THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA
BAND ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
POST HOMECOMING 2012—JANUARY 2013
A LETTER FROM DIRECTOR OF BANDS, DR. WILLIAM K. WAKEFIELD
January 22, 2013
Dear Band Alumni,
In the closing days of his appointment, we salute with deep gratitude the legacy of Brian Britt‟s 12-year
directorship of the Pride of Oklahoma. Words fall short in expressing the many, many contributions of
Brian to not only building performance standards, financial support, and operational structure for the
Pride, but also for imbedding life-long character qualities in thousands of Pride members. Additionally,
under his leadership the level of respect for the band exceeds expectations of support and service to
the University of Oklahoma.
One of my fondest memories is how Brian‟s leadership emerged first hand for many band alumni during the 100th Anniversary of the Pride of Oklahoma in 2004. With an 11:00 a.m. Homecoming game
kick-off time and well over 250 alumni band members returning, he and the staff lead instrument check
-out and rehearsal in the dark at 5:30 a.m. Brian Britt‟s logistical genius emerged in moving troops
with the precision of a world record rubic‟s cube champion by engineering the band‟s movement with
the fewest steps possible. I remember the looks on faces as they followed Brian‟s instructions without
awareness for how the field entrance and formations were going to happen. When images suddenly
appeared like origami, the moment was celebrated with smiles and laughter as alumni experienced
the positive and genius leadership of Brian Britt. Thank you, Brian, for the icing on the cake in capping
the ending of 100 years and building the next 100 years on a foundation of metaphorical bricks and
mortar.
In the coming weeks the search for a new Director of the Pride of Oklahoma will come to an end. I
hope you will trust the process and desire of the search committee, students, and administration to
find the person upon which the future of the Pride can be built. And when that process has run its
course, I know how important your support will be for beginning another exciting era in Pride of Oklahoma history!
Boomer Sooner,
Dr. William K. Wakefield, Director
University of Oklahoma Bands
Head, Instrumental Applied and Ensembles Division
Irene and Julian J. Rothbaum Presidential Professor of Excellence in the Arts
You’re Invited
to a
Come and Go Farewell
Reception honoring
Brian Britt
Gothic Hall
Catlett Music Center
Wednesday
January 30, 2013
3:00-5:00 p.m.
Page 2 — Post Homecoming 2012—January 2013
Page 3 — Post Homecoming 2012—January 2013
Brian, Alicia and Avery Britt
Page 4 — Post Homecoming 2012—January 2013
A LETTER FROM GENE ‘COACH’ THRAILKILL
It was great seeing all those who attended Homecoming. As fun as it was,
there are a few things that always bother me about Homecoming.
First, as much as I enjoy seeing all of you, there just is never enough time to
talk to each of you as much as I would prefer. I always wake up in the middle of
the night and think "oh ssssssugar, I never got to talk to (fill in the blank)." I celebrated my birthday yesterday which simply reminded me that my memory is getting worse daily. For many of you I forget where you are located, family status,
etc. etc. And then there are those of you who remind me that you live in Norman
Kristina Lindstrom, Gene ‘Coach’
or OKC and that really bugs me (not the words I would probably use) as you are
Thrailkill and Laura Nelson
the ones I should see more often.
October 2012
Then the fact that we only have about 125 return for Homecoming. Come on
(Don’t you love seeing him smile that big?)
guys/gals we should have twice that returning to campus once a year to see
friends and "Pride family!" Please make it a point right now to make Homecoming 2013.
Yes, I know many of you are thinking - "the ole man complained constantly when he was younger ...................." but
then there is the saying you all used -"the same old people."
Like all of you, I regret Brian's decision to leave OU. I know the decision is best for his family but he will be missed. I
just stop and think of all the fantastic things he brought to the Pride. He will be missed and I hope all of you will express
to him your appreciation. The search committee has been set and the position has been announced nationally. I would
assume the new Director of the Pride of Oklahoma will be announced sometime in March. I will keep all of you posted at
that time.
Again, it was so good to see you at Homecoming. Karen and I send all of you our best for the New Year .
Boomer Sooner - coach
A LETTER FROM RISA MORRIS, CLARINET 1978-1982
I loved the weekend. So good to be back with the Pride and alumni. Been way
too long. The weather was perfect. I brought my best friend Cindy with me.
You guys did another great job. I can’t thank the Board of Directors for all you do
to make this happen.
