WALT BOENIG: Guestbook
James Dagg
June 29, 2010
WALT !!
I was talking with Mike Norris Tuesday and asked him about Doug Volding - and he told me about YOU and this site.
Get in touch with me through the email above.
Doug and Donna Wiehe
June 25, 2010
'Wish we could have heard the group.
Great picture...Great web site.
We KNOW you're a fine musician! Let us know when you're comin' to Texas again.
luvya, dw & dw
Dean Canty
May 9, 2010
I have heard of the band for years from John Smith, Bob Cary, others.
Rick Drummond
March 24, 2010
Great site! Marty Oberlander, (Sax), is one of my best friends and lives around the corner from me in Brunswick, Ga. What a Great guy and person! I have known him since the late 70's and I have played music with him for several years. He does not play anymore!
victoria anderson throop
February 18, 2010
Joined the web page when I saw that Walt was from Beeville--where I taught Sr High English. Also a music lover, now a writer of English/Chinese textbooks--starving, but happy!Was looking for a photo of Vera Krupp, German Actress, for some research for one of my books. Do you know where I could find a photo of her? She is mentioned on this website. thanks
Joan Johnson
February 6, 2010
Very interesting. I enjoyed listening to your band, especially on the songs that I knew. Beautiful!
d.wiehe
October 1, 2009
What a handsome man...just think...you were once a little boy who played piano and trombone.
WILLIAM EVANS
September 7, 2009
IN 1950 WE WERE MEMBERS OF THE 427TH ARMY BAND MANNHEIM, GERMANY. AT THE TIME OF HIS DEATH IN 1995 WE WERE MEMBERS OF THE BAND ASASOCIATION, UPPER MARLBORO MD. HENRY WAS A VERY FINE MUSICIAN AND A VERY HONORABLE MAN
Jerry Park
August 16, 2009
Walt,
Thanks for responding to my post in your guestbook. As I said before, Leon Theriot was my band director in high school and briefly at Sul Ross. He was a great influence on me. While I never had as illustrious career as yours, I was able to earn my living as a military musician. I spent 8 of my 20 years as a member of The Continental Army Band at Fort Monroe, VA and the rest as a staff member at the Armed Forces School of Music, at Little Creek Amphibious Base, Norfolk, VA.
When did the Shanks teach at BC Jr High? The name sounds familiar, but I can't put a face with it. I suspect he may have been there close to the time I attended. In any case, it's always good to run across connections to the past.
-Jerry Park
Jerry Park
August 13, 2009
I'm amazed. I was a student of Leon Theriot at Bridge City High School, in Bridge City, Texas in the late 1960's (64-68). A couple of years later (1972 I think) he recruited me from the shipyard to join his band at Sul Ross. I was there for a little over a semester before he passed away. I was amazed to find these pictures of him. He was a great guy and a fine band director.
Pam (McDowell) Ruggear
July 23, 2009
I did this search on Douglas Volding. My band director from 6th grade through high school.
He was the most influential person in my life since I grew up with my mother as a single parent. Is this the same person?
He was natively a trumpet player.
Any info would be appreciated...
Meron Shapland
July 17, 2009
Truly amazed to find photos of that 1976 tour of SA on the web. I am clearing out my Mum's home in Durban and found all her correspondence with Rico Mordenti. I decided to do a search to try and make contact with him, and am sad to learn that he has passed on. I was studying the piano at the time and he felt that I should move to the States and study at the Juilliard. My mother was the Chairlady of the Jazz preservation of Southern Africa and some of the musicians played at the club and other venues, that is how we met Rico. I remember my parents entertaining him at this home, what a lovely man he was. I am moving my Mum to the UK where I live. She is looking forward to going to a live big band concert. Thank you for placing these photos, brought back wonderful memories.... keep well and playing. Meron
Bob Cary
July 16, 2009
Hi Walt, enjoy your photos which prompted me to start a web site. My daughter has not completed it yet but there are some pictures you may enjoy. You have to go to Bob Cary at wikepedia and at the bottom, there is a place you can click. Shoud be bobcary.webs.com. Again, this is not complete but for now, enjoy, maybe. Al Thompson is in a few.
