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Comments

[Tim Deik (AHS '91)]

Hello Mr Sweeney,

I'm so sad to hear of your continued health struggles. You are in my prayers.

I looked through the photos on this site, and memories came flooding back.

I still marvel at the level of music that you chose for us to play. Knowing what I do now, I realize that I had no business whatsoever playing "Incantation and Dance" or the Persichetti Symphony as a 10th-grader, but you knew that the ensemble was up to the task and that people would rise to the occasion.

I think it was during my junior year that we played most of "Lincolnshire Posy" -- at our last morning rehearsal before the concert, we played the 2nd movement so well and so musically, that you chastised us for not saving that particular performance for the actual concert that evening!

During my senior year, you started a new tradition -- the "Concerto Program", an opportunity for soloists and smaller ensembles to be featured. You'll be happy to know that my folks still attend it every year, and they'll be there again this spring, despite the fact it's the same date as the USAF Band concert at Ketcham!

Thank you for the three amazing years of music that I will remember for the rest of my life, and thank you for all of the years that you spent building and growing one of the finest music programs anywhere.

[Sean Reilly]

Dear Mr. Sweeney:

I passed through AHS a few years before Tim, but I can only echo everything he says. Whether the piece was "Lincolnshire Posy" or "Variations on a Happy Farmer," or "Ritmo Jando," you set a standard of musicianship that was remarkable for a high school ensemble.
As much as your musical gifts, I also remember the kindness and generosity you showed as a person. My happiest memories of Arlington center around the music program. I know that many of my classmates feel the same way.
Sincerely,
Sean Reilly '78

[Kathi (Engel) Morabito '75]

Dear Mr. Sweeney:

I was so saddened to hear of your health issues and wanted to send a note to express my thanks to you for being a part of the appreciation and love of music that I enjoy today.

I have so many memories and have seen so many changes since I was at Arlington. It was so wonderful to follow the band and marching band's evolution over the years and of course that was a result of the dedication you brought to the program and passion for excellence. I remember at the time I was at Arlington, sophomores were required to be in marching band (oh! the dread of it all - not "cool" in '75!) and had to sit at the football games in those woolen oversized maroon uniforms..... Boy, did marching band come a long way from those days. I was so impressed with the professionalism that the marching band evolved to - it was quite exciting. Only as an adult do you look back and appreciate (wondering why I didn't appreciate at the time) the experience and how much fun it would be today! I remember the concert band going on overnight trips upstate and staying with the families of band members -- who took us to some big outdoor party until late the night before we were suppose to play the next day! We also went to band competition (not marching) and scored I believe a 6A - we were so proud and had a wonderful time preparing. I'm not sure if they still have those competitions in the same format now or not, but 1st period band was a great way to begin our school day.

It is teachers like you who make us look back at our high school years and realize how one person can impact our lives and futures. Thank you for being one of those "special" teachers.

Please know I keep you and your family in my prayers during these times of struggle.

Fondly,
Kathi (Engel) Morabito '75

[Kelly (Secor) Small '79]

Mr Sweeney/ "Uncle Bill" - I am sorry to hear of the health struggles you are facing. You are in my thoughts, memories and prayers. Looking back on the videos posted and the photos brings back the most favored memories of High School for me. The marching band being the most fun for me. I was in the band when we performed Carmina Burana under the leadership of "Katrina Banana" in her bright yellow uniform. Dick Dalton and Timmy Brennan manned the bass drums and for the first time we had an electric guitar on the field. I am still in the area and go home quite often to the Invitational.
Thru the marching band and the symphonic band I gained an appreciation for classic music. Thank you for the wonderful memories and growing experiences that all the activities with the bands gave. Know that you are one of those teachers that makes school memorable and leaves a lasting impact on the lives you touch.
With appreciation and fond thoughts,
Kelly (Secor) Small - "79

[Corey Scarpero]

Dear Mr. Sweeney,
I am so terribly sorry to hear of your illness. I hope somehow you are finding relief from pain, and take comfort in having your family and those who love you by your side.

I am writing tell you what a profound influence you had on me, both in high school and beyond. My senior year at Arlington was also your “senior” year, and I was fortunate to have just made the cutoff and worked with you all four years of high school.

You were a local legend way before I had the chance to actually see it for myself. In the music department of every school within the Arlington District, people spoke of the program that “Sweeney” created. You created an incredible, nationally-recognized program out of nothing. Today, the ideals, core components, and dedication to excellence that you established remain, and the program has grown by amazing leaps and bounds.

When I was a freshman, you asked me to join the very popular Jazz Machine. At the time, entry into the group was quite competitive and by audition only. But you saw something in me that I didn't even see in myself, and allowed me in as a freshman (which was very rare). Your confidence in me has stuck with me all this time, and the moment when you asked me to join is as clear to me today as it was 13 years ago. What an honor!

I also remember how you used to tell us to play certain pieces like we “ate raw meat for breakfast,” meaning to play them with gritty confidence. I have thought of that saying with a smile many times of the years, whenever I have had to prepare for interviews, presentations, or other situations that have made me nervous.

