 Heather Bunkowsky
Sound and Stage
I can safely say that music has always been a part of my life. Before television, the radio was on for music, news, reports and drama. When I was young, my dad would play trombone and loved to sing. My mom taught me an appreciation for classical music and the opera.
As time hurried on, I was exposed to many other types of music which also brought a lot of enjoyment. I grew up with Rock & Roll, easy listening, big bands, country music and of course, one of my favorites, gospel music. All these have given me pleasure and a sense of fun, freedom, empathy, joy and sadness. So many songs are filled with emotion through the lyrics, instruments and arrangements and this has always intrigued me. I had to take piano lessons but was not what you would call a “model student”.
When I married Bob, I should have known what I was in for as he played accordian and sang in the choir. He used his accordion case as luggage for our honeymoon! Bob was part of different bands over the years and I tagged along enjoying the music, critiquing and dancing with the band wives. As our family grew, Bob would play the guitar and teach the girls to sing.
The musical “He Lived the Good Life”, put on by a group of about 19 people from our church , gave us a taste of performing for an audience. I was the narrator and I knew my singing skills needed improvement. By the time our sixth child, William was born, his sisters, Angela, Lisa, Heidi, Lorelei and Shannon were singing and playing for audiences around the country side. At this time, the family decided that I should be the drummer for the band. For me this was a daunting thought as I felt my plate was full with other responsibilities. However, I said OK and “Let’s give it a try”. I started practicing and soon was the drummer of “The Family Spectrum” ready or not! I have many fond memories of these times. The outdoor stages at a rodeo or town fair, playing with my whole family in front of me was a surreal experience. I give God thanks for these incredible times for little ol’ me.
As William was a natural drummer, I was soon nominated for the job of sound person. My predecessors were Claude Bisson, Clive Perry, Angela Bunkowsky and Tom Russell. My hat is off to them. Without them I could not do my job. As the band changed from The Family Spectrum to Legacy, I am grateful to be involved in music with my husband of 43 years, my children, my grandchildren, my brother in laws and their children. Through all this, the audiences and organizers are what make us keep doing what we’re doing besides the love of music. We have met so many people who have enriched our lives.
I will close with a quote from a song... ”To God be the glory, forever, amen!”
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