As rich a history that Booker T. Washington has, it would only be perfect to show pictures of the T-Connection Band on this site from the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's, to now. To me the marching band at Booker T. Washington has always been a dynamic group, because no matter where we went we stopped people in their tracks with our unique style. It was always a show when we marched into the stadium at S.E. Williams, and going around the track. I can remember stopping the visiting sides fans when we marched around that track. That was a lot of fun to see the expression on their faces seeing a band that had a completely different marching style. Half time was even better because that's when game time started. I'll never forget the time in the stands, it was like being at a one of the colleges in the south (i.e. Jackson State University and Southern University). We knew how to keep the groove going at the football games. So with that being said, whoever has knowledge on how to input pictures of the T-Connection Band on here, I would like to see pictures of what I feel is the best band in this city. We proved it my freshman year in Atlanta, Georgia after winning 1st place in everything. Hope that former band members will be able to see a remember their time in the Band with Mr. Davis and Mrs. Coleman.
In addition to my story. It was indeed a honor to be able to play the drums, and to be called a "Funky D" at Booker T. Washington High School. It takes a lot of work to be a part of the best. And to follow in the footsteps of former drummers who played the snare drum is something to be proud of. I Thank God for giving me the talent that I had, and most of all for Mr. Elmer Davis believing in me and so many others who had the talent on craft they were able to master. Not only did I become a better drummer, but it helped me out playing the drum set in jazz band, Hi-Jinks, and various talent shows. So for those who were able to be taught by Mr. Davis, I hope you'll never forget him, because I'll always remember him and respect him for his time and patience. Mr. Davis taught us a great deal about responsibilty to prepare us for the real world after high school.
I most definitely remember that Atlanta trip. It was my senior year. I haven't lived in Tulsa since high school, but I have heard that it isn't the same. I hear the spirit of Booker T. is not what it use to be. I think it is up to our alumni to reach out and make sure times of the old Booker T. are remembered. The band is a great place to start. I hear the Funky D alumni are challenging the current drum section. If you have a myspace account log on and holla at Tulsa Moose. I think he is one of your classmates David. Tell Matthew I said HEY!!!
Hey Brian, You're right. The pride isn't there like it used to be when I first started. I could feel that pride from your class, and I fed off that pride from the Senior Class of 1987 and also the pride I felt at becoming a HORNET. Along with that a Funky "D". Playing the snare drum in the T-Connection Band was a big dream of mine back when my father officiated BTW's Football games when I was just a little kid. When I first saw the T-Connection Band, I had it in my heart and mind to be in that band, and play the drums. It's just a blessing through God that he gave me the talent to play the drums, and I'm very thankful for Elmer Davis Jr. for seeing my talent and working with me as far as reading drum music. I never knew how to read drum music until Mr. Davis worked with me. I will always be grateful to Mr. Davis. I hope he logs on to this site. Even though he's not at the HORNET HIVE anymore, he will never be forgotten. I think that the band members in the band now need to see videos of how much pride we displayed during our years at the T. Hey Brian check and see if Southern University has DVD's of their marching band that can be purchased. No one does it like the Human Juke Box. Take care man.
I was in the marching band in '75/'76. Man, I was a nut. Elmer Davis used to call me Jerry Lewis. I was in the drum line on cymbals and would sub for Rebecca Marks on tom. I think I was the first white drummer in the history of the BTW marching band.
The pep ralleys and half times were monsterous back then. Spirit was oozing from everyone.
Posts: 180 | Location: on the beach in warm, sunny SC | Registered: Sun September 14 2003
Hey Dan, There's been other white drummers since you've been there. I think it was my Junior year. We had the first white female snare drummer try out and she made it in the section. She was a tough one too. She worked hard and earned her spot as a snare drummer. Everyone in the T-Connection Band gave her a lot of respect. Even people from other bands in Tulsa, and from the colleges such as Jackson State University. Now that has to tell you something about a girl like that. Her name was Pennie Harnish. I don't know if you ever saw her during the late 80's to early 90's. She graduated from the Class of 1991.
I'd been playing a trap set for a few years before BTW. And played drums in the jazz bands and various shows and plays during my whole time at BTW. But I remember auditioning for drums in the marching band. They put me on a snare and I choked on the Hornet Anthem - which, on the snare, is basically non-stop 16th notes all the way through. : )
Posts: 180 | Location: on the beach in warm, sunny SC | Registered: Sun September 14 2003
No Dan, I wish I did. I would like to have something like a video tape or pictures of the marching band when we were up in the stands, marching around the track, or doing the real game time. Because as you know half time was game time when it came to the marching band at BTW. I had a lot of fun being a snare drummer in the band. I'll admit I was pretty cocky back then. Because I knew that the T-Connection Band was the beat there is, best there was, and best there ever will be.
It's good to see that the T-connection Band and the Funky D's had such a profound impact on others as it did myself. I played quads my sophmore thru senior year (c/o '96)under Elmer J Davis and I will certainly admit those three years changed my life and my perception of myself forever. I thought I had lost my mind when I decided try out for quads, but Elmer saw something in this skinny little white boy and drove me to my best, something that I still reap the benefits of today. I have some pictures from back in the day....I'll see if I can get them onto this computer somehow and share them with you Jimmy
I was a Funky D from 1985-1988. I played the tenor drum and loved it. I think being in the band was my favorite high school activity. If you are into You Tube, there are a few video files of the new band on there. Not as good as we were under the Direction of Mr. Davis but you you check it out anyway.
Posts: 5 | Location: Lexington, KY | Registered: Fri October 20 2006
Not as good as we were under the Direction of Mr. Davis but you you check it out anyway.
Now don;t be bagging on the "new" Funky-D's. They are under new direction and it is going to take him a while to build a legacy just as it took Mr. Davis time. Besides, my daughter is a Funky D and they worked hard all summer; they have quite a legacy to live up to. You old heads should come out and help and not just criticize them.
Just too let you know, I was not criticizing. I viewed the footage and it was ok. Also if I did live in Tulsa, I would help. I loved the band and miss it very much. However, since I live in Kentucky now I am unable to do so.
Posts: 5 | Location: Lexington, KY | Registered: Fri October 20 2006
All the Funky "D"s have to do is watch video tape from the 80's and 90's and see how we did things in the section. I loved the band myself, but I don't have a lot of time to help them out like I want to. The one thing the Funky "D"s had was a lot of pride and we showed it on the field, in the stands, and off the field. What's up Michael? This is David Atkinson. Matthew's brother. Hope all is well with you. I'm working in Jenks as a Campus Police Officer and I'm also a Tulsa Police Reserve Officer so I keep busy. I also work part time at Dillard's as a floor officer catching shoplifters. Drop me a line.
What's going on man? Hope everythis is going well. I am living in Kentucky. I work for Social Security as a Disability Claims Representative. How's Matt doing? Tell everyone hello for me.
Posts: 5 | Location: Lexington, KY | Registered: Fri October 20 2006
Hey what's up Michael, I'm doing well. Just working hard as always. I don't know if you know but my brother passed away in 2002. It's a long story behind it. I really don't talk about it a lot. It still bothers me to discuss it.