Another characteristic that has stuck with me both in professional life and in my personal life was your incredible ability to think out of the box and believe that anything was possible, right up through your last year at Arlington. When the new addition was built on to the school in 1998, the old main lobby became the music lobby, where many of the music students hung out. You always told us of your vision of making it a true music lounge, with chairs, tables, and listening stations with headphones.

While this vision never became reality, you applied this idea to many different areas and provided your students with a simply incredible music experience. My own four years included many memorable experiences:
- The Prisms concert, where we had to dress and black and tiptoe around, as to create a seamless, continuous concert experience
- The Cabaret events in Jazz Machine, where we set up several tables and a dance floor, and invited the community to dance and eat dinner
- The Concerto concerts, where seniors had the opportunity to prepare a solo with band accompaniment
- Concert on the Lawn- your vision of a community picnic from yesteryear, complete with popcorn, hot dogs, etc.
- Our incredible experience working with the internationally recognized arranger and conductor Fred Fennel!

When I look back at those times, it blows my mind that you achieved all of this in a public school environment.

You taught me to always push myself to achieve more. When I was a senior, you basically 'informed' me that I was not only to compete to play in the Concerto concert, but I was going to play "Carnival of Venice," one of the more difficult solo pieces for trumpet.

Your respect for your students shone through everything you did. In 1998 when a new band director needed to be chosen, you had each applicant actually work with the Wind Ensemble for a couple days. At the end of their tryouts, you actually asked for our input and took it to heart. As high school students, this was a great show of trust in our opinion, and you gained the respect of everyone in your respect of us.

Lastly, you helped instill in me a lifelong love of music. I now live in Catonsville, Maryland and play the trumpet in a local community band and love every minute of it. I work as a webmaster and dietitian for the government, and am engaged to be married next April. I hope you know how much you have influenced my life and just how many things I have learned from you, both in music and in life.

Thank you so much for everything, Mr. Sweeney, and please know how much your life has meant to thousands of young people over the years. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family; may you find joy in your time together.

My deepest thanks,
Corey Scarpero '99

[Joseph Sassone '90]

Mr. Sweeney,

How ironic...Just this morning I was talking with a co-worker about our earlier years in high school. This co-worker was quite the athlete and went on for some time about all the sports he was involved in. I told him, quite honestly, that I was no athlete in high school, but I was involved in a high school music program that was comparable to none and widely acclaimed, due to a teacher named Bill Sweeney.

The level of appreciation for music of all types that you instilled is something that has become one of the most important pieces of who I am. I thank you profusely for that.

I'll never forget the day in Wind Ensemble when you asked me to re-perform the rap song I did at Senior Follies a few days before. Puzzled as to why you would ask to hear this, I went ahead with it anyway. Well, only Mr. Sweeney could take a few rap verses and turn it into a syncopation lesson for the group.

Most everyone can look back at their educational years and point to one person as his/her exceptional teacher, who inspired beyond compare and redefined our definition of what a teacher is supposed to be. I don't believe there is one former Bill Sweeney student who can't say that that person is you, myself included.

I wish you the best.

Joe

[Dawn (Moshier) Isaacson]

Mr Sweeney: Mr Szabo forwarded emails to us through the Arlington staff email system today. It took me an hour or two to settle, since my mind wandered back to the 70's at AHS. I have so much to thank you for. Music at AHS saved me from my dysfunctional home life. It was an outlet that gave me a sense of pride. ALthough I did not practice as hard as I should have, (and you knew it)you made that 1st chair 2nd flute position just as important as the 1st flute. You accepted me for me and didn't critize or become overbearing. I look back at the concert band days with great memories. I remember the overnite trips to hosting families' houses, the band picnics at Baird Park and the crazy antics that the drummers and trumpet players used to do. I will always treasure my band days. You'll be glad to know that both of my girls are musically inclined and one is currently studying flute (4th grade). I wish you and your family peace in this time of trial and God Bless. Dawn Moshier Isaacson class of 79.

[Kimberly (Reiser) Kane]

Mr. Sweeney,

If someone was to tell me as a sophomore in high school, that I was going to become a music teacher, move 6 hours from home, and reconnect with my wind ensemble director, I'd tell them they were crazy.

But that's what happened.

I was fortunate enough to play in your last wind ensemble. I was a sophomore, one of the younger players in the band, and had not a clue what it meant to be in that ensemble. It didn't take me long though! It would be the beginning of my music education career. I was exposed to high quality wind literature and pushed to play the most musically that I could. Through your inspiration, I grew up.

I also you remember telling me during a rehearsal that I was the second bass clarinetist ever you had to ask to play softer. I'll always hang on to that. I worked hard for that compliment. :)

Move ahead 10 years. It's Tuesday, at 11:40, at the end of September, and I'm saying goodbye to Mrs. Eagan's K/1 class. Their music class had just ended. I get a few hugs, a couple waves, and then I hear a little voice quickly say to me, "my grandpa was your music teacher." What?? What did you say Rachel?? "Grandpa Sweeney. He was your music teacher."

