Oral History Interview with Howard Siever

Rebecca and Howard Siever

                 For this oral history project I decided to interview my father, Howard Siever. From early on in his life, music has been a constant presence, whether it was in church, with family members, or in school. For as long as I can remember, my father has been playing trumpet long before I was born. He was involved in marching, concert, and jazz band throughout his school years as well as working in the orchestra of the Ringling Bros. circus in Sarasota, Florida. It was because of him that my sisters and I got involved in music as an extracurricular activity at school. He has been involved in the programs we’ve participated in as chaperone, band dad, a fill musician, and recently a volunteer instructor. Many of his family members are musical, being instrumental musicians and vocalists. The reason for choosing the theme of music for this interview is that I felt it was one way we could connect more, as one former band kid to another. It was interesting to hear about my father’s experiences and how much music has impacted his life and how it still influences his life today. It made it very easy to connect with him, not because he is my father, but as another musician. It also made me realize how much music has impacted my life and my role in my father’s story as part as his legacy.

Howard Siever in full Sarasota High School marching uniform, 1970s