March 2017 Alumni Spotlight: Rick Lemke
Alumni Spotlight: Rick Lemke
"As a young trumpet player I was attracted by the vision, discipline, and camaraderie exhibited by the corps. The vision Jim Jones....."
Where are you from? I was raised in Casper, Wyoming
What years and section did you March? I marched from 1964 to 1969 - solo soprano.
Why did you choose to march with the Troopers? As a young trumpet player I was attracted by the vision, discipline, and camaraderie exhibited by the corps. The vision Jim Jones had for a world class drum corps appealed to me. I was also drawn to the Troopers as they represented Casper and the state on a national level. The community support of the Casper residents and business community, at that time was remarkable.
Which instructor had the most influence on you when you marched? Why? Jim Jones was a strong overall influence. His vision and drive shaped all of us. The expectation for excellence and discipline influenced me throughout my career. Don Angelica had the strongest influence on my musical development. There were others, of course, but Don introduced the expectation of high quality, disciplined performance. He accepted nothing less.
What are you up to now? (Married? Kids? Job?) I am married with two grown daughters. My wife and I enjoy three grandsons. I retired in 2016 from a 43 year career in special education. I spent the last 25 years as the Principal for the Hospital School at Duke University Hospital. Our program provided the educational services to school-age patients in treatment and students restricted to homebound during recovery. In retirement I enjoy photography, jogging and the NC beaches.
Rick Lemke, Hospital School Principal - retired
Ph.D Special Education and Program evaluation.
