Legacy
Twenty of the most rewarding years of my professional career as a Music Educator was spent in Philadelphia School 'District, Philadelphia, Pensylvania as a Band Director. I had previously taught in North Carolina, South Hill, Virginia, Norfolk, Virginia and Washington, DC. You might call me an Architect of Music for I was always building band programs in schools where there were none. Many thought I was a Magician instead of a Musician because they could not understand how I was able to start from "scratch" and have students playing in a band in 6 weeks time.
My first assignment as a new teacher in 1974 was Strawberry Mansion Jr. High School and Gilespie Junior High School. Dr. Michael Giamo, Head of the Music Department for the Philadelphia School District assigned me to those schools because he thought that I was the only one who could put music there. In 1976, I was assigned to Sultzberger Junior High School.
My years as Band Director and Music Director (1982-1992) for the Franklin Learning Center Performing Arts Department were the most fulfilling of my career. Teaching and seeing the growth and development of so many talented students was an awe inspiring experience. I have had the pleasure of reconnecting with so many students by way of Facebook who have reminded me of the legacy that was started and continues today. The following are quotes from some of those great and gifted people.
"Mr. McCullough (a.k.a. Mac)! I never 4got about you after all these years! I never even 4got that we shared the same birthday (LOL)! I figured eventually that you'd be on FB. I always wanted 2 say thank U 4 allowing me to tag along with the various bands in some capacity (i.e., sound man, roadie, etc.), because it really helped fine tune my ear and passion for quality music and musicianship. I've started my own company now (Lyons' Den Entertainment, L.L.C.), where I manage and develop artists' careers. I'm currently work with an amazing singer/songwriter, who is on the verge of signing a deal with a major label. All the years of being around folks like Urself, Dr. Melroy (R.I.P.), Mel and Faye helped to duly prepare me for this station in my life. Thanx 4 being such an inspiration to so many kids. I know once Ur able 2 connect with everyone, Ur going 2 B so very proud of us all! I will definitely KIT, and I ask that U please do likewise. Chris" "Julius, I have to say that I agree with your thoughts above 100%. Up until the time you arrived at FLC, it was always my opinion that there was swagger in the dance and drama departments, and as much of an incredible talent as Dr. Melroy was, the true swagger for the music department arrived when you walked through the doors of FLC. From the poignant moment in FLC history that you mentioned above, even to the writing of the school song "I LOVE FLC". I will NEVER forget the lifelong lessons that I learned from the 4 of U! Like I said, it was people like you that gave me the encouragement to find my place in the music/entertainment industry where I can continue to build character in the industry through the artists that I have/will work with. Thanks for the memories, and please keep them comin'!"--Christopher Lyons
Congrat on your honor from Norfolk State. You are outstanding!!! I've been great. Just back from White River Junction, Vermont where I directed two musicals. I have to get to work here in New York. I start rehearsals next week on Israel Horovitz' connective plays LINE and ACROBATS. Horovitz selected me personally to direct. They will debut at the Manhattan Theater Society. I'll let you know more when I get the dates."..Mel Williams
"WOW!!! Miss Otis Regrets, you went in archives for that one, but a lot of good memories behind that song. My family still talk about that show today. ("Broad Way Off Broad Street") . No, the baby is Donnell and Jo'elle's Grandson. Andera is my God-daughter, so little Michael is my G-son as well, he call me pop-pop. Love him too death. Please (KIT) as I will do the same.."Thanx Len. He just brought back alot of good memories from those days.".."Great jjob Mac. Thnx again for including me in the band, although I was a vocal major. All that Ive learned from you and Ms Melroy prepared me for activities out side FLC, like All City Choir for three yrs. and later on Philadelphia Boys Choir. I sang in the chorale in 1997 thru 2000. Tour South Africia, Cuba, and the United States. Who would have thought that Iwould be apart of such things"..Michael Craig"
I remember you... I only wish I took your music classes... I only found out later in life that I had a pretty decent voice, and now I'd like to get a coach to enhance it, and learn some things"..."I wish I were closer to you, I'd love to be in your "Second Change Club". I know if would be a benefit to me... I love Gospel Music, and singing allows me to express my emotions best... Singing Gospel Music brings be great joy, but I need to tune up ths raw talent"...David L. Morrison
Hi Popa Smurf
"How r u?? Do u remember that ?? You were really known to us as PoPa Smurf. R u still at F.L.C. if not how many years did you end up staying. U are truley missed. Life has gone so fast... I heard thru the grapevine that George Miller passed is that true?? I don't know if you remember my brother Keith Crawford but he also passed in 99 but he got to sing with Lucieno P. the big Opera star I was very proud of him. Keith started traveling all over the world singing with different opea companies. Everytime he would go to a different place to sing I would make sure he bought me a magnet for my refrigator. He even got the chance to sing in Austraila that was his dream I was so happy for him. So even thou his life was short he filled ever moment of it making people happy with his voice. He dd things that I never knew about until his funernal I found out he make CD's for a childrens library in Miami Fl. Had No idea. But the year you retired is the year I got married to my son's father."Tell me what u been up to..."I would have to ask my sister if she can try and get it for me she's in Fl. Keith also made alot of DVD's of himself but my uncle kept it and he refused to make copies of it he told me that would take away from the orginal DVD and now my uncle himself has passed away and his daughter threw everything of Keith's away in the trash I was told. But my biologlai mother has a picture of Kieth and L. Pavaratti together I can show you that. I've been wanting to make a copy of that picture for years anyway. Your granddaughter likes opera? Or just music period?"
