Robert A. Cashman Jr.

Bob Cashman was my first drum instructor back in 1967. He was building up the local Catholic grade school music programs back then, which he was hoping would feed into the Scecina HS music program. It worked on me, I enrolled in 1970! He was a big part of my youth and really helped prepare me for life. I do remember we had some kind of PRIDE chant we used to say..... "We have PRIDE on our side". One last thought... Bob always seemed to make things happen on a shoe-string budget. I...

Bob (or Mr C, as we called him) was by far responsible for the greatest musical education in my life. Even though there were other teachers, directors, and even a music theory class in college, I can always look back to my high school band experiences as the root of my abilities. When working through a difficult piece of music, I get through it with, "Drive, drive, drive." I also enjoyed doing those special projects with him, like the new lights in the old band room, lights in the drum room,...

Bob Cashman was not only a teacher and a leader, he was a mentor and maybe even a father figure to many of us. Strict but caring. Intense but fun. And always there to help. Rest in peace, Mr. Cashman.

Bob was a huge part of my youth. He was my teacher, mentor, and coach all in one. He knew how to draw out musical abilities that I didn't even know I had. He was tough when he needed to be, but he always made sure we had fun after all the hard work. He taught us all how to be part of something bigger than our singular selves, and it's a lesson that's been invaluable throughout life. He has a legacy with each and every band member from that era, and touched more lives than he could even...