My heart started pounded and tears filled my eyes.

Mr. Sweeney!! It was your granddaughter, Rachel!!! I am Rachel's music teacher!

It's come full circle. In 1998, in Poughkeepsie, NY, you were my music teacher and I learned how to become a better musician from you. Now, in 2008, in Canandaigua, NY, Rachel sings and dances in my music room learning how to become a little musician of her own.

A part of you lives in Rachel. She loves music. She never stops smiling. She always wants more music. You'll never be forgotten.

Musically Always,
Kim (Reiser) Kane AHS '01

[Sue (Willets) Corbett '85]

Hi Mr. Sweeney,

I just received news of your illness. Please know that you are in my prayers - that you would experience God’s peace during this difficult time.

Let me begin by saying that the marching band program that you are responsible for has had an enormous impact on my life. In those difficult teenage years, it provided such an anchor of music, friendships, and the pursuit of excellence.

As we can all attest to, we’re just wired up to make music. You took that potential and helped us develop it into something we can enjoy for the rest of our lives. I was able to continue playing clarinet in college and for a few years after. However, when I received a call to march in a parade when I was eight months pregnant, I decided the time had come to take a break. But 10 years later, the music bug bit and I was able to join the orchestra at my church in Lexington, MA. Wow, had I forgotten how much I loved playing!

Another fond memory I have was attending the Jazz Machine performances. I enjoyed the music so much that I wished I had chosen to play sax instead of clarinet. Well, I’m happy to say that a year ago I began taking sax lessons and am now playing with the Holy Horns at my church. I’m having the time of my life!

So with all my heart, I thank you for all you gave of yourself to the lives of your students. The world is a much better (and more musical!) place because of you.

God Bless,
Sue (Willets) Corbett ‘85

[Jim Dalton '78]

Mr. Sweeney –

I can not begin to summarize your influence on my life, or on the many other lives you have touched along the way. Suffice it to say that through us multiples more have been impacted indirectly by the passing on of lessons learned, especially by those of us that you motivated enough to continue in the music education field. Sort of a "Mr. Sweeney’s Opus" kind of effect if you will.

Although commentary of this nature is very much deserved I would like, rather, to fondly reminisce a bit on some of the more serendipitous “Sweeney” moments from the happier days of AHS band past. For example…

I remember several of us used to (affectionately) refer to you as “Henry” behind your back, drawing a reference to conductor/composer Henry Mancini (Man’Sweeney). We came down to the band wing one day to find somebody had labeled every single item in your office as belonging to Henry, i.e. Henry’s desk, Henry’s chair, Henry’s pen, Henry’s phone, etc. There were something like 100 labels everywhere you looked. You were good-natured about it.

Then there was a concert where some of my fellow musicians thought it would be amusing to place in one of your scores a photo of the newest pin-up girl from a men’s magazine. You came out in your tux, bowed to the audience, turned to the band and opened the first score which had been placed on the podium for you. Your face suddenly turned red and we all broke up laughing. Calmly, you put the photo aside with a sheepish grin and proceeded to lead us in playing a wonderful concert despite our adolescent ways.

Another time on the practice field, a fellow drummer, while waiting for our turn to work on drill, was sitting on the shell of his drum incessantly tapping unconsciously while you were trying so hard to teach the band to march correctly (Probably Hot Dog Pattern #1). It apparently grew bothersome enough that you suddenly shouted at the student to be quiet and uncharacteristically kicked a hole right through the bottom snare head of the drum he was sitting on to make your point. That sure woke us up.

There was a memorable marching music rehearsal moment when you were trying to get us to bring some passion into the music. The piece was supposed to start soft and gradually crescendo, steadily increasing energy throughout until it reached an ultimate apex before its eventual dénouement. Standing on a ladder you were shouting energetically to get your point across to us on the field. Seemingly at a loss for other words to use, and wanting to give us the exact sense of the musical feeling you were after, you yelled that it was like an… (you suddenly stopped, looked left, then right, then back to us and continued in a loud whisper)… orgasm. Instantly we understood.

One year at the end of a marching band awards banquet Karl Kugler called you up for a special award. It took the shape of an aluminum box with a red button on one side with signs that warned Do Not Press! Being a good sport of course you pressed it and the box emitted a noisy alarm that, try as you may, you were unable to turn off. (The only button was ineffectual). After making you suffer publicly for a time Karl took back the box and gave it a slap on one side magically stopping the alarm. It was one of those perfectly funny moments that we all laughed about.

These are just a short taste of what I’m sure are many special moments experienced by many students over many years. I hope it elicits other fond memories for all. These are moments that endear you to us because it showed us your humanity, your passion for what you do, and how much you cared for us. Thank you Bill for all that you have given us.

