A combination of a hip replacement and pneumonia meant that I was not much of an announcer or musician in the 2024-25 season. I did not cover myself with glory that final season; rather whatever is the opposite of glory. There is no longer room for me in the Tenor Sax section and the conductor has taken over announcing.

I enjoyed my time with the Danville Community Band: 25 years announcing, 19 years playing, after eight years playing and announcing for the Lamorinda Town Band. I will miss DCB.

If only I could drive at night, I might try for a seat in the San Ramon band. But I think the live music part of my life is over. I’ll just keep writing lyrics and recording. The Beatles gave up live performance for the studio; I will do the same.

There is some chance one of my grandchildren will want to play tenor someday, so I’m parking my sax at my daughter’s house. A 34-year-old Selmer Paris is still a pretty good horn. And if unplayed for a few years, will be as good as new with little oil and new pads.