EDDIE'S METHOD (Michael Walsh)

Eddie's Fournier's method was simple:  "Do it until you can't do it wrong."  This mantra, drilled into author Mike Walsh's  head during his years with the Whip City Drum Corps, became the theme of his life.   Feeling like a round peg in a square hole as a young teen, Mike sought attention by rebelling in school, fighting with his older brother (a high achiever to whom he was often compared), and getting involved with questionable friends.  Despite the obvious love of his parents and extended family, something, some purpose or ambition, seemed to be missing from Mike's life.  He reminisces about his decision to approach school by ignoring homework and class participation while focusing on passing tests to achieve the necessary 70% grade to pass (since tests were worth 75% of his grade this gave him a little wiggle room).  Mike went to the same school I did, St. Mary's in Westfield, MA.  His natural intelligence became apparent when he achieved one of the highest scores in his class on the PSAT's, only to be accused by the principal of cheating since his school work did not reflect the test results.

One day an acquaintance invited Mike to try out for the Whip City Drum Corps and he made the cut, changing his life forever.  Leader Ed Fournier taught his trainees that working until you get it right was not good enough.  You needed to train and perfect your drill until there was absolutely no way that you could get it wrong.  Out of this philosophy was born a group of young men who understood that respect, humility, and a willingness to share your talents was the true road to success.  Mike was continually astounded during those first months in the Drum Corps by the level of teamwork, mutual respect, and willingness to work hard, all fostered by Eddie.  The group won 17 consecutive Northeast Championships, with Mike himself winning several individual awards during his years of involvement with the Corps.

Eddie's Method is the story of a kid who needed a push to get on the right track and found it through a spur-of-the-moment decision to try something new.  He even went on to train the Whip City Drum Corps after he served in the U.S. Army, and his two younger brothers participated in the Corps as well.  There were a lot of losses and heartbreak along the way, with the untimely deaths of several people close to Mike and his older brother's breakdown, but he continued to live by Eddie's advice.  This would make a great book for young adults!  I admire Mike for writing down his story and sharing it with the world.