Jim Dalton ‘78

[Kevin McCabe]

I have tried many times to write about it, to tell people about it, but verbally expressing my appreciation for the Arlington Music Dept., and in turn my appreciation for Bill Sweeney, has not been something I've been successful in doing at all over many years. This, despite having several English teachers in the family. : )

I've also been hesitant to write as the Sweeney family were more than a significant part of my life during my high school years and it greatly saddens me that that are going through this ordeal.

In not knowing where to start, I've tried to come up with a list of things I need to thank Bill Sweeney for, maybe things that would cheer him up. Here's where I started:

1) Thanks for a majority of my bootlegged DCI video-tape collection.
2) Thanks for storming out of marching band practice at least once each year - we always played better the next day and you always came back with a new haircut, a win-win situation.
3) Thanks for your critique during my year as drum major — "You look like some kind of a duck wildly waving your arms! Cut it out!" This advice has served me well over the years and continues to do so.
4) Thanks for inviting me to be the co-Master of Ceremonies at the Jazz Cabaret — I'm pretty sure they didn't have a Jazz Cabaret the next year and I'm pretty sure I'm the reason why.

It was here where I stopped writing THAT list and decided I needed a NEW list, things I REALLY needed to thank Bill Sweeney for:

1) Thank you inspiring my brother, my sisters and myself with a love of creating music and for teaching us life lessons that went beyond the classroom.
2) Thank you for the pleasure of meeting your terrific and loving family, who I know are there for you and think the world of you. Tara has been a great friend since high school and I have appreciated her updates on not only her life but how everyone in the Sweeney family that I got to know in high school was doing.
3) Thank you for helping me learn an appreciation for an instrument as well as helping to pass that pride and appreciation on to others.
4) The fact that my eyes well up and I get goosebumps when I hear 'Firebird Suite' or 'Russian Christmas Music' — be it played by an Orchestra or by a Drum Corp., listened to at a symphony hall or live at a football field under the stadium lights— I pretty much blame you for the emotion and energy I feel when I hear those songs, which is nothing but a good thing. : )

THIS list could go on and on. The journey that led to ALL of this, an understanding that there is a point where music goes beyond reading notes and lines on a page and transcends into something much greater and powerful, began in earnest with Bill Sweeney. The Admiral Marching Band was such — and I imagine is STILL — an important part of so many people's lives at Arlington, a group students generate pride from, gain energy from, gain life-long friends from... and without Mr. Sweeney's efforts a lot of that would not have been imagined.

In all sincerity, thank you for the inspiration you have given to so many throughout the years — You will always have my deepest admiration and my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your Family.

- Kevin McCabe '89

[Paul Lucas]

Mr. Sweeney,
I will always refer to you as Mr. Sweeney out of respect for a man I admire greatly, even though you kicked me out of the march-off on the very first step! (I was framed! - lol)

When I entered the 9th grade, it was your invitation to me to play with the Jazz Machine as a freshman which helped initiate a maturation process musically, intellectually, and personally for which I cannot thank you enough. Though I'll admit to a few setbacks along the way, musically and otherwise, dividends continue after high school and college and to this very day.

As I read through everyone's comments about their experiences, there is a common theme that resonates throughout and my experience is no different - you care. You care enough to require pride and excellence - in music and in life - of ourselves and of those around us... You care to find that nugget of ability, expose it, and build confidence upon it. You care to let us fall and learn how to get back up again... You care to show us that hard work not only pays off, but that it can be fun and rewarding. You care to show us, your children, the tools we need to succeed in life... and on and on... And I can only hope that I can be as great a teacher to my son as you've been to all of us.

I am so sorry you and your family are facing life's biggest challenge. Sometimes the wisdom of God's plan is not always apparent, but having the strength of your family and loved ones near gives courage and strength to face that challenge head on. I lost my Dad one year ago today without the chance to say goodbye and without much chance to tell him all the great reasons I love him that I know in my heart that he knew. I feel fortunate today to have that opportunity to tell you what a great teacher, mentor, and person you are and to thank you for being one of life's great teachers to all of us.

- Paul Lucas '87

[Nicole Maggi]

Mr. Sweeney,
Almost all of my happy high school memories revolve around the Arlington Music Department. And many of those memories revolve around you.

Wind Ensemble, the Prism concert, my senior concert where I played "Quiet City" with Susie Harvilchuck, marching band '88 and Firebird, you telling me that my musicality would make someone weep but that I couldn't count for sh!t (I still can't)...the list goes on and on.

The Music Department was the one of the only places in high school where I was nurtured and challenged to grow, as a person and as an artist. I still remember walking down the hall to the practice rooms and hearing music echo off the walls.

What I learned from you - determination, kindness, to always challenge myself, to go that extra step, and to always keep a sense of humor and a smile even when you're ankle deep in mud on the Coast Guard field - has reached into every aspect of my life.

Thank you, Mr. Sweeney. You supported us for so many years with so much strength. Now it's our turn to be your support and your strength in this difficult time, and to lift you up with our love and admiration.