Risa Morris, Clarinet 1978-1982
A LETTER FROM THE 57TH PRIDE DRUM MAJOR, CHAUVIN AARON
I have really enjoyed being a part of The Pride of Oklahoma Alumni
Band the past 5 years. It has given me the opportunity to meet so
many Pride Alumni that have helped build the tradition of excellence
The Pride is known for today. I am excited to learn more about this
great organization and have opportunities to serve in different capacities.
Go Sooners!!
Chauvin D. Aaron
Director of Bands
District Coordinator of Fine Arts
Ardmore City Schools
Ardmore, OK
Chauvin with fellow Ardmore
resident Barbara Dunn, Clarinet ‘80-’84
Page 5—Post Homecoming 2012—January 2013
A LETTER FROM KAREN BAKER RENFROE, ‘84
When I hear or sing the OU Chant, I always go right back to my Pride days. That last line always gets me
a little…Live on University! It seems like the older I get, the more meaning it has. We all have our one to
four (sometimes six) years in the Pride, but it goes so much deeper than that. My dad and brother were both in
the Pride before me. I grew up hoping to someday get the chance to follow their footsteps. My dad played
clarinet from 1949-52, and my brother played trumpet from 1970-74. I played alto sax from 1980-84. We’ve
shared many stories about band directors and bowl games and bad weather and instrument malfunctions and
horrible fans and parades and band traditions.
I’ve marched in the alumni band at Homecoming for the last five years,
and last year, I was able to recruit my dad (83 yrs) and brother (60 yrs) to
march with me. We shared something special that day…bringing three
decades of Pride together. It was fun discovering that in the midst of all the
change that has happened with music, marching techniques, technology,
facilities and funding that the important things are still the same. Pride
members…no matter what decade they marched…all share the same
memories! Whether you marched for one year or six years, whether you
carried a flag, a baton or an instrument, or whether you come back every
year to march or never come back for Homecoming, you are a special part
of our past and a vital part of our future. We ALL contributed in some way
to establish the spirit and traditions that will always “Live On”!
Karen Renfroe, '84
University of Oklahoma
Director, Regional Development
Rand Baker, Karen
Baker Renfroe and LV Baker
Status of the Pride Patrons Program near the end of 2012:
 52 New Patrons this past year
 25 Lifetime Patrons as of today
 327 total Patrons since 2009
 131 Patrons have renewed their membership this year
 Almost $100,000 in donations in 2012
From Sharon Shaffer—Homecoming 2012
From Risa Morris—Homecoming 2012
Page 6 — Post Homecoming 2012—January 2013
A LETTER FROM OUBAA PRESIDENT 2011-2012 SUSAN GROSSMAN
Where ever I go it seems The Pride is there. And by that I don‟t mean the memories of being a four-year member that live in my head.
No matter what part of central Norman I am in each fall, I can count on hearing strains of drums and music floating over from the practice field that for decades has served as The Pride‟s home away from home.
Recently I was strolling across the playground at Monroe Elementary School near home with my trusty four-legged buddy Fred the rat
terrier. We had stopped to visit friends from the neighborhood, including the portly corgi Annie, when sure enough I heard sounds of a
drum line coming from the east. Since I live a little more than a mile away, I thought, “This can‟t be The Pride. It is a bit far.” Then
came the brass section loud and clear. I checked my watch – 5:45 p.m. – and I knew it was not some random high school band.
My biggest regret about leaving my position at the University of Oklahoma two years ago was the loss of proximity of my office to the
practice field. It was directly across the street. Each fall semester it felt like all was right with the world when I would see Pride members streaming down Asp Avenue to make it to rehearsal on time. When I left at the end of a day working as public relations director
for University Outreach, The Pride would serenade me home.
It is difficult for me now to hear rehearsal from my new work digs in downtown Norman. Although one day I heard the voice of my honeybun, stadium announcer Jim Miller, loud and clear during a system check which was rather startling. I suppose his mike was turned
up quite high.
At any rate, you too can carry The Pride with you at all times whether you live in Norman or not. Renew your membership in the OU
Band Alumni Association. Or become a Pride Patron. Both support the band we all care about and want to continue to nurture. All
year long.
And speaking of not living in Norman, we bid adieu to Brian Britt, the 12-year leader of the band. When his new life settles down in
that, ahem, state across the Red River, we hope that he will also join us at our get-togethers throughout the year.
