(April 2020) My name is Jim, and I’m a 15-year franchise owner at Smith’s School of English http://smithweb.co.jp in Sagamihara, Japan. (Rewind to October 1979) The US Army recruiter picked me up and took me away. I was 18 years old and in for the ride of my life. I enlisted as a musician- a trombone player with a guarantee of being assigned to an army band somewhere in the world.
New Jersey to Sagamihara, Japan
After finishing the initial training required, I was assigned to a band in New Jersey, USA. Traveling up and down the northeast coast of the USA and playing music for the people was great fun. But all good things end, and a few years later the army gave me a choice- get out or go to Japan. That was an easy decision. https://sse-franchise.com/why-japan/
US Army Band, Japan
Spending eight years with US Army Band Japan allowed me to experience much of the culture and country through my job. We travelled a lot. https://www.facebook.com/USARJBand/ The memories are wonderful, but the lifetime friendships that developed over those years are perhaps, the best reward.
Smith’s English Since 2005
Life took me back to Japan as a civilian, at which time I began teaching English, and finally settling into my Smith’s School of English in Sagamihara some 15 years ago. The job is rewarding, and I am able to adjust my schedule for a good work/life balance. Eventually the desire to play trombone returned, so I began practicing, with the goal of playing in a band again here in Japan. Consequently and to my delight, I found a local jazz band that needed a trombone player.
Back to Music in Japan
I was quite nervous going into my first rehearsal. The band members were very kind and welcoming. What I wasn’t prepared for though, was when an old trombone mate of mine walked through the door. Bob Lynch and I hadn’t seen each other in over 20 years. We looked at each other in disbelief, shook hands, and hugged while everyone watched us with interest. I guess we gave the band a quick lesson in “long time, no see” American style! What a pleasure it is to be a member of the Zama Big Band Jazz Orchestra, sit next to Bob again, and play with these fine musicians of Japan.
A Perfect Combination- Smith’s English, Music, Japan, Friends
Bob and I still talk about that surprising evening. Such a small world we live in. How lucky I am to reunite with an old friend, play in this band, work independently at Smith’s School of English, and live in Japan!
Thanks for reading! Please have a look and listen to the Zama Big Band Jazz Orchestra here- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVFIHku2op8
Very cool! So glad you and Bob have been reunited and are doing well!
Thank you Don Meyers. One of the best things about being in the army band was the lifetime friends that were made.