WT Band Alumni Spotlight: Dois Pace

What years were you in the WT Band? When did you graduate?

1962-1966

What was your degree in?

BME

Where are you living now and what are you doing?

We live in Andrews, Tx since 1991. I retired in 2006, but have enjoyed doing 7 maternity leaves, summer band camps, clinics and in 2019 became the band director at Water Valley for the year and from Thanksgiving (2024) to the end of the year, the band director at Andrews High School. I try to make myself available for band directors who want me to help them with their programs. It is fun to work with band kids.

Tell us about your family.

I married Jo Ann Pennock in June 1993. We have daughters, Pam and Holly and grandson, Parker.

What instrument did you play?

Trumpet, double bass

What ensembles and student groups were you involved in while you were at WT?

All that were available. Marching, concert, jazz band, and the beginning of the orchestra program with Mr. Matsen.

Tell us a favorite band memory that you have from your time at WT.

Any band memory of my time at WT is my favorite. Meeting many of the most incredible people I have ever know has a great deal to do with that. Meeting lasting friends who continue to bless my life is in the forefront of my memories, the Jerry Currys, Gerald Grants. Joe Ed Campbell, Richard Bales, Richard Rath, Fred Carter, (those were in my class!) and those who came later Mary Jo, Alice, Jan, Darrel and Lamoine, Dwight Harden (Buckwheat), Randy Vaughn; too many to compile a list! Those people and more who are inspirations to me and of course, Dr. Garner leading the way and setting the standard to which we all tried to achieve. I can not image what my life would have been without my time at WT.

Share with us what you miss most about your time at WT.

Again, it's the people. I think about the wonderful time we had together and how it is important to me to stay in touch, even if it not very often.

Do you have a favorite memory or highlight that has happened for you since graduation?

Favorite memories since graduation in 1966? How about 42 years of band kids? It has been such a great career starting with the Lamesa Junior High Green Warrior Band in 1966 and those students from that band with whom I still have contact, through this past year at Andrews High School and all of the "kids" I have had contact through band. It has been said, "If you love what you do, you never have to go to work" and I can say that truly fits me. I just love teaching band kids! The absolute highlight of my career is been being inducted into the Phi Beta Mu Texas Bandmasters Hall of Fame, Class of 2020. WOW! What an incredible honor!

What did you learn from your time at WT?

Trying to be the best person YOU can be. Make your life important to you and probably it will become important to someone else (or at least acceptable). As I said earlier, I can not image what my life would have been without my time at WT and all of those people who had a tremendous influence of my thinking, attitude, and concept of living and determining what is important in life. Thank ALL of you, Buffaloes! You helped make my life.

What are some of your favorite musical memories?

I can not think of anything that is not a favorite.

Why did you come to WT?

My senior year in High School, Dr. Ted Creager was the clinician for the All-District Band. After those rehearsals and concert, Dr. Creager basically said to me "We have a music department at WT. I think you would fit into our program very well. We would love to have you". That being said, there was an undertone that suggested that while I was invited, the WT band program would survive without me. I am of so glad I made the correct decision!

What was your favorite band trip and why did you like it so much?

I loved them all. Understand, the early 60's was the time the WT band was just beginning to start it's ascent into the college band world, so I wasn't there for the trips to TMEA and all of the wonderful performances that followed. I'm glad I got to be a part of the foundation Dr. Garner set in motion.

Do you have any advice for current WT students?

Enjoy your time at WT. The friends and relationships you develop are lifetime things! I hope yours will be as wonderful and as enjoyable as mine.

What else would you like for us to know? (Career or family highlights, awesome memories, people who inspired you at WT etc.)

Pick one! WT band is an inheritance few will ever have. We, 60's folks, are the lucky ones to have been on the ground floor!