In other changes, my four years as president expired at the end of 2012. It has been
my honor to work on behalf of the membership to sustain our group, try to move it forward and work with the other officers to find new ways to support the best band in all
the land. I will still be around serving in a different capacity. But with the change of
Pride leadership, we look ahead to a change in alumni leadership as well. Gail
Richardson will again become president. New recruit Kathy Kuhlman Rothfusz is vice
president. After two years she will take on the president‟s role. That might be a good
time for others to step up as well. Think about it.
Happy holidays, three cheers for the New Year and Boomer Sooner!
Susan Grossman
Aka Sue Mathewson
Flute/piccolo ‟79-„83
2012 Percussion Section (L-R): Rob Stites, Michael Flores,
Robert McEver, Courtney Harbaugh, Brian Britt, Brian Morris,
Ron Armstrong, Ange Folks, Freddie Barnett
(not pictured: Maurice Galoob & David Miller)
Robert McEver Playing in the Stands
Page 7— Post Homecoming 2012—January 2013
A LETTER FROM LISA LAMBDIN, FLAG 1977-1978
I want to thank you all for your kindness, generous nature, and fun loving spirit which helped make Homecoming very special and life
affirming to me.
I was a flag girl in 1977 and 1978 and never marched with the Alumni Band before this year. I did not discuss my personal health situation during Homecoming as most of you do not know me. But I am a cancer survivor. That topic I find is usually a "downer" which most
people don't want to discuss and some do not know how to react when told about it. No one likes the C word and Homecoming is sure
not the place to bring it up. All that said, here is my story.
I was diagnosed with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Cancer (GIST) in 2011. It is a rare type of sarcoma cancer with only about 2000
people being diagnosed with it in the US each year. I've been hospitalized 4 times in the past 2 years. I have had numerous blood
transfusions and I've had 2 separate surgeries removing 2 cancer masses. I am currently on oral chemotheraphy daily and will be on it
for the rest of my life. Possible recurrance of this type of cancer is high for me due to the surgeon not getting clean margins during surgery.
Late summer I began to experience severe stomach pain which I feared was evidence that my cancer had returned and spread. Tests
were scheduled in October to determine the nature of my pain. I decided while waiting for results that I would return to OU at Homecoming to remember and celebrate fonder days. Of course, being a member of The Pride has always been a memory that I'll cherish.
And while thinking about my flag girl days I became determined to march at Homecoming - no matter my test results. The thought that
I'd be marching with the alumni band motivated me to walk daily to help gain some strength and endurance in order to be able to march
down the field. My husband and I walked all around the neighborhood so that I could feel confident that I could march during half time.
The week before Homecoming my test results came back and were NEGATIVE for more cancer. What a joy and relief!!! I can't tell you
how happy I was to learn this news. My marching now became a joyous occasion instead of the possible alternative. During practice and show time, I felt swept up by the
happiness, joy, and game day spirit of the band, fans and cheering squads. The roar of
all the excitement was life affirming and penetrated my soul.
I thank all of you at Homecoming for making this weekend so special to me. To those
of you who gave me instructions, directions, talked about your days in the band, chatted with me, or even just smiled at me, your actions are greatly appreciated. You all
have no idea as to how much my family and I enjoyed Homecoming because of your
kindness and enthusiasm. The alumni band members conduct to me showed my family just what it means to be called "The Pride of Oklahoma".
You are all the BEST. Boomer Sooner!!
Lisa Lambdin, Flag 1977-1978
CONTRIBUTIONS TO SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS OFFER
Maurice Galoob, Percussion 1965-1970, and his wife Gyan Summers Galoob, Piccolo 1968-1970, own The Candy Basket - a gourmet candy, coffee, tea,
and gift shop located in beautiful Carriage Plaza—at 2001 West Main in Norman, Oklahoma. As their name suggests, they create custom-designed gifts for
any occasion.
With any purchase made by former Pride members, the Candy Basket will contribute 10% of the purchase price to our scholarship funds at OU Foundation—
(which will get doubled by the OU Alumni Association).
‘Like’ them on FaceBook at www.facebook.com/thecandybasket.
To see the array of products they offer, visit their website at http://candybasketok.com
Check out their products page to see some of their offerings that can be delivered locally or
shipped throughout the United States.
It’s more than just a candy store. They carry a large selection of fine Oklahoma products.
For those who want to experience some of the flavor of our fine state, they feature "Made in Oklahoma" food products — perfect for clients, family and friends new to the area, or anyone homesick
for the "Sooner State." They also carry items with registered University of Oklahoma logos, perfect
for the "Sooner" fan on your list.
