CHRIS JOHNSON - 1997-2001; Trumpet, Field Commander
Contact Info:
johnson22@gmail.com


When I stop and think about the fact that 7 years have passed since my days in the Mason Band Program, I am always amazed because it still seems like yesterday when I was trying to fight my way through a challenge to move up one chair position. I have only the best memories of my experiences in both Marching Band and Symphonic Band throughout my high school career, but Marching Band will always have a special place in my life. My Freshman year we preformed the infamous "Evita" show which was, to put it mildly, a learning experience. When Mr. Bass took over as band director, my junior year, we performed the "Scenes from New Orleans" show during which I provided the spoken word introduction. My senior year was the climax of my experience as a Field Commander with the unforgettable feeling you get in the air-lock of the RCA Dome as well as a finals appearance in a regional competition. I would also like to state, for the record, that it was my class that began the tradition of crashing Mr. Bass's house for a senior sleep over. My senior year also taught me the agony of coming SO close to winning a competition. I remember it like yesterday; I was on field for the award ceremony standing between Emily Riley (now Darland) and Kathy Burdick (now Solis). We had won the majority of the category awards and I figured we were a lock for Grand Champion. When they announced us as second place my heart sank as the winning band (Newton) rushed onto the field to celebrate. We got back to the buses to find out that we were beaten by a few hundredths of a point...for entering the field too early. It was crushing, but that like all my other experiences as Field Commander taught me many leadership skills that I still draw upon to this day.

Speaking of today, I am living in Oakley and working at WLWT-TV (Channel 5) as a Digital Client Specialist. I have a great girlfriend, wonderful friends (some of which I made while in the band program), and a great family. My love for music hasn't faded although I no longer play an instrument but I came in 2nd in a KISS 107FM karaoke contest recently...that counts for something right?

On a sad note, on May 4, 2008, I lost my mother to colon cancer after a 5 year battle and Mr. Bass was kind enough to dedicate a song in her memory during the spring concert. My sister (another band alumni) and myself were very moved by the gesture and it was certainly a fitting tribute to a woman who sat through competitions and football games in rain or shine to show her support for her children. The experiences and the friends I made through my years in the band program, will remain for a lifetime and I am very grateful to Mr. Bass and all of those who I still consider part of my "band family" today.