Jerold Ordansky

Posted on: Oct 03, 2024 at 11:55 AM

It occurred to me last night after dinner thinking about my musical career in high school (hardly an unusual activity for me) about my first successful experience playing saxophone. It was either in my junior or senior year when Paul Steinberg, John Clune, and myself got together to play a saxophone trio for NYSSMA. We played "Joshua Fit the Battle." It was arranged straight for however many bars until its written conclusion. After the the end of the chorus or so we decided to open it up and took single improvised choruses apiece. I guess our enjoyment in the performance before high school music teacher judges was appreciated because we were all awarded blue ribbons! John's playing was always something I thought was the closest to perfection ever. To be included in a group with him was indeed an honor. Unforgetable.

I knew Howie from Mr. Clark's drama club.  I remember him from our first play, "Noah," but not sure if he was in "Our Town" or "Rip Van Winkle."  After Mr. Clark gave up the club and Mr. Kirby took it over I think Howie stuck with it and appeared in the "Mikado." Perhaps others from those days have a more accurate memory. I remember his rich baritone voice and being terribly jealous that he got leads over me.  He was  a nice cat and wish his family my condolences.

Posted on: Apr 05, 2023 at 9:16 AM

Jerry, it was wonderful of you to post a comment on Billy's page. We never lost touch. We spoke or messaged regularly. His death has hit me very hard. I remember your band. Weren't Ricky and Lloyd Isaacs in it also? Michael Montella lives in Charlotte, NC. He is 30 minutes from me. We speak occasionally, but I haven't seen him in years. I'd love to get back in contact with you.

Naida

Oh dear, Billly has passed.  We were bandmates and friends.  We played in a rock band/bar band (Tremelos), high school jazz band, and he even accompanied me at NYSSMA.  He played piano and accordian well and sang like a bird with Mike Montella (whatever happened to him?) in our band. We even double dated to the senior prom at which we/he did not entertain. Tony Bennett got that honor.

There's a lot more. I think about those days occasionally.  But for now, goodbye buddy.
 

Posted on: Feb 18, 2019 at 4:33 AM

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Posted on: Feb 18, 2015 at 4:33 AM