyes out from the powerful presentation, their son marching center snare and writing parts we played. We were chomping on our chin straps, cheering, crying, and laughing all the way. I graduated from marching to percussion instructor for the rest of my tenure. The friends and colleagues over all these years are unforgettable and forever part of my real education at the UI.
During the winter/spring semester, Dr. Jones exhibited all his concert and classroom skills. He would accompany Symphony Band on tour and conduct, as well. He was a most multi faceted musician.
The only way we can repay the experience is to remain Hawkeyes at Heart. Of this there is no doubt.
Michael Geary
HMB 1978-1987