To place orders, call: (405) 329-9009 or email them at thecandybasket@aol.com.
They are open 10:00 - 6:00 Mon-Fri & 10:00 - 5:00 Sat (Closed Sundays).
Don’t forget to mention you’re a former Pride member so our scholarship funds will receive 10% of
your purchase price. You’ll love their awesome offerings—and Maurice and Gyan are great people
to get to know as well! Please consider this option for your next gift purchase.
Page 8— Post Homecoming 2012—January 2013
A LETTER FROM THE 60TH PRIDE DRUM MAJOR, ZACK HEDRICK
Dear Distinguished Pride Alumni and fellow Pride Members & Patrons,
It is a distinct pleasure and privilege to be writing you all and to be associated with all of you. With my
tenure as drum major coming to a close, I will try my best to put into words all that The Pride means to me.
For the past four years I have been fortunate enough to be a member of The Pride of Oklahoma. For the
last two years, I was elected and honored to serve as drum major for our esteemed organization—and all I
can say is what a wonderful and astonishing four years it has been. It seems like it was just last week I was
moving into Couch Tower as a wide-eyed freshman to try and earn a spot in The Pride. Fast forward through
four fabulous years and I am grateful and thankful for the opportunities The Pride of Oklahoma has provided
me with. I can say, without a doubt, that The Pride has made my college experience. The adrenal-infused
rush of marching—or strutting—down Owen Field will not be forgotten. I will cherish the on-field memories
forever, but most of all I will cherish the relationships I have made off the field with my fellow Pride members, staff and alumni.
As I said before, I truly owe my entire college experience to The Pride. There are so many individuals
that I would like to thank. Unfortunately, I do not think I will be able to do that because the newsletter would
then have to expand to the size of a phone book. But I want to take this opportunity and say THANK YOU…to
each and every single individual that has been involved or associated, either directly or indirectly, with The
Pride of Oklahoma. From former members to all of our volunteers, this organization would not be the same
without you and the legacy you have built. It has given kids like me the chance to be a part of something
great and the privilege to carry on the Pride’s legacy.
Quite simply, I love The Pride of Oklahoma. It goes beyond all the superlatives I could list. The friendships and memories will last a lifetime and something we all—past and present—communally share. I am
excited to see The Pride advance into the future and continue to march down the field with our heads held
high!
Again, thank you for giving me a chance to carry on the tradition and serve as a leader in this superb
organization. Thank you ALL for your endless love and support of The Pride!
Boomer Sooner!
Zack Hedrick
60th Drum Major of The Pride of Oklahoma
Page 9 — Post Homecoming 2012—January 2013
A LETTER FROM THE PRIDE TWIRLER, MEGAN MCGEARY
I begin this letter unable to decide who I should address. I have so many thanks to give to everyone. I am completely
overwhelmed with emotion as I write this letter the eve of my last home game at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. As tears fall
upon my keyboard I am overcome with joy and thankfulness, yet mourning and sorrow. As I take the field for the last time
tomorrow I take it with complete satisfaction and fulfillment. Although, I wish I could have more time, I really know I have
done all I have wanted to do, and have accomplished all I have wanted to accomplish.
I really want to give a special thanks to the Alumni. You have built the strong foundations upon which this program
thrives. It is truly an honor to follow in your footsteps, and know that I am/was a part of something so much bigger than
myself. You have each left a legacy that we are all proud to be a part of, and without you we would not be anywhere as
close to successful as we are. You really should know that even though we do this for ourselves and it is what we want to
do, we really do it for you as well. We have an endless desire to make you proud of us in all that we do, and appreciate you
more than you will ever know.
To Mr. Britt, well, well, well, here we are four years later. Where do I even begin? I guess at the beginning would probably be the best place. I’ll never forget the first time you called me to congratulate me that I made it into finals. I will always
cherish the first time I met you, and the day you walked me into the stadium for the first time. I am so thankful for all of the
opportunities you and the Pride have presented me with. I cannot thank you enough for your endless support. You have
always been there for me whether I needed a friend, teacher, coach, or even Dad. You welcomed me into your Pride family
with open arms, and I am eternally grateful for everything you have done for me. Thanks for putting up with all of my shenanigans, forgetfulness, diva-ness (not sure that is a word), rhinestones, endless requests, and crazy fans! You will forever
remain in my heart. I could have never made it through the past four years without you, your Pride excitement excellence,
your relentless emails, your ever positive attitude, your comic relief, and your leadership. Your love for this organization is
inspiring and contagious, and you will be missed by everyone. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Upon graduation I will continue working for JAM Events and Productions in Oklahoma City (Oklahoma’s only one stop
events company; we do it all). I have applied with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, and hope to pursue a career in law
enforcement once there is an opening. That’s right folks I’m staying in Oklahoma! Eventually, I will return to school, and
either obtain my MBA, or go to law school. The long term goal is to be in the sports world as an agent.