"Stacey Florio
"MRRRR MCCULLOUGH !!!!!!!!! HOW ARE YOU SIR? IT IS VERY GOOD TO HEAR FROM YOU. YOUR COMMENT IS ABSOLUTELY TRUE, THOSE WERE THE DAYS. THE FOUNDATION THAT WAS SET BY MEL. MS. MELROY (R.I.P.), FAYE AND YOURSELF WERE NOT ONLY THE MOST FUN AND GREAT TIMES. THEY REALLY SET US UP FOR THIS THING CALLED LIFE. I DO HOPE ALL IS WELL W/ YOU AND LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU AGAIN.GOD BLESS YOU SIR."..Sheldon T. Milligan
"Never forget the good times. Thank you for your leadership."..Curtis Ball
"wow! ur so right from the begining til u sent me off to st augustine. we had long road i do apoligize for my rebellous attitude at time but, i am proud to have been apart of a legacy, you were a major part of my life as a man and musician the therory the early morning and before we went to flc the spagettii lol wow mac we need to catch up .i been and the road with many 70's group like stylistic harold melvin's bluenote's etc as a keyboardist now playing in church for the lord with my lovely wife tamika hey who knew but i love her so much and we oth cherish you along with many people that had the oppertunity to have come across and under ur direction GOD BLESS YOU MAC. AND MAY HEAVEN CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU"...My Thanks To You!"wow! speachless i will save the comment, and when im gone to see the lord i want this to be read and my wkae or funneral hich ever my wife want to have lol , but these words or so touching and inspiring. it was all my pleasure to haveexperinence the gift from one man to another,and im glad we did it the way we did MAC GOD BLESS AND BLESSING YOU CONTINUELY!"..Kenneth Gilbert nat king cole "lastnight i was watching a specail on black classic jazz artisit specail focusing on mr cole and i thought of you, you reminded me of his carrisma, and style then i though back of my fist trumpet solo, and nothing would come out the dang horn the song was precious lord do you remember that ? lol" Kenneth Gilbert
"Hi Mr. McCullough! Good to see you and love your pic!"...Jeanine Anderson Hawkins
"Music has been the ticket to a lifetime of experiences that I will never take for granted. Who would think that four years would make a difference. thank you for the part you played in molding this musician."..Larry G. Morris
"Whats up MAC! You see, God won't let us all get to far away from one another. Hope you are well and as well prayed up because we do know that god is in the blessing business. I will definitely keep in contact."...James Keith
"You never know the impact someone has on your life until you get up and walk away. The memories flood your mind like the cold wind on Christmas day.... You made a strong positive memorable impression on me and for that I thank you.... I reside in the Raleigh/Durham area of North Carolina. Single with one child... who is 22 and lives in PA... lol... Life has been outstanding to me and now seeing all the people whom I loved as a young man again is yet another gift..."...David Addison
"Hey Mr. Mack...You taught me alot about music & I owe you such gratitude for that, because music became a major thing for me. You were one of the best teachers At F.L.C.(1992) Go Bobcats!!!"...Tim Wilder
"Everyone, Mr. McCullough was my music instructor at the Franklin Learning Center. His patience and tutelage are among the reasons why I continued to pursue the business side of the music industry, after I realized that I wasn't crafted for stardom. Its people like Mr. McCullough who instilled in me such an immense appreciation for music and the arts! Thanks Mac!!!"....Christopher Lyons,
Lyons' Den Music Group, L.L.C.
