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Al began his musical career in September 1944 when he signed up for the baritone at his middle school band in Corpus Christi, Texas. Within months he was persuaded to switch to trombone, where he has been ever since. He actually got his first paying gig only six months after first picking up his horn! In 1948 Al volunteered for a three year hitch in the Army. Somehow it took Al 20 years to complete that hitch, but along the way, he signed up for another hitch when in 1951 he married Olga. He's still working on that one. Throughout his Army career, Al organized various dance orchestras which he used to supplement his regular pay. By the time Al retired from the Army in 1968, Olga was playing electric bass and the rest of the Gomez Family (three daughters and a son) were also playing in the family band. After leaving the Army, Al earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree and began a second career teaching at various San Antonio schools. In May 1995, Al retired a second time and now spends his time as a substitute teacher, bingo and lotto player, and trombone player with the Lamplighters. He is also our official "keeper of the buckskin" -- that is, our Librarian. Al does a tremendous job looking after the more than 200 stock arrangements in the Lamplighters' books. |
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