Bill Honsinger

Age: 78.

Residence: Marysville.

Occupation: Substitute teacher and professional musician. I play percussion — drums.

Hobbies, interests: Playing my instruments, singing in the church choir at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church.

Where do you get your news? Appeal-Democrat.

What brought you to the Yuba-Sutter area? A school teacher's job in 1958.

What do you like about the area? I've met a lot of real nice people, work with really good people.

What keeps you in the Yuba-Sutter area? Work, musical possibilities, professional music engagements.

What do you like about yourself? My expertise in playing my instruments. I've been playing since the sixth grade.

What is the closest you've been to a famous person? I was in the backup band for Helen Reddy at the Yuba-Sutter Fair.

Favorite type of music: Jazz.

Have you had an influence on others in your life? I hope I have been a strong influence. Many years later students come up and say, "I remember you. You taught me in school."

What did you want to be when you were a kid? Pharmacist.

Favorite places to go to in the area? City Cafe, Cool Hand Luke's.

What is your dream job? Stay retired and enjoy what I'm doing.

Do you belong to any clubs or organizations in the community? The Woodland Community Band — Woodland is one of my home towns, I was there for 30 years — the Yuba Sutter Symphony — we're doing Handel's "Messiah" — and St. Andrew Church Choir.

What would you like to see different in the community? More things for young people to do to keep them off the streets. Open the State Theater.