A personal Memoir

Jim Self

April 2011

In 1969 I was hired to teach tuba at the University of Tennessee and play in the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. One of my colleagues was Bill Scarlett who was the Clarinet professor, Principal Clarinet of the KSO and a uniquely gifted jazz saxophonist. We became great friends and have remained so ever since. Bill passed away this week and I want to write a few words so I will be reminded of how important he was in my life.

In those days in my twenties I was a bumbling guy trying to find my way as a musician and teacher. Bill became my mentor—the older, wiser professor. He seemed to understand me and he was razor shape in pointing out the things that I needed to grow as a musician...

Jim remembers the gregarious, warm, friendly, mentor and colleague Dan Perantoni.

My relationship with Dan Perantoni began in April 1965. I was the newest member of the tuba section in The US Army Band in Washington, D. C. Dan had been there a year and Chester Schmitz two. I was a country bumpkin for sure-­-­from a small college and Dan was the confident graduate of Eastman. He was and always has been a self-­ confident man and gregarious, warm and friendly. He (and Chester) took me under their wings and taught me all the evil ways of life – (sinning, drinking, womanizing) and how to avoid as much work with the band as possible. One of the earliest things I remember was the Army Band recording a whole bunch of German Marches and only four tubas were needed (of the six)...