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1/10/2014
Candid Cam
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12/18/2013
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12/8/2013
Open House
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10/11/2013
Hornet Games
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9/24/2013
Today's Rant
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Andover Day
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Mascot Mania
Let The Good Times Roll
12/22/2003

Back in August, I wrote a page regarding faculty culture at Proctor. That ethos is repeatedly demonstrated at dance parties at the start of vacations. Thursday's bash in the dining room will not be forgotten soon, as the good times rolled on and on.

I never dreamed I would be in a rock band, but I've always been terrible at predicting the future. (Hence my aversion to the concept of "strategic planning"!) Under the most able leadership of Keith Barrett '80, a faculty dance band spontaneously erupted on the scene in recent weeks....rehearsed three times....and banged out a rockin' 2 and 1/2 hour set on Thursday night.

We've got about 25 tunes down....tunes by CCR, The Stones, Beatles, Doobies, Wilson Pickett, Kingsmen, etc. The degree of spontaneity in this process can not be exaggerated. We set up microphones for volunteer back-up vocals, and got a great response from these faculty children on "Mustang Sally."

Robbin, a professional musician who teaches bass guitar here, emailed us on Friday: "Brothers, I want to thank all of you for the honor and privilege of asking me to be a part of your music. I had one of the best times of my career with you!!, and look forward to the very exciting and truly pleasurable possibilities of doing the gig again. What a joy it is to work with Players who have true passion for their art!! ....Thank you for the best gifts of all, music, and brotherhood!!!"

This was a "WOW!" event, and we're planning on continuing, although I'm still uncomfortable with the adulation.

Every band needs a manager to tee-up tunes, book gigs, etc. Bert's our man!
Lousy at predicting the future, I never dreamed this would happen....
The band really came together when Nick Eaton (brother of Duke & the Drivers' Cadillac Jack) stepped in on drums.
On blues harp, give it up for Mr. Eric Viandier.
On lead vocals, a student of John Belushi: Jay Goulart.
Phil Goodnow on rhythm guitar; Robbin Borbeau on bass.
With a degree from Berklee and years of teaching at private schools, our undisputed leader, Keith Barrett on lead guitar and vocals.
Spontaneity rules: Megan Lytle, Jeanne Barrett and Rick Browner step up for background vocals.
Parrothead Steve Wilkins takes the mike for "Margaritaville".