Lowell Clark
June 23, 2009
Hi Walt, we have never met, but one of my friends here in Livingston, Tx, Jim Atkins sends me many of your emails. I ran across your website and saw many familiar names. I also play trombone, from Lufkin H.S. attended Sam Houston in the Fall of '53. Ed Boyd conductor, Houstonians, Dir. Mickey Dominy. Skip Height and I were freshmen at the same time. I transferred to SFA at midterm that year. Before retirement I was band director at Liberty H.S., M.B. Smiley H.S. and then Director of Music for Beaumont I. S. D. for 21 years, before retiring on Lake Livingston, where I conduct the Livingston Area Community Band. I knew Doug Wiehe when he was in the Freeport area. One of your pictures here is Charlie Loper, from Atlanta, TX. I was lucky enough to make the Texas All-
State Band in 52-53 in Mineral Wells, TX. Charlie Loper was our 1st chair trombone. I'm glad to see you are keeping the "Big Band" sound alive.
Charlie McMahon
May 26, 2009
Walt, congratulations on a great career. I had no idea I went to HS with such a famous musician. Next time I'm in Vegas I'll look you up.
Kelly Kositchek Szemanski
May 18, 2009
Well if the name didn't give me away I am Kozz's eldest daughter or as i prefer Daughter #1 Kelly. Found this looking up the family name and found a pic of my dad . after looking further i see all the guys i new as a kid . Brought back some great memories for me as a kid growing up back stage . Take care all.. Kelly
Kevin Michaels
May 14, 2009
It was great seeing some photos of a couple of the guys at the old L369 on Tropicana. Do you have any photos with Jack Feierman, John Foss, Danny Pucillo, Larry Hall and Alan Ware, etc.?
Larry Burks
May 13, 2009
Hello Walt.
What a great website. I really enjoyed all the pictures. Your website picture is the first I have seen of you since the Sam Houston days...about 45 years ago.
LB
Bonnie Cleland
April 21, 2009
Mr. Boenig: My brother, Bill Fischer, is a friend of your brother, Derwood. He lives in woodsboro, Texas. He told me how much he loves your CD "A Little of You", I believe he has a copy of the casette tape from your brother. I was wondering how or where I can get a copy of it. Thank you for your time.
Bonnie Cleland
e-mail = bcle379901@aol.com
Henry White
April 14, 2009
You probably don't know me. I came to Sam H. later in 61. I played trumpet, I knew Joe Stroud, Jerry Coker, Larry Koeppen, Jerry Head, Doug Volding. Have you heard from any of them? Larry and I went to high school together. I would appreciate any Information.
Tks,
Henry White
Larry Felix
April 12, 2009
I was in Army Basic Training with a saxman by
the name, Burt Esterman. Ft. Polk, LA; Feb. to
May, 1964. I know he was working L.V. when the draft got all of us, so I'm wondering if your
Burt Esterman is one and the same person. I would love to catch the band sometime and maybe hook up with Burt, if in fact he is the guy
I have in mind. We had some fun times.
Ord
April 1, 2009
Great photo of you from Will Lee's iphone.
Jack Lebo
March 29, 2009
Need your correct mailing address, phone.
Francis Bonny
March 10, 2009
Walt and a bunch of you guys,
Great to see all this history, although it's good to be off the bus. Still around NJ/NYC.
Best to you all and don't give up the long tones, this market may take a while...
Great job on the site.
F.B.
F.B.
d Wiehe
March 6, 2009
enjoyed the oics....Who is that handsome 'bone player with a beard? luv dw & dw
Allan Robinson
March 1, 2009
Thanks for helping me to locate trombone player John Tyler (an old friend). Nice website, great pictures.