-Nicole Maggi, '92

[Tom Ranalli]

Mr. Sweeney,

Even though I didn't take band from you in HS, I wanted to send you a quick note as encouragement to you and your family during your battle against cancer. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

- Tom Ranalli Class of '77

[Johnny LeHane '90]

First I want to thank the Sweeney family for creating this site that brings back so many wonderful memories for all of us. It is amazing to see that people I have not seen or talked to in almost 2 decades are thinking about the same people and great times as regularly as my brothers and I do.

Marching band is the defining aspect of high school for all three of us, as was wind ensemble for Bob and Ted. Not being invited into wind ensemble was humbling for me, and lord knows I needed a dose of humility. Though you retired from marching band during my time there, the program you developed helped us all grow in discipline, a love of music and of learning. Drumline taught me that you cannot get anything without working hard, and you can't keep anything without working harder. These lessons have served me very well over the years.

We lost dad 2 weeks ago today, and some of the friends that we made through the music program were there to help us through a tough time.

You will continue to be in our thoughts and hearts in the days and weeks ahead, and we will always have you and your program to thank for so much.

Johnny LeHane

[Erik D'Aquino]

Dear Mr. Sweeney,

It has been nearly 15 years since I have graduates from AHS. However much of my time in high school is just a blur of 4 years of, well, a blur. There is not much that I remember more than being part of the music program. While I was never an outstanding musician, I enjoyed playing trumpet and being part of creating one piece of music. I remember meeting wonderful friends and having wonderful memories. During Senior Skip Day, instead of math, I listened to the Wind Ensemble practice before I departed for my days activities... You were a joy to watch, and a joy to learn from. I am sorry to hear about your health, you and your family will be in my prayers.

All the Best

Erik D'Aquino
Class of 1993

[Cissy Heller Kenyon]

Dear Mr.Sweeney,
I have just heard of the news about your health. I want to thank you for ALL you have done for me. In the summer of 1974, I received a letter in the mail from you, telling me about this activity called "marching band". You wrote how it was manditory for incoming 10th graders. If you recall, I got Rheumatoid Arthritis when I was 12. Many drugs. Much pain. There's no way I could do this. So, I thought I would need to get a doctor's note. At that time, it was all I could do to get through my school work and play my flute (which was my release). How on Earth would I be able to march (or even WALK) in all that weather?! Well, my oh-so-awesome teacher.......
I decided to give it my all. Yes...through the extremely swollen and painful ankles at Camp Lohican (Marching Band Camp)....to the football fields across our area (including Oceanside, NJ).
....I DID IT!!! And, as we all recall "in the beginning".... we were wearing white long-sleeved shirts, maroon slacks, and white (hopefully after the last competition) sneakers. Ahhhhhhh...yes... those were the days my friend. But wait. that's not all!! In my junior year, we had UNIFORMS!! YAY!! And, if you recall, I volunteered to distribute/watch over all 60+ of them (and the "sailor-type" hats) until I graduated!!! You have no idea how much marching band has done for me and my family. we have continued to stay in Arlington schools for 2 major reasons. First-- excellent education but in my opinion, the best reason to be a student at Arlington is the music program! My oldest son Steve started playing trumpet in 4th grade. He loved it and quickly decided that being able to play an octave above the other trumpet players was the way he liked to play! :) For several years he held first chair. Then comes my son, David. He, too, started playing trumpet in 4th grade. He did OK, but switched to Baritone in middle school. WHAT a DIFFERENCE!!! Mr. Robinson wrote music for him for Jazz Band!! When I was in high school, I don't remember a baritone that had leads and major parts! He loved it!! What I remember the most from Dave, are all the afternoons and evenings he would practice...in his room...with his window open...summer or WINTER.... "Three Blind Mice" 2 octaves higher ... because...he could! And then there's Mike. He started playing trumpet (Steve's) when he was in 2nd grade. For show-and-tell in 3rd grade, he borrowed his brother's trumpet and performed the theme from "Rocky". He's gone on to learn how to play my flute, piccolo, clarinet, guitar, and piano. So, I guess it's no surprise to you that he's been accepted to Crane School of Music majoring in music education!! He's now a sophomore in honors classes since he started there. He teaches private lessons in his spare time up there. He is so proficient with the French Horn (your daughter's instrument) that he plays 1st F. Horn in the Community Band!! And, 1 last thing about him...... the first day flutes and lesson books were handed out to his class, he immediately turned to the last page and played it perfectly!!
So, in closing. all of this is because of you. You have really had an impact on my life. Because of you, I tried and worked my way through the (joint) pain of marching band. Because of you, I gave private music lessons to MANY Arlington students.
Because of you, even though the joints in my fingers were so swollen and painful, I pressed on. I fought the pain.and today- I own and play a Yamaha open-holed flute. That's how much music
(& marching band) means to me.
Oh, and by the way-- for the past several years, I've been altering marching band uniforms and working on the flags!!!
I LOVE ARLINGTON MARCHING BAND!!
One last thing... when I was in 10th grade, we got an orientation book. Do you remember I made an Arlington Marching Band pin? I cut out the letters and the center was the anchor. Well. I still have it on my marching band jacket with the pins we received for being in the band. I can't believe the Elmer's glue "stuck" through all the years of being outside for my son's or my competitions!!
LOTS OF LOVE AND PRAYERS,
Cissy Heller Kenyon
cissykenyon48@hotmail.com

[Cissy Heller Kenyon]

I forgot to mention:
Cissy Kenyon Class of 1977
cissykenyon48@hotmail.com

[Joel M. Sopka '87]

Ahh Mr. Sweeney…how can I say what I feel about you so you won’t dispute this but rather just accept the compliment (for once).

