Conducting the Idaho Falls Symphony

In 2017 as an Idaho Falls City Council Member I had the honor to conduct the orchestra as part of a fundraising activity. Fortunately the real conductor didn't have a heart attack as I blundered my way through the performance. I enjoyed the challenge though, allowing me to appreciate the musical talents of those in the orchestra. This event added to me, almost  metaphysically. I state this because music has helped me to stay in touch with an inner calming spirit, the essence of being humane.

The Vietnam War on the other hand brought out the dark side of humanity--for all of us who served in combat in the dark jungle and its killing fields. It is the primary reason I wrote my novel about that war, The Phung Hoang Legacy. Using  a thriller mystery to tell the story, I attempted to help define the mental and physical cost of that war to both sides.

In the meantime music has helped me to be a better person as you can see.