I hope I have made you all proud, and have been everything you want in a twirler. I am so lucky to have gotten to be a
part of something so incredible. You all have done so much more for me than I could ever give back, but I sure will try.
There’s only one Oklahoma, and there is only one twirler, and I am the luckiest girl alive to have been her. I may not have
been Sooner born, but now I’ve been Sooner bred, and when I die I’ll be Sooner dead!
BOOMER SOONER!
Megan Danielle McGeary
2009-2012 Pride of Oklahoma Feature Twirler
2012 College Miss Majorette of America
Page 10 — Post Homecoming 2012—January 2013
A LETTER FROM SHARON FRYMIRE SHAFFER, FLAG ‘91-’93
Homecoming is always such a special time. I have enjoyed coming back for the past few years. It has
been even more enjoyable that I have talked Jim and Cindy into coming back also. They both regretted
not doing it sooner, after they came back for the first time last year. I don‟t really know how to describe
what it is like though. Brian and staff along with the current Pride members always makes us feel so loved
and special. They truly get that we are all part of the University of Oklahoma tradition. It‟s fun connecting
with the Alumni that were years before us. In the stands we sat behind Jim that was in the band in 1954!
Seeing Coach is always great too. It was even more special that he was able to join us this year with all
that he has had going on in his personal life. My heart still aches for him and his family.
Stepping out on the practice field for the first time after watching the Pride makes me a bit nervous that I
won‟t be able to live up to what they are doing today. However, it is usually pretty quickly that you catch
on just like you had been doing it just a few weeks before not years. There are always lots of smiles and
laughter during these times. I wish I had more concrete information to provide you, but, it is just a special
day that makes all of us feel important. Singing the chant still gives me goosebumps…..
Thanks,
Sharon Frymire Shaffer
Flag 1991-1993
Sharon Frymire Shaffer, Flag 1991-1993
and Cindy Murray, Flag 1988-1989
Chris Valentas, Trombone 2003-2006, with his wife
Kiley Valentas, Flute 2002-2007 and his sister Ashley Valentas, Pride Trombone in her senior year.
Jim Shaffer, Tuba 1991-1993 and his new bride
Sharon Frymire Shaffer, Flag1991-1993
2012 Tenor Saxes
Ron Jones 1968-1969, Kristina Lindstrom 1984-1986, Jonathan Still 20012002, Nicole Light 2003-2007, Pam
Johnson 2003-2007
Jim Shaffer, Tuba
1991-1993
Roger Sharp, Trumpet 19901993, his wife Mary Jo Sharp,
Alto Sax 1992-1994 and their
daughter, Emily Sharp, current
Pride Flag.
Page 11 — Post Homecoming 2012—January 2013
MORE PICTURES FROM HOMECOMING 2012
Lisa Lambdin and Lynn Holland Gerber, Flags 1977-1978
in the tunnel waiting for pregame
Percentage-wise—not many of us participate but those of
us who do, really enjoy the weekend. It’s available for
anyone who ever marched in the Pride for even one year.
However, feeling proud when you remember your days in
The Pride is something you carry with you all year long —
not just on the homecoming weekend.
A busy sideline — Pride and Alumni
Please consider yourself a part of the OU Band Alumni
Association all year long as well, whether you participate at
homecoming or not.
Jim Shaffer, Tuba 1991-1993 and his new bride
Sharon Frymire Shaffer, Flag1991-1993
An action shot in the stands!
Courtney Harbaugh, Cymbals 2007-2010 and Brian Morris, Cymbals 2006-2009
Page 12 — Post Homecoming 2012—January 2013
ON THE PRIDE PRACTICE FIELD REHEARSING
2013-2014 OUBAA OFFICERS
President
Gail Warmath Richardson
Vice-President
Kathy Kuhlman Rothfusz
Treasurer
Ann Baker Darnold
Secretary
Rita Heath
Co-Historians
Penny Petty Sledge
Susan Grossman