I’m sitting here trying to think of specific things you said or did or stories of you I can share that can sum up my experience with you. The truth is, I’ve got nothing. I realize that your words, your actions, your stories are my stories too. I’ve internalized your lessons so well that you are a part of me always. I started watching myself and I noticed that there is not a day in my life that I don’t use the skills I learned from you. I don’t think it’ll come as any surprise to you that I consider you my mentor. You are my teacher…true, just one of many, and true, only for the four years that I was at Arlington. But, no single person, outside of my family, has touched me the way you have. Your talent, your style and your love for music and teaching were something that affected me profoundly. I found in you a role model not only for my career, but also for my entire life. I listened to your pearls of wisdom, your criticisms, and your obscure, sometimes biting, yet oddly humorless jokes. Most of all, I watched and I learned. I watched how diplomatic you are even when every instinct in your body tells you to just throw that tuba across the stage and finish off the percussion section once and for all. I watched you work a piece of music with the wind ensemble that you obviously played a thousand times before, yet you approached it with such curiosity and excitement that it felt all brand new. I watched you completely destroy people while, all the time, they believed that you were giving them a compliment…like telling a band director whose band is truly awful that they ”have potential.” But, most of all, I learned. I learned how to be a musician. You wrote in my senior yearbook that you enjoyed watching me grow to be a fine musician…the truth is you didn’t watch--you put me there. And for that I am eternally grateful. You gave me my life and my love and when all the rest of the world is conspiring to beat the joy out of me, I can always find comfort in and celebrate the music. You showed that to me, you nurtured that in me and, whether you know it or not, you share that with me ever time I put the horn to my face or write notes on a page.

There’s no possible way I could ever tangibly thank you for what you are to me. All I can do is promise you that I will always live the music you gave me and sing the songs you taught me…but I will never, ever, ever tell the jokes you told me.

Thank you Mr. Sweeney,
Joel M. Stopka ‘87

[Stephanie (Schulwolf) Newman]

Mr. Sweeney,

As a teacher myself, I hope that I touch and help form the lives of my students as you have yours. When I teach, I often think of the teachers who inspired me, and you are always high on my list. When I remember high school, most of my memories involve the music department. Those are the memories that shaped who I am today. I may not have been the best or even close to the best clarinetist to grace the Arlington HS stage but being the best I could be was my greatest challenge in those years and I thank you for challenging me.

I’ve spent the last hour listening to some of the pieces I was lucky to play in WE (Incantation and Dance is a favorite!) and I was taken right back to that stage when I closed my eyes. I remember playing Children’s March in my senior year – and two years later as a sophomore in college I sat on a stage for the last time in an ensemble playing the same piece. During that, my last concert to date, I cried as I played that piece, knowing it was likely the last time I’d perform in an ensemble – but I felt I had some closure since I had such fond memories of playing it with you at Arlington as well.

I look forward to showing tapes of Wind Ensemble concerts and Marching Band competitions to my children when they are old enough to appreciate it and to telling them stories of my musical days in high school – I hope to inspire them to enjoy and learn from music as I did, and you will be able to take credit for yet 3 more musicians in the next generation!

There is an especially vivid memory of playing a medley of The Sound of Music that I believe was composed for us, if I remember correctly, and it’s a story I’ve told many times over the years. It was a first rehearsal (during first period) when we just weren’t quite feeling the music. But there was a point in the piece during the song “The Sound of Music” that was overwhelmingly moving and powerful. I can still feel the chills I had as you brought the music to life, with your hands over your head, and eyes closed in the moment, shouting at the top of the crescendo, “And the Heavens OPEN!!” I heard you say that in my head each time we played that section thereafter and I remember being filled with emotion.

You have brought the beauty of music to so many lives. Thank you Mr. Sweeney, and know that you and your family are in my thoughts during this difficult time.