D.Wiehe
February 8, 2009
Great pix....thanks for a well put together web site....good job. luv ya dw
Stuart Waxman
February 7, 2009
Thanks for the trip down Memory Lane. I was the percussionist with the Johnny Haig relief band from 1969 to 1971, the Carlton Hayes Desert Inn band from 1971 to 1977, and the Tony Costa MGM Grand band from 1977 to 1983 (Hallelujah Hollywood and Jubilee). I also worked quite a bit with Jack Eglash at the Sahara. It was wonderful to see the photos of so many friends whom I remember so fondly.
Dana Rogers
February 3, 2009
Walt,
Thank you for the email updates. I love perusing the great pics on your site! Hope to see you in person someday soon.
All the best from Houston...
Dana
P.S. -- www.jazzhouston.com is our local site.
Bill Jackson
January 28, 2009
I was looking for google info on my late friend and fellow musician Leon Theriot at Sul Ross and came upon your website. I played piano in his lab band in 1971 while teaching government at Sul Ross and have many great memories of those times and of Leon and the band members
PEGGY TRASATTI
January 12, 2009
Great website, congratulations! I was looking for your email address so I could send you the personnel and payroll for our January concert. I will try that now. Thanks for everything!
tolik
January 7, 2009
hi!
Jerry Cash
January 7, 2009
Walt, glad to see your doing well. Have not seen Tom or Bob Rheam since I was on the Miller band with you guys. Tell Toad I said Hi. Also wonder what Reggie Gobel is up to these days. Have not seen him since college.
BOBBY GONZALES
December 17, 2008
HEY WALT. IM LISTENING TO SOME OF YOUR RECORDINGS. SOUND GREAT. BEEN TALKING WITH EDDIE PIERCE. GLAD YOU GUYS STILL KEEP IN TOUCH.
THANKS FOR ALL YOU TAUGHT ME. IS IT SURELY MADE MY BASS CAREER GO A LOT EASIER. I'M NOT SURE I EVER LET YOU KNOW HOW BIG AN INFLUENCE YOU WERE TO ME.
THANKS FOR EVERYTHING AND BEING A LIFELONG FRIEND
BOBBY GONZALES.
HOUSTON, TEXAS
Bob Cary
December 10, 2008
Walt, I always enjoy looking at photos. I will have a lot on my own web site, if it ever gets finished. Guys like: Al Thompson {the road rat of all time} Gary Twinning, Bill Gemmer, Larry Shunk, and others I've passed before on many bands. Thanks again
Ken Hogan
September 27, 2008
Hi,
I was a student of Alvin Lockhart from 76-78 at Klein High School.
What is he doing these days?
Troy W Campbell
September 6, 2008
Great band I am a friend and musician of Jimmy Morgan from Pittsburgh.
Mel Montgomery
August 15, 2008
I have enjoyed this site. Good music clips and the bio leads me to to this message. Your website was sent to me by a former student Alvin Lockhart, bass trombonist from Houston.
I am also an alum of Sam Houston having graduated in 1948. I was a trap drummer in the Houstonians under Ed boyd and Porky Ellis and was director of the group in 1947+48. One of the trumpet players in my group was Johnny Bankston who was also my roomate. He later became band director at Beeville HS and my wife and I visited them some at their home in Cat Springs. Did you know him?
I was a high school band director in Snyder, Texas and sent two trombone players to Sam that you may have known. Mark Clark and Alvin Lockhart.
I knew Bill Lee, Harley Rex, Mickey Tull, rod Cannon , etc. who you probably know. Also know Dennis Dotson well and visited hwith him last ear at the Kemah Jazz Festival.
I am retired an am Director of Bands Emeritus at Stephen F. Austin State University and taught there from 1968-1987. So we may hve some mutual acquaintances. I am glad that Alvin sent me your website and it was great to get acquainted with your fine group. I will look forward to hearing some more of your music making in the future.
Regards,
Mel Montgomery
A.W. Johnson
August 14, 2008
Spoke to Reggie 2 years ago, I don"t think he had any idea of your success. If he did he forgot to tell me. I moved to Ohio with my 5th wife 25 years ago. She was 16 yrs younger , but died last year. Had 2 daughters with her now 19 and 22 .That makes 8 kids with wives. A few others here and there.
