Bandstand Stories

SJO FOUNDER LEAVES US
AFTER THIRTY-ONE YEARS!

Henry Mason poses with a certificate of Appreciation presented to him by the SJO at a farewell party
given in his honor. The certificate is framed with photographs taken during the 31 years of member-
ship in his much loved Sentimental Journey Orchestra.

Henry Mason, founder of the Sentimental Journey Orchestra and its lead trombonist, has left the group after a thirty-one year reign as its leader! Life has a way of moving on, and this move was a direct result of that fact. Henry and his wife Elizabeth moved to Raleigh, NC to be closer to their son "Beau" (Dr. David Eddleman, MD) and their two grandchildren. It was admittedly a tough decision for both Henry and his wife, but one they felt they needed to make.

Henry was born, raised and educated in the Atlanta area and has never lived outside of it, so the decision to move was all the tougher to make.

While a member of a community concert band, The Callanwolde Concert Band, Henry was given a "book" of old big band arrangements by a then retired bandleader. He was intrigued by them and wanted to hear them. He called together enough friends to give the arrangements a try and wound up with the nascent (but the then as yet un-named) Sentimental Journey Orchestra. Now, 31 years later, the SJO is a respected member of the Atlanta music scene, indeed of the southeast! The SJO has played for dances or in concert in Alabama, North and South Carolina and all over Georgia! Its client list is extremely impressive, to say the least.

Of course Henry didn't do it all alone...but he has been the glue that's kept it all together for more than three decades! There have been an impressive body of musicians over the years who have each contributed to the reputation and credibility of the Sentimental Journey Orchestra. Four SJO members have been with the band for all of its 31 years. Another 10 members or so, for more than 20 years! Needless to say, an open spot to play on the SJO rarely appears and is much sought after.

All that being said, we are going to miss Mr. Mason ("Mother Mason" to long time SJO members!). Those of us who take over the reins are pledged to watch over Henry's "baby" and try to raise it to even greater heights!

To Henry, we say "Thanks for a job well done, and health and prosperity in your new location." ( We won't be surprised to hear that a new band will probably soon make its mark in North Carolina! For Henry, all is not right with the world if he doesn't have a trombone in hand and a band to play on!).

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The contents of this page will contain short notes of interest on a variety of
subjects, as the muse dictates. All of the stories will have something to do
(one way or another) with life on the bandstand...ours, theirs, even YOURS.
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