Nick Leist all about sharing

To the editor:If there was ever an appropriate definition of hall-of-fame recipient, none would be more fitting than Nick Leist. I represent only one of an endless list of band directors influenced by his example. As I filled out a request for my student-teaching assignment prior to the fall semester of 1970, I was well aware that the No. 1 choice among prospective instrumental majors was Jackson High School.

The opportunity to work with Leist ranked far ahead of the geographic convenience, for Leist was all about sharing. There were some directors of other fine band programs who were quite reluctant to allow a student-teacher hands-on experience with their bands. Leist was the exact opposite, even to the point of allowing us opportunities to dig ourselves out of predicaments of our own doing. I realized later that he recognized such experiences would serve us well in the future, and was he ever correct. During a 31-year teaching career, I cannot imagine a greater reward than the numerous occasions when Leist saw fit to offer complimentary remarks and/or encouragement to me and my students.

Congratulations to a mentor, hero and friend.

DENNIS NAIL, Kennett, Mo.