"Hi Julius I have 2 kids which are no longer kids My son is 22 and daughter is 17 I live in Northeast Philadelphia and do construction and maintenance work in south jersey.I have an acoustic project with two guitars and a female singer who is amazin and I play in a rock band called stage 5 that is doing very well Both bands have facebook pages . I have to tell you it was the greatest feeling ever playing on stage with the school band and was the inspiration for me to continue to play all these yrs I will never forget the one show you sat me out because I was slackin on rehearsals believe me Im the first one to every rehearsal lol To sit in the audience and watch some shmuck that wasnt half as talented as me do my job killed me I always thought you a great man and I hope you are in good health it is wonderful to hear from you again Take care always a friend Tommy"
and I hope you are in good health it is wonderful to hear from you again Take care always a friend Tommy"--Thomas Heil
"well you made a big impression on me musically and I appreciate it. I'm reminded all the time that even though Iplay gospel there is a big jazz and pop feel to my music and that comes from my FLC days.."isnt it amazing how fast you can get in touch with people on here. You can reconnect with so many people in a short period of time.....and it seems everyone is just as excited to talk to you as I was......" Leonard Goins, Trombone
I was so happy to see you on facebook. I have been asking about you, but no one knew anything. How are you doing, how are things going, where are you at , what are you up to , are you still teaching music???????????????""Well I completed Penn State and I currently work for the City Of Phila as a Social Worker. I have two children and can you believe it I'm married. I still live in Phila."..Jamila Brown
"Mr. McCullough... another FLC alum here, although then I was Teresa Myers. You may remember me from the gospel choir."...I am still singing, although I haven't done too much this past year since the birth of my youngest son. I absolutely love teaching, even though it's somewhat tough bein in an 11 month school. We're still in school for the summer, although we're only working half-days.
I actually didn't have an opportunity to sing with Martin. I entered the school and joined the choir after he left. The only one I am still in contact with on a fairly reularly basis is Lenny, which is a good thing considering we're the parents of a 13 year old! You would absolutely love her. She's a performing arts student at Cab Calloway School of the Arts in Wilmington, DE. She's a vocal major and drama minor and really quite good, in my unbiased opinion"....Teresa Goins
"Hello Mr.McCullough and to all FLC family members ..(The Band) I want to say thank you for all you have done for me and you are a constant inspiration in my life Sir take care and God bless you and all those around you ...Sgt. Arthur Love Johnson"
"Mr. McCullough, you are so sweet! There are so many of us that have been trying to find you to keep in touch. Jeaneea Tucker, who used to play the violin? She should be reaching out to you shortly as well! Great talking with you! I will be sure to keep in touch! Be blessed,...Nicolette Wilson
How's life up there in VA. It's amazing how fast the time flies. Those 7:30 rehearsals are too far back in my memory. I think I am still a morning person because of it. I appreciate everything you did for The Band. For me and I am sure many others, you were a needed father figure. Your passion and motivation helped me to progress from a lackadaisical attituded teenager to the man I am today. I'm very blessed. I have a wife of 8 years and a three old son who already has found a love for making music like his daddy. We actually live in Virginia for about a year back in '04. We lived in Warsaw on the Northern Neck. I wished I knew that you lived in Norfolk because I would have definitely looked you up. Both of us are special education teachers who are about to go back to school for our doctorate degrees in special education. Aisha is going to start her program this year and I am going to follow in fall '10. Pray for us! lol ... Oh. Duty calls. it's time to get back on daddy duty, so I type to you later.
Peace..Harold Holmes
Hey Poppa Smurf,
Yes I'm doing alright. Just looking for some extra work right now. I need to get back in the studio and make some extra cash. But, I'm still working on my EP. As soon as it's done you will get a copy. Much love!...Tanja Dixon
Hello, Hello, Hello
I can't tell you how much I value the creative freedom that you gave us in High School. I love you for believing in me. I have my husband and kids many stories about you. It does my heart good to see you are still sharing your amazing gift. I would love to sing in your choir. I would love to see you again.
