By By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
Some might see departing Dowagiac Band Director Jeff Comfort scratching a seven-year itch.
Befitting his Beatles-bedecked office, Comfort quoted George Harrison's "All Things Must Pass" in confirming he's leaving at the end of the school year after reaching "by far, the hardest decision I've ever made in my life."
Comfort remembers his parents putting their house up for sale when he was about 10 years old.
And someday didn't come as quickly as it may have seemed Tuesday when he announced his impending departure to some devastated musicians.
Whether he becomes Southern Comfort in Texas, where about 30 jobs are posted on a Web site, or heads farther west -- to Nevada, Arizona or New Mexico, "they're screaming for candidates out there. The economy has picked up quicker out there than in Michigan. Music education is definitely a priority in Texas."
Besides 31 entries at Solo and Ensemble, 35 played in Pep Band and 20 play in Jazz Band, which he revived his fourth year.
Its members are planning a March trip to Highland, Ind., to hear legendary screech trumpeter Maynard Ferguson.
Comfort made his decision shortly after marching season concluded.
He said he notified Principals Ken Dockerty and Peg Stowers and Superintendent Larry Crandall of his intentions in late October.
He also informed friends and, in a small town, it didn't take long for word to start seeping out. He didn't want to be put in a situation where one of his musicians asked about it and he had to deny it.