Pieces of Dreams: Eleven Minutes - Paperback

by Rai Fiondella (Illustrator), Marion J. Chard (Editor), Michael H. Jr. Fiondella (Author)

Based on a true story of Hope, Faith, Family, and Young Memories, I will, to the best of my ability and, as memory permits, chronologically pace through some memoirs from the beginning of my life with experiences that will eventually lead to a unique and incredible musical adventure. This particular experience would test the boundaries that include but are not limited to physical stamina, musicianship, dedication, discipline, and passion. What I believe to be a very different kind of experience, I included a more all-encompassing story that incorporates many memories of my family, various childhood adventures, and numerous events that will provide a more in-depth look at the chosen path.

This is a memoir of a young person's deep passion and the dream of possibly performing in an exclusive musical event. Although music still plays an integral part in my life, the book focuses on when I was approximately seven to twenty-one. This includes learning, performing, teaching, and loving music, more specifically, rudimental drumming in my formative years, and how I was fortunate to have a wonderful family whose influence led to the chance (even though brief) of performing on a grand musical stage. Nonetheless, I would be neglectful if I did not include at least a short family history to make the story more wholesome. After all, this is how I became who I am.

However, this story does not reflect on my later life, subsequent career, or my wonderful and most important immediate family: my wife Jennifer, my sons Michael and Nicholas, my daughter Mary Rosaline, and our angel, whom we will see someday. It also doesn't cover my delightful and faithful dogs through the years, Pepper, Sheba, Luna, Zoey, and Bella (and more will probably follow in the years to come). These are simply some young memories about a childhood dream and goal and what I believe to have been a unique experience. Sometimes, you need the attitude and motivation not to give up on the things you love. Even though I am not a professional writer, if presenting this means it might help someone in any way, then it is well worth the effort. Having a deep passion for something and making at least some effort can be a great experience. Trying has worth, no matter the consequences, as long as it is for the good of things.
The remote chance to perform in arguably the best and most spectacular musical marching competition that highly challenged the mental, physical, and musical levels (at least in the 1970s) was a very misunderstood and unfamiliar genre to the majority of the general public and inarguably an activity with substantial growing pains. And I'm hoping that the words on the following pages can express what I wish to pass along. Every generation and every person has its hopes and dreams. To possibly be a part of a top drum and bugle corps military style artform, along with its very intense preparations, including all-day rehearsals all summer long without any compensation - that's right, no pay - was an honor and a rite of passage for me. It was a deep-rooted passion to perform in one big show that combined superb athletic ability with musical excellence. In some ways, it can be said that it took many years, or in my case, at least fourteen years of hard work, to have an isolated chance to perform a captivating show that would only last for a short eleven minutes. Unpaid, unknown, and criticized by some, yet highly appreciated by others, at its best, presented something found nowhere else. It might have been fate, luck, determination, answered prayers, or a combination to have a chance (at least make one attempt under some very unusual circumstances) to perform in the largest show of its kind. But as we all know, life sometimes gets in the way. Therefore, I'm so fortunate to share this with you in these pieces of dreams.