THE MAD CONDUCTOR
November 27, 2008 by Felix Mayerhofer
Hugo Von Flugel is not your ordinary beginning school band director, but a colorful one loved by his students. With an important decision to make, you’ll have the opportunity to see if he makes the correct one. This story comes alive in rhyme.
Play Story
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Download eBook
Check out the bookstore!
Click here for print editions of your favorite stories.
Inspiration
Having been a beginning band director for a number of years, I knew what this job could do to one’s psyche. So I decided to write a story in rhyme about a conductor who “lost” it. I got the idea from a wild-eyed disheveled German conductor with a heavy accent, who taught young children at the Henry School Settlement House in New York City.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
I had a Mr. Flugel {Mr. Darling} in high school. He conducted with a drum stick which he sometimes would throw out of exasperation at the rhythm section. This story we enjoyed very much. Red
This kinda reminds me of me, when I first started playing the Trombone I found it hard, but my band director was never mad, and you know my band director Mr. Rosenquist. He just said try buzzing your lips and you well get a sound. After a while I loved to play. Even now I play a wrong note, because I forget notes and how to play it but after a while I get it right again and I’m up and running… I mean PLAYING.
This make’s me remember the time Tony and I were playing for you at Yucca and you broke my drum stick… Makes me smile now! You are the best!