I stood on the curb as the Mountie Band marched by during a homecoming parade and looked right into the eyes of my classmate, Dale Marlow. I felt as if I were living a scene from "Mr. Holland's Opus."
I don't know how many years Marlow has been band director because I have lived in Little Rock for almost 40 years. From what I have heard he has spent his entire career teaching and directing RHS students. I wondered how many students he had awakened to the sounds of music in their souls?
Back in 1967, the choir director Betty Sutton, took it upon herself to direct and produce the first ever musical at RHS. The production included the band, orchestra and all the choir. I do not recall the exact role Marlow played, but Sutton put to use Marlow's fine tuned musical skills even then for the good of the school. We were all a proud senior class. The play united us more than ever. Then we graduated.
Life took me far away causing me to loose contact with many friends. I returned for our 10-year reunion, but I don't recall what Marlow was doing then. Also our 20-year reunion, but we didn't talk.
When I became aware of Marlow's contribution to RHS, was when my sister, Dr. Rose Marie Willett began teaching at the senior high school.
I, along with my other sister, Marquita, returned for homecoming one year. We were seated in the bleachers listening to the band play, when Rose Marie leaned over and asked if I knew Dale Marlow.
"Of course I do!" I replied. She pointed toward him in front of the band. My classmate was leading the Mountie Band! Wow! I was really excited and couldn't wait to talk to him.
We only had a brief moment to say hello because he was off to march in the parade with his troops.
Standing on that curb gave me chills as I watched Marlow's band go by. He looked my way, grinned, gave me a little wave never missing a step. Mr. Marlow's Opus from RHS marched by. (Documents are available at Roger High School as are photos.)