A Special Thank You Page
from: Come Back Player Ron Levi

       I want to publicly thank two people who have influenced my successful comeback: 

     Maynard Ferguson who has been my idol since I first heard him play in the 60's.  And Bill Carmichael, the originator of the SCREAMIN system, who taught me the system and in the process became my close friend.  

Maynard's Influence  

     From the beginning, I've been amazed at his power, range, and musicality, and never in my wildest imagination had I ever thought about attempting to play his music.    

     I purchased as many of his records as I could and listened to them over and over. I'd close my eyes and imagine what it would feel like to be able to play his arrangements, to experience the excitement and nail those incredible high notes.   

     I knew that it was only a pipe dream and it could never be accomplished given my playing ability at that time.  Nonetheless, dreaming was free and hurt no one.  

Bill Carmichael's Influence  

     In the comeback story, I mentioned how I met Bill and immediately began asking him how he played so much like Maynard.   During the learning process, I hounded this man for information and advice.  He always had time for me and never lost his sanity with the "come back" crazy man.  

     Bill has always been patient with me. He always saw the possibility of my learning to play Maynard's music. It's because of him that my dreams have finally come true.   

     No longer do I need to play Maynard Ferguson recordings and dream.  I can now play Maynard Ferguson charts.   

     Thanks Bill--my friend, business partner, and musical coach!  

     We at SCREAMIN advocate playing musically in all registers.  The three selection excerpts demonstrate how the SCREAMIN system enables me to play in all ranges  

     These are live recordings of the Ritz Big Band in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.   Each selection was recorded using a Sony mini disc recorder and one microphone in the center of the room. A little reverb was added using  Cool Edit to enhance the sound.

My mouthpiece is a Warburton WCC  with their newly designed "Q" back bore