Stephanie (Schulwolf) Newman '92

[Keith Baker '79]

Mr. Sweeney,

I'm listening to Lincolnshire Posy and other songs on your website as I write this note to you, and am transported back to my high school days on stage, following your lead (or at least attempting to do so). Once again, you're there in front, passionately and intensely pulling the music from all of us. It sounds just as good as it ever did! I am continually amazed by the power of music and its link to so many emotions and memories, fond and even not so fond. Wind Ensemble and orchestra were such a big part of my high school experience, and you were a major influence and positive role model in my life. Recognizing my "limitations" on the trumpet, you graciously suggested that I try the french horn. That was a good move for me both musically and physically, increasing my appreciation for (and opportunities to play)classical music while helping me build-up my arms; balancing all of my books, my gym bag, and my horn while squeezing through the bus door was one of my greatest daily challenges in school! Oh to be young again with fewer (less complex) worries. Honestly, I wouldn't trade my very full yet joy-filled life now for those seemingly carefree days. Those were good days, and I thank you for providing direction, leadership, and wonderful memories!

I have enjoyed listening to the music on your website, reading the many notes from all of the appreciative and adoring students you have positively influenced through the years, and looking at the many pictures of a man who is dearly loved by his family. You continue to inspire and lead the way. I, too, am blessed by a loving wife and five kids. So much joy during these past 29 years!!

I'm sorry you are going through this difficult time with your health and I hope that you are not in great pain. I pray that each day you are able and willing to praise the very Maker of the music with which you have been so generously gifted and have passionately and effectively shared with so many of us. I pray that you can come to Jesus Christ for His rest during this difficult time for He is gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul because His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matt 11:28). I pray that you grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God (Eph 3:18-19). May you sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Eph 5:19-20). Please know that you have blessed my life and been a wonderful example and teacher.

Keith Baker
Class of 1979

[Laura Beazley Foody '90]

Dear Mr. Sweeney,

I recently discovered the AHS Marching Band videos on YourTube, and these videos brought back a ton of memories. My children were thrilled to watch mommy twirl a rifle. I have grown to appreciate the Arlington music program that you created. I was never in band, but I benefitted from your guidance in marching band, orchestra, and chorus. I also took the great music program that you created for granted-I just assumed that all schools offered music lessons to students and had award-winning programs. Now I see what music programs are offered to my children, and I am truly amazed and thankful for the opportunities you gave so many of us.

Thank you.

My prayers are with you and your family.

Laura (Beazley) Foody '90

[Melissa Healy '95]

It is only appropriate that I be the first to write from your most successful and talented graduating class - 1995. I would have written sooner, but I was a bit upset that I was never given the right to call you "Uncle Bill" - perhaps I missed those sign-ups on one of the few days I was absent from Wind Ensemble? (I was a big music nerd- there weren't many)

Music education aside, I don't know how you put up with all of our bullsh!t:
-Dave Posner (who is now Principal Horn in Quebec) and Bob Herzog talking endlessly until they realized you were giving them the Sweeney-stare.
-You telling Joe Abba (who plays just about everywhere and is currently with the Bjorkestra)for the 576th time that you "wish I could be a fly on the wall while you're at college" cause, yet again, he was acting like an ass.
-You kicking me and Jenny Jansen out of Wind Ensemble because apparently our boy drama was more important than rehearsal.
-The power of the Sweeney walk-off. No matter how loud Szabo yelled and how purple his face became, it was still powerless to the intimidation of when you left the marching band field.
-I loved when you plugged in the metronome to an amp because even though we had played Sleigh Ride yearly, we for some reason still couldn't count at all.
How you put up with us, and always got us to give amazing musical performances, I will never know. You always pushed us to play our best, and to always strive to be better musicians. Music became a central part of many AHS students' lives because of your passion and talent. All of my best high school memories are centered around my musical experiences. I pray that when I have children, they will be spoiled enough to ever have a teacher like you. I will forever be in awe of you.

I am currently pursuing my Doctorate in Music, and in all of my years in academia (there have been many) I have yet to meet a better music educator than Bill Sweeney.

I've missed you over these years (almost as much as you've missed me -heehee) and I promise to forever spread the passion and joy of music that you instilled in me.

Melissa Healy '95
Member, Bill Sweeney fan club
Flutist, Artemis Chamber Ensemble
Director, JCC Music School

[Bill McCabe AHS '85]

Mr. Sweeney: I've emailed you a personal message, but wanted to post here the speech I was fortunate enough to have been asked to deliver (thank you, Mrs. Sweeney!)on the occasion of your retirement from Arlington High School in May of 1999. The words I spoke that night are only more true today. Thank you for all you mean to so many of us.

* * * *

Mr. Sweeney by his nature is not a person who enjoys this sort of tribute. I know him to be private, humble and not at all someone who would seek out this type of spotlight. He is not a person who it is easy to thank. When I was about to graduate from high school, for instance, I tried to tell him “thank you” for all he had meant to me, for all I had learned from him, and I recall that meeting as a very awkward moment. He shook my sweaty hand, I mumbled some unintelligible words of gratitude and, being afraid to make direct eye contact for fear of embarrassing him or me, I stared intently at his shoulder. It was a very strange feeling – a feeling that I needed to let him know the extent of the impact he had made on my life, but also a feeling that I might be coming across as silly or sounding overly “sappy.” It may have been my mistaken perception, but it was almost as if in high school Mr. Sweeney avoided hearing our “Thank You’s.” Maybe others of you, and I hope this is the case, know what I’m talking about.