I have one foot in the grave after multiple heart attacks and 2 quadruple by passes. My right hand is crippled, I can no longer play, if I ever could. Saw my brothers pictures and was touched deeply. God bless and keep you. I miss Reggie and Bill and our days playing dominoes and nights at the ball games.
eldridge custer
August 13, 2008
Way to go, cousin! You sound fabulous.
A.W.Johnson
August 13, 2008
Forgive my typing, right hand is semi paralized from 2 heart surgeries. Can't type worth a damn, or play trumpet for that matter . Love to see you again someday. A.W.
A.W. Johnson
August 13, 2008
haven"t seen you in 35 yeasrs. Happy to see you so succesful.I had no idea I knew someone famous, may god kep you, A.W. Johnson, failed trumpet player
JIm Cross
June 24, 2008
Hi Walt.
I should know you as, I'm sure we have played at UNLV 76 Trombone gig together. We surely played the same gig at Sam Houston. I was there 54-56 then on to UNT and the One O,Clock Lab. band.
Rick Haines
June 18, 2008
As Chairman of The Town North Plano Men of Note scholarship funding raising "Ice Cream Social" I want to say Thank You for donating 2 copies of "A Little of You" and 2 copies of "A Lot of Us".
We were able to raise $2024.00 in raffeling 15 different items together with a few donations. The money will be used to hold our 2nd annual Spectrum of Harmony in conjuction with the Plano ISD
Coral Music Department. The Men of Note do all of the funding and the music teachers pass out the music and learning disc and make sure the songs or memorized before the Saturday clinic and concert. Last year we had 125 Jr Hi boys and 95 Hi Schools boys participate in Barbershop Harmony singing.
Dynamic Musical Productions, contribution to this effor is certainly appreciated.
I am sure that Ord will give you more feedback. I heard him talking to Bob Connelly, one of our long time chorus members and a winner of one of your CD's, who said "your brother sure does play some sweet trombone solos in those ballards on the CD."
Randy Smith told Ord that it sure was a good big band CD and that he wished he would have won the one with 2 disc rather than just one.
Thank you again. Rick Haines
Steve Brooks
May 1, 2008
Hey Walt!
Love your website, although your bandmates today aren't as good looking as those of us who played with you back at Sul Ross! Viva Theriot! I'll find you if I can ever manage to get back to Vegas.
mike leatherwood
March 12, 2008
trying to reach Bill Atwood, an old friend and fellow trumpet player I have lost touch with. Hillsboro, texas
Mark Pris
February 27, 2008
Hello, your website is very informative and useful,
I would like to share with you links, send all the questions
on my e-mail.
Jim McConnell
January 10, 2008
First heard you on Music Choice (Cable), and loved it. Then looked on the internet to find out more of your bio. Thanks for your music. Long live "Big Bands" !
Susan
December 22, 2007
Feeling nostalgic, I Googled my uncle Abe Nole and found your site. Uncle Abe was a kick in the pants and I have many wonderful and fun memories of him. I'm so glad there's a yearly remembrance of him at UNLV and scholarship funds for other students to carry on his legacy. He wanted at least one of his sons to learn the trombone but neither one was interested. Maybe he should have asked me. :) Thanks for the memories and a cool site. Susan
Ed Jackson
December 15, 2007
Saw your website though my daughter, Lauren. Great photos of LV musicians including my wife, Carol. Thanks
Jeff Boenig
October 20, 2007
Hi, Just searching for other 'Boenig's' on the web.
Jimmy Clark
September 22, 2007
Great to see all the pictures. I am the guy that knew Gerry Chamberlain!
Jimmy
Tom Trinter
September 15, 2007
Found your site just (semi) random surfing.
Great big band stuff here! Any recordings of that Trombone Quartet?
Tom Trinter
Evelyn Brem Noack
September 2, 2007
Love your music and the band. I was
born and raised in Woodsboro, Texas.
Harry Boenig married my cousin, Addie Allen. I think Harry was your
Uncle.
Keep up the good music.
