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Mirrored in from old BHS website:
John Grantham, Faculty-Deceased: February 1, 2001
T.J. Turgeon writes: I was fortunate enough to be taught by Mr. Grantham. I can't say his classes were always fun, he made you work. Baker's band was up against some stiff competition city wide and he knew we had to work hard to be heard.
He started the tradition of attending the Gator Bowl and brought in the Dandelions. He was very much interested in being entertaining.
He was even supportive of me playing football and marching with the band at half time. Of course that might have been because we only had two tuba players.
I am sorry I missed him at the reunions. He had a very positive effect on my life, musically and spiritually.
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Vince Pfeiffer (1973)
Mr Grantham led his students to excellence. As a former student, I well remember his temprament, and his temper. Glad that it was usually directed at specific members of the drum section, (right Chuck?),the baton spent as much time bouncing off the back wall as it did in his hands directing band members with marginal interest in music.I remember watching his efforts to save the band room when the auditorium caught fire and making sure we all were safe.
His sense of humor was only exceeded by his commitment to finely orchestrated music played with the zeal of the Boston Symphony.
Hopefully your baton is still orchestrating music in the afterlife.
Thank-you Mr. Grantham
Vince Pfeiffer
Class of "73"
Carol Young (1971)
I remember Mr. Grantham well, even after decades....I brought him a cup of coffee every morning before class, from the cafeteria. Had to practice alot because I spilt the 1st cup between the doors, in the grass...and had to get a refill...start again. I did learn how to carry it, without spilling it. Everytime I do carry a cup of coffee across the room, I remember doing that for him. He was a very good teacher to all of us. He had a very good ear for the music we played. Just knew who had the off notes....who squeeked, or missed a beat...a sharp listerner, a smart man, an intellegent teacher.the coffee/clarinet girl
Joe Bacchus (1967)
Mr. Grantham was a fine musician, excellent conductor and an inspiring teacher. He worked hard to design football shows and select music that required us to work hard each day to aspire to a solid performance.Mr. Grantham recommended me for my first summer job. Helped me understand leadership and provided opportunities for me to apply myself. I played in the Columbus Symphony during my Jr. and Sr. years. Mr. Grantham played FHorn in the Symphony and always made sure that I was motivated to meet the next goal. Mr. Grantham inspired to become a band director.
I will always remember him, his smile, the shine in his eyes when his wife and son were with him.
Nancy Elaine McDaniel (Moore) (1966)
I knew him as Mr. Grantham first, as a student at Baker High School. I was a Dandylion and dated the, then, Drum Major Bobby Lavoie. After college I returned to Baker as Mrs. Harp and taught English. This time Mr. Grantham became John to me since he was a fellow faculty member. Years passed....he left Baker...I left Baker and then we appeared again teaching at Harris County High school. Colleagues again. Soon I quit to run for School Board and won. This time I was part of the hiring/firing staff and knew John as an employee.
Through it all, I've never known a finer individual than John Grantham. I've been proud to call him John and proud to call him Mr. Grantham. I'm proudest, though, to call him my friend.
Nancy Harp MOORE
Dennis Milligan (1976)
Was a great teacher. Some of my memories were the orange bowl, the trip to the mardi gras in new Orleans, and a fun trip to Gatlinburg Tennessee. Rest in peace. Mr. Grantham.