John Rabbia

Few people have had a larger impact on the course of my life than Michelle Owens. When I first met her, I was a gangly 13 year old saxophone player in the marching band who thought it was fun to toss a rifle during breaks at practice. Michelle took me under her wing and taught me everything from how not to look like a drunk scarecrow while dancing, to how to catch tape on a sabre. Michelle advocated for me when I tried out for the winter guard and helped me to become the first boy to ever perform in New Hartford's winter guard - and she defended me fiercely against bullies. She was still performing at the time and I sat in complete awe, watching her in the Crossmen and Field of View. It was like knowing a celebrity - an extremely kind, humble, patient celebrity. It's because of her that I went on to perform in independent groups, and to this day I try to channel her patience when I teach my own students. I'm still trying to comprehend that she's been taken from us - and will probably continue to do so for a long time to come, but my tribute to her memory will be to pass on the kindness, patience, and joy for the activity that she provided for me.