Cadet #40 Review of MHL2006
Cadet #40 Review of The Middle Horn Leader 2006
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
By: Dave Shaw
Many of you are probably unaware that there is a book about The Cadets written by a Cadet alumnus currently available on Amazon.com. The title of the book is "The Middle Horn Leader 2006," written by Cadet David Welch about his 1984 rookie season with The Cadets. This was the fabled 50th Golden Anniversary season of the Cadets, and the "Westside Story" program that is still talked about, to this day, with awe and amazement.
The first part of the book is a day-by-day journal of what David experienced, and his reactions to and reflections on his life as a 17-18 year-old, first-year Cadet. Part two is a cartoon-art section of illustrations based on David's journal by Don Daber of Toronto Canada. The third part is a totally brilliant overview of the momentous milestone events in David's life to date, and how the lessons he learned as a Cadet affected and guided him each step of the way. The fourth and final part consists of four essays by Cadet middle horn leaders (mellophone section) who occupied the leadership position in 1990 (Nicole Roach), 1998 (Rachel Anderson), 2003 (Christen Juel) and 2006 (Paula Hyman). Throughout the entire book the emotional connection to Holy Name and the generations that preceded them as Cadets is inspiring beyond description.
My copy arrived in the mail today. I just finished reading it cover to cover. As I write this email I can't stop the tears rolling down my face.
David's book took me along on a magical journey of the Cadet experience. It filled me with joy, and wonder, and gratitude, to know that the Cadets continue to fulfill the dream and share the values we all hold so close to our hearts.
The past few months I have had the great privilege and honor of reconnecting with Cadets from many different generations. David's story is all our stories; each one different, each one the same. Even our heritage-Cadets from seven and one half generations ago, remember every detail of their Cadet experience, down to such minute details as their uniform number. When we stand together to sing the Holy Name Song no one holds back, and the words known to every Cadet are sung out with indescribable pride and love, and a reverence reserved for only the most important things in our lives.
None of us, however, myself in particular, have ever managed to capture in writing what it means to be a Cadet as beautifully and as poignantly as David has in this book. He has made a contribution to our corps that will resonate for generations to come, and will be passed along from Cadet to Cadet through the ages.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Nicole, Rachel, Christen, and Paula. The continuity of the Cadet experience they describe, each essay ending with "For Holy Name Shall Always Be," has made me realize anew the power of our common heritage, and the strength of our values.
A full-color version of David's book, "The Middle Horn Leader 2006" is available for purchase on Amazon.com for $19.00 I think it is worth every penny. Thank you Cadet David Welch for this amazing gift of love.
Another one of Dave's outstanding articles about the 1984 Garfield Cadets is featured in the 8/9/07 online journal entry. More of Dave Shaw's extensive writings can be found on The Holy Name Cadets website. (The Holy Name Cadets later became the Garfield Cadets.)
Source:
The Holy Name Cadets