Ann Krieger
August 16, 2007
Thanks Walt, enjoy your e-mails, and always,,,,your music.
Richard "saxman" Shanks
August 14, 2007
It's great to hear about all your success and,of course, we all owe a great debt to Doug Wiehe. I hope you run into my brother, John Lee, who is playing jazz in Nashville area as an amateur. Stay in touch.
I play in the Houston area,as well as, teach 75 lessons per week.
d.wiehe
July 29, 2007
Every time we look up your website we learn more about what a talented person you are! I know you're enjoying your r'r luvya dw
Nick Drozdoff
July 16, 2007
Excelent sound from some fine musicians!
Ted "The Bull" Sares
July 11, 2007
Great site and great band and great brother-in-law!
Eric Boenig
June 19, 2007
Hey Uncle Buch, website looks real good. Listening to Summertime on my laptop at work and thought I'd come check the site since I know it was under construction a while
Eric
Patty Mills
May 31, 2007
I love those pictures of the SHSU boys. I love every last one of them. Jack and Leon--that's a wonderful picture and Leon alone! My favorite is 4 at the table-jack, Dennis, Kit and you. I love you all. Good God we're old!
Walter--don't you DARE put a picture of me on this!!! I really mean it. I'm too fat. Patty
Jimmie Melinder
May 30, 2007
Love the pictures Walt!
Especially the killer band uni!!
ben tolly
May 19, 2007
Thank you Walt for your contribution, enabling music lovers to hear and feel sounds in the most satisfying way, and giving the musicians an avenue to transport their skills...I love it!
Nick Cutrone
May 15, 2007
Hi Walt, Looking forward to hear the band at
the AFM convention in June.
Regards Nick
Gene Smookler
April 13, 2007
Cool site. Great band ---great seein' the boys.
Ed Pierce
March 24, 2007
Good band!
Johnny Bello
March 17, 2007
Keep swinging and keep the big bands alive.
Barbara Gurley
February 21, 2007
Hi Walt,
I had no idea I was on your website. Surprise, surprise. It was fun to browse through all your photos - all that testosterone and brass. The other side of the world from the world of strings. Enjoyed my visit. Thank you.
Jimmy Morgan
January 19, 2007
Nice site, WALT !!
BOB POWERS
January 15, 2007
PLAYING LOCALLY WITH 3 BIG BANDS (LEAD & RIDE TRPT.) 1 SMALL (7 PC.) BIG BAND, 1 6PC. JAZZ GROUP AND 1 4PC. JAZZ GROUP. KEEPS ME BUSY. ALWAYS LOOKING FOR NEW, GOOD CHARTS. DO YOU SELL OR TRADE? BOTH WES BOWEN & I ARRANGE FOR THE SMALL BIG BAND. DO YOU REMEMBER HIM?
LOOKS LIKE YOU'RE DOING GREAT THINGS OUT THERE. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
BOB
Donna Wiehe
January 2, 2007
Great site!
The work you do is a blessing for many.
luvya, dw
Carol & Frank Klein
December 24, 2006
Walt...sooooooooo neat to see your photo album..loved the one of you in your highschool band uniform. AND the ones of you with some really big name performers!I am sure there are some drawbacks to life as a performing artist,but just know that music lovers LOVE your music. You bring a lot of joy to those of us who can't play!
Maggie & John Flood
December 13, 2006
How proud we are of our talented and famous brother-in-law. Thank you for sharing.
Nancy volding
December 13, 2006
What fun it was to look at these old pictures! Thanks for sharing them! We don't have any pictures from this era. Love the website!
Jon Linker
December 1, 2006
Congrats on a great site
Love the photos
Roberta Davis
November 30, 2006
Nice website!
Milt Farrow
November 27, 2006
Received copy of website from collegue and long time friend Leon Merion-Good to see that someone is carrying on a great tradition in this world of "garage artists"
Milt Farrow
Titusville Fl.