I remember talking to his daughter Jill about this, and she assured me that her dad knew that we all appreciated what he gave to us – but still, I wondered, did he? Does he really know? And if I, if we, are too embarrassed or shy or awkward or preoccupied or far away to express the breadth and depth of our gratitude and appreciation for what Mr. Sweeney has done, how can any of us be sure that he will ever truly know these things? And so we are here tonight to tell him.

I am a teacher now, and in large part it is due to things I learned from and respected about Mr. Sweeney. As a teacher, I know how much it means when a graduated senior comes back to visit and tells me that I made a difference in his or her life – that what I taught continues to make a difference. When that happens, you tend to forget about the small salary and long hours and lack of support that make teachers sometimes question whether they are in the right profession. You smile widely when your ex-students tell you that, yes, you did matter. Most teachers love that, deep inside, because they know that the reason they teach has been validated, and that the universe actually does work the way that you hope it will -- at least sometimes. It is the unique reward of good teachers; tonight, Mr. Sweeney, is just another part of your reward.

I hope you are not embarrassed, Mr. Sweeney, or uncomfortable or even the least bit fidgety here tonight – I really do. But in case you are, I have only this to say: Too bad! We, all of us here tonight, have come from near and from far to say to you, collectively, “Thank You.” Thank you for helping us, your students, become who we are today, for improving our lives, for inspiring us and for making us expect more of ourselves.

These characterizations about how you have affected us are indeed strong ones – can one person really touch so many so deeply? As a young teacher, I hope against hope that the answer is yes. And as your student from over 15 years ago, I know that the answer is yes.

Here is the evidence I offer to you, a list of what my friends, my siblings and I have compiled from the things that you gave to us while we were your students. I would ask that everyone listen closely, because it turns out that these all apply to so much more than music:

FIRST, the single most important thing in the entire world is to listen carefully to one another. Mr. Sweeney, you taught us that in an ensemble, as in life, if you do not listen you will be utterly, tragically and painfully lost and alone.

SECOND, despite all of our individual strengths and talents, in the end we are only as strong as the struggling fourth trombone player. (I know – I was once the struggling fourth trombone player.) You showed us, Mr. Sweeney, that we have a responsibility to reach out and help those who are a little slower and weaker so that they might become faster and stronger, and that by doing that we all can move forward together.

THIRD, you taught us that winning alone does not even come close to losing well as a part of a group. Many of us did well back in high school in our solo competitions, but how many can recall the piece we played, what clothes we wore, or what we did that night? Yet some of the most lasting and joyous memories of all my life are from a frigid November night in 1984 when the Arlington Marching Band narrowly lost the TOB championships. My good friends then remain my good friends today, and we still remember the value of that band and feel the pride in how far we came as a group that year.

FOURTH, we learned from you that excellence does exist and that any one of us can achieve it with enough hard work and a lot of practice. Before I was your student, I do not recall thinking very much about being great at anything. Since I have known you, the pursuit of excellence is what I strive for in everything I do.

FIFTH and finally, we learned from your daily example that honest, decent, funny and dedicated teachers really can make all the difference in our lives. All of us, no matter our age or our profession, are teachers to someone at some time. We all, therefore, have a responsibility to lead, to inspire and to make our students better, and to do those things in a positive, creative and humane manner. Mr. Sweeney, you have a truly rare gift in that you can do all these things in a seemingly effortless way.

I – we – have learned all this from you, Mr. Sweeney. Whether you consciously meant to teach these lessons to us or whether it was just some happy serendipity, it does not really matter. You are, simply, the best schoolteacher that I have ever had. You taught me how to play my instrument well, but I also learned much about myself because you cared enough to get to know me. Mr. Sweeney, you have always known, I hope, that you took us ordinary kids and made us caring, dedicated musicians. I hope that now you know that what you taught us about who we are and who we can become eclipses even the wonderful music your students have made for so long. I aspire to do what you have done.

I would like to thank the Band Boosters and all of you in attendance tonight for the chance to say these things in a place and in a way that allows me to avoid the awkward handshake and mumbled platitudes of 14 years ago. Thank you for coming here from all over to help cheer on this extremely influential person.

I have this irrational fear that this school will disappear like a soap bubble without Mr. Sweeney and his slight absent-mindedness, his disheveled hair and his too-loose glasses constantly slipping down the bridge of his nose; but, alas, I realize that that is foolish and naïve of me. Arlington High School and its outstanding music department will move forward. I do know, however, that this place will not be the same after Mr. Sweeney has retired, and I count myself, and all of us, lucky that we got to know him.

As deeply as I have ever meant these words I say to you, Mr. Sweeney, on behalf of all your students and their families:

Thank You.

-Bill McCabe, AHS ‘85
May 4th, 1999

[Melissa Healy '95]

Came across an all too perfect quote:
Igor Stravinsky once said, "The trouble with music appreciation in general is that people are taught to have too much respect for music; they should be taught to love it instead."