Thursday, July 30, 2020
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Dear Winfrey Family, I had the honor and privilege to play trombone in the Edison Junior High band 1965 through 1967 under Mr. Winfrey's direction and take private lessons from him in his home. I still play the bass trombone professionally and owe much of my success to Mr. Winfrey's encouragement, guidance, and instruction. When I first began playing in 7th grade band I started on a Besson trombone we purchased at Jenkins Music downtown Tulsa for $30. It played horribly out of tune and one day Mr. Winfrey talked to me after rehearsal and told me I needed to get a new trombone, my response was I don't think my father will buy me a new trombone? Mr. Winfrey asked me for our phone number and said he would discuss with my Father. The next day when I arrived home from school my Dad drove me down to Saied Music Company and bought me a brand new Olds Opera Trombone which I still have to this day.
Mr. Winfrey was a wonderful instructor, musician and human being. I wanted to let the family know how much I appreciated being one of his students and the impact he had in my life.
I would also like to express my deepest sympathy to the Winfrey family for your loss.
Don Smith
Tulsa Symphony