Sara Boenig
November 4, 2006
Hey Uncle Butch...just checking out your site...cute pictures of yourself ♥
grace mosher
September 28, 2006
none
Janet and Ken Boenig
September 2, 2006
Thank you fo sharing this, it is great.
Do you know the Wiehe family. I have been helping their son and wife decorate their home.
Keep up the good work. Great website.
Janet
D. Wiehe
August 1, 2006
Patty Esfindari, the secretary to Texas UIL just re-sent your web site. She
LUVed it. She sent it out to many......
It's a great website. luvya, dw & dw
joanne gilbert
June 19, 2006
Great music!
Wonderful website!
Congratulations!
www.thereallasvegas.net
Sidney
May 15, 2006
Hmmm..not bad for an old guy.
Chuck Hamiilton
April 16, 2006
Excellent bio and web site. You really did a very nice job, Walt. Congratulations!
Chuck Hamilton
Ron Nethercutt
April 6, 2006
Great site.........enjoyed the music and photos; saw lots of friends in the latter.
Dave Sheetz
April 6, 2006
Walter...a fine site! I want to thank you for sending me the best emails-always my favorite. The photos are great...say hi to Snelson for me. Just heard from Joe Schaffer and reminisced about the Miller Band. We had a great time. Keep going! Dave
Chris & Kelly Hightower
April 5, 2006
Ord turned me on to your CD. It is amazing. I can't wait to play it for my friends. My husband and I listen to it every night. The web site is great. We would love to see a concert if we ever find our way to LV. You are truly gifted. Thank you for making some wonderful music!
LaRue
March 29, 2006
love the pic with John Allen...LOL...I think i know that girl, wait...I am that girl...
Donald Baker
March 20, 2006
Walt: Nice site about the big band. Good luck in the future. Maybe one of these day I will get back to LV and get to hear the band.
Lou Anne Parsons Smoot
February 22, 2006
Doug and Donna Wiehe occasionally send me news of your successes and sent me the link to this website. I graduated from A.C. Jones in 1956. I think your graduation date was 1959. You probably don't remember me, but I just wanted to say "Hi" and that I'm very, very happy you have such a successful musical career.
Sonny Hernandez
February 13, 2006
Hey Walt,
The website is awesome! Very impressive with the charts and photos. The trombone pic is one of the very first Abe Nole concerts we did some 20 years ago at UNLV. After looking at my pics on the webpage...I should have taken better care of myself!
Adios Amigo,
Sonny
Ord Gary
February 12, 2006
An entertaining and changing web site. I check it daily and have been pleased to see the addition of fan & friends comments and photos of musicians that play in the band. I hope I will be able to make the Mothers Day Concert this year. Thanks for the good music and committement to excellence.
Phillip L. Finke
February 12, 2006
Walter, great website. Perhaps we will have a trip to LV when you have one of your concerts. I enjoyed seeing you and meeting your wife at your mom's 100th birthday.
God Bless,
Phil
Kathryne Tuttle
February 12, 2006
Hi Walt!
First, let me introduce myself. I am Richard Ewin's wife. He sent me your website, as I really like the sound of the Big Band Era.
I would love it, when you open up the website, that there is music playing. "In The Mood" would be wonderful!
Best of luck to you and the band members; hope to get to Las Vegas and see the show.
God Bless, Kathryne and Richard Tuttle
Anafair Butts
February 12, 2006
Very nice!
Sue Campbell
February 11, 2006
Hey, Butch Looks good to me. I will also show my classes you web site. Looks like you may be world famous and not even know it. There is a whole new generation listening to you and your band all over the country. Thanks for keeping all the good stuff going!!
Sue
Nellie Boenig
February 11, 2006
This is great.
Marie Tuttle
February 10, 2006
Hi Walt...
Just checked out your website and it is wonderful. The photos are great and the info is very complete. Best of luck with this site.
Love to all,
Marie Tuttle
Durwood C. Boenig
February 10, 2006
An old dummy like me, can't improve on anything. Your WEB SITE looks great, the musical clips and photos. Your old brother.
Durwood
Ted Sares
February 10, 2006
Great web site, great band, and great albums.
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