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This video represents a typical fiesta after any boda, communion or confirmation in the Barrio de Santa Maria. This is where I learned what little I know about flamenco, accompanying al maestro José. José Anillo, who is now president of the Cátedra de Flamenco, stopped me one day and said “I hear you have just made a CD of José: I need 3, one for me, one for Encarnita and one for José, because when they were learning, José Millán was the only cantaor willing to teach them”. Both are now cantaores profesionales and highly regarded. They were not alone; nobody who arrived at the door of José wanting to learn the Malagueñas de Mellizo or the variadades de cantiñas was ever turned away. Many of the cantaores de Cádiz owe him a debt, even La May Fernandez, but he remains a cantaor despreciado. Encarna has continued the tradition of José, offering lessons on internet with her husband .
I imagine that everyone has had at least one great maestro: in flamenco, in life, whatever. It would make an interesting thread to hear of the maestros who have enriched the life of the members of this foro.
Long story short, I have had at least three maestros who set my feet upon the right path.
Though my trumpet teacher in high school Lloyd Geisler was a well known professional who taught me a great deal, my most significant early musical influence was my high school band director, Bill Johnson. Over a long career he was one of the most successful in the USA. In middle age, When I was given responsibility for a diverse group of employees, I modeled myself partly upon his leadership style.
Enjoying continued good luck, at university I encountered the world's leading teacher of research mathematicians, R. L. Moore. He taught me exactitude in reasoning and self-confidence in attacking difficult problems.
At the beginning of my working career I was lucky again. My boss and mentor Gene Smith was one of the founders of a large successful company. By his example he showed me how to be a member of a corporate team while retaining a high degree of personal integrity. He became one of my best friends.
Almost everyone has parents. It was only as I matured that I began to recognize how valuable mine had been. After my brother and I were both retired I asked him, "Did anyone ever encourage you, or tell you that you had to be successful?" He thought it over for a while, and replied, "No. Not at all." We agreed that our parents' unspoken example was a strong influence on us both.
I am grateful to all, and for my great good fortune in having them as maestros.
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