-Roz
"Mr. Mccullough. I was an FLC grad in '83. I can't believe it's been so long!". "I looked in the yearbook and can't believe you were our teacher!"..Ingrid Gibson
"Hi Mr. McCullough. Very nice to see you. I miss the performances at FLC. I often try to describe them to my children who are now performers themselves, but my describtions can never do them justice. I have been to some school performances but none matched the professional way FLC displayed our talents. Hope u r well and it is very nice to see you. I appreciate your teachings, and words of wisdom. eventhough I was a Vocal Major."..."It is great to hear from you. After reviewing your Bio I can tell you as a teen I did not realize how lucky I was to have the opportunity to be taught by you. I could go on and on. I congradulate you on all of your accompishments and I know that you have more to come. Most of all I appreciate all that you did for me. I will keep in touch stay blessed."..."This was definitely a treat..to watch (Performance Video). You look and sound great. Your teachings live in all of us FLC grads that had the pleasure to be taught and inspired by you."...Dale Gordon
"Hello Mr. Mac- I am hoping you remember me because like most of your student's, I too was one of your favorites-lol It would be wonderful to catch up. To help you out, its me Lutiebelle (Tamika Coleman-Gilbert). Talk to you soon!".."Mac, you really have no idea how you have also made such an impact in my life as to who I am and the talent I possess along with other various gifts. Even til this day, whenever there is an event coming up and I am being requested to sing, nomatter how I am feeling and sometimes even at my worst, I can still hear you in my ear that I am a star and it is my job to present my voice to the public. I mostly sing and minister in church although I still get out from time to time to attend other events. I am legal assistant full-time and I have a nice family size that I tend to, so when I am out, I travel in numbers. You would love my daughters, ages 15, 10 and 6 - and yes they are definitely stars as well. Singers, dancers and actresses, I am so truly blessed. I tell them how I was at one time the only vocalist in band and that wherever you took the band, you took me with you. You, Mel, Verde and Ms. Melroy (R.I.P.) will always be in my heart...Kenneth and I will be married 9 years 11/30. You never know what God has in store for you until He brings you there-lol
Talk to you soon, Bless your day!!!!"...Tamika Gilbert
"hey dad ....i'm doing good everything here is good .....i miss u so much ,how have u been doing? i'll mom u said hi .....hey i dont know if i every told u thanks for being there for us and showing us what a real family is i will always love u for that ....... thanks so much one of yous sons.......andy" Andrew Walker
"It is real great to see you still are into the arts. Well I am still dancing and teaching. I was in VA for a while doing some work down there as well. I will keep in touch with you.
You be blessed also."...Kevin Holloman
"Mr. McCullough it was a delight to see you perform "You Better Min". A blessing. As a fellow FLC Alumni it has been a pleasure and thank you. God Bless you Mr. McCullough"...Tonia Moss
Hey Mr. McCollough how are you? Thanks for reaching out, and yes, Facebook is truly an incredible thing. I had no idea you were a Kappa. Were hiding it outta shame? Good to hear from you and look forward to seeing you soon....Andre Bright
"WOW....How are you??"."AWWW, It's so nice to see that you are still involved with Music, it was always your passion. I still dont know what I want to do with myself but I am trying to get my oldest daughter to play the clarinet, she attends private school and they dont have bands like we did when we were in school, it's sad! She sings on the church choir so I'm glad that she is involved with music in some way. We will be in Williamsburg Va. vacationing with the kids from 8/24-8/29 is that near Norfolk?"...Shaliya Singletary
HomeGood Morning Jueles ...and Thanks for The Word of Comfort and Inspiration. I'm gonna level with You ...when I read Your Postings ....smh...It Give Me Incredible fulfillment of Hope .. and Contentment .. I feel Enlightened ...Encouraged ..Mindful ...Empathetic ..and Spiritually Uplifted ...smiling .. ( You Got it From Somewhere ) ..lol..and although I ws Never really a Person who went to Church Every Sunday ...or can Throw Bible Verses at You ( but do read the Book Now Nd Then ) the Drop of a Hat.. I'm Still Spiritually Connected to The Lord and The Word of The Bible .. ..and Your Postings Come at Such Incredible Times ....when I Really Need to Hear or Read Them ....and I'm so Appreciative to You for It .
YES ..I know I could retrieve it Elsewhere .. ( and at Times I have ....lol ) However..getting it from You makes It more Personal and Comforting becuase Your Such an Amazing Indivdual for One .....Talented and Spiritually Inspiring ... and Hell You Mr. M. Who ran the H. Out of The Music Dept.at FLC .....smh ...That alone is Monumental for Me ....lol
...I'm up late ...lol...Yes ..I'm a Bonified Nocturnal Creature I will admit ....by Nature I Suppose.... plus I've been working the Graveyard shift ( llp to 7a ) for about 15 yrs ...on and Off ... so there You have it. .. ( and Yes I recall You mentioning living Here before ...and How the City Never Really Sleeps ....lol )
...anyway ..its alwayz a pleasure whn You come by or when I read Your P ostings of inspirstion ..it means a lot to me ...ans so appreciate You ON So Many Levels ...Thank You for the Word ....and Thank You for all That You Do as an Artist and Mentor to Others ...but Most of All ....Thank You for jst Being You .....wink !
Continued Blessings to You always Juels ....
-Haviel Lloyd
