Teresa A. Pitts is a poet, songwriter, writer, and motivational speaker. She lives in Los Angeles. She still plays her clarinet.
I am 62 years old and through those years I have met many people who have had an impact on my life, but few of them have had the impact that my Dover High School band director had on my entire life.
His name is Mr. Shomo, and even if I tried to list all the lessons of life that I learned from him, I would be unable to do so.
I am writing this after finding out that he passed away.
As a 14-year-old coming to Dover from Anchorage, Alaska, Mr. Shomo allowed me to audition for the Senator Band and I was accepted. I played clarinet. At 14, that acceptance saved my life at a time when I did not feel included. The band became my family.
He was the director of one of the greatest bands on the East Coast, both marching and concert. I could go to him any time and talk about anything and I would leave his presence feeling better than I did than when I went to him.
Our friendship remained even after I moved to Los Angeles in 1981. Every time I came back to Dover, my sister, Barbara, and I would go over and visit him and Mrs. Shomo. Barbara has Down syndrome, yet she learned to play the clarinet (against the odds) so that she could march alongside of Mr. Shomo. She loved him as much as I did.
It was Mr. Shomo who encouraged me to try out for the All-American Youth Honor Band that travelled to Holland and played for the queen in Amsterdam. He believed in me, and I could hear it in his voice and see it in his eyes. He always treated me respectfully and found joy in my accomplishments.
For some reason, today as I drove around Los Angeles I just didn’t feel right. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but something was just off. I was sad for some reason, and I didn’t know why. Now I know why.
Mr. Shomo was a phenomenal man, and so is his family that included over 150 band members. He made us each feel like family.
He was the best “leader of the band” and he led us to some spectacular places. I will never forget you, Mr. Shomo, and the love you showed me and all of us.
Sleep in heavenly peace, Mr. Shomo. ❤
Editor’s note: A celebration of life memorial service for Ronald Shomo Sr. will be 12 p.m. Thursday at Calvary Church, 1141 East Lebanon Rd., Dover, with a reception immediately after following in the multipurpose room.
