“FIDDLE FADDLE”
That is one of the songs that I remember my sister Colette playing when I was a young ‘un. She had her own marimba at home and there were endless hours of practice engulfing the home with music. My dad and I used to transport her marimba all over town when she had an engagement somewhere. Colette pursued a career in music, privately teaching piano and organ and nurturing youngsters in their appreciation of music in an elementary school setting.
My sister has always been an inspirational force in my life despite being nine years my senior. I vividly remember her headlining appearances at her high school’s annual Fall Variety Show and Spring Musicale as well. So proud I was! I can even remember some of the gowns she wore on those occasions.
This was the era of high profile marimba bands that used to tour the country. In particular, I can remember a concert at Hershey Park in Hershey, PA for one of those bands. The PA Announcer kept repeating my name (“Billy Reese“) that day throughout the amusement park. From my perspective, I wasn’t lost at all; I knew precisely where I was going!
I’ve often speculated that Colette Ziluk is the source of my dedication to LIVE performance. I think so. It’s time for a bravura performance of “Flight of the Bumblebee” on your marimba, Colette, as you direct the entertainment in your heavenly abode under the gaze of the “Blue Moon”. Don’t forget to put on your black velvet blindfold with sequins while you’re dazzling us with that mallet work.
btw The photo pictures “Reg Kehoe and his Marimba Queens“, based in Lancaster, PA, from around this era.
N.B. My precious sister, Colette, made her final journey to stardom on July 14, 2021, leaving behind her dedicated husband Pete and a devoted baby brother Billy (yours truly).
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