Despite what the calendar says, for one brief moment Friday at McCracken Field it probably seemed like 1975 again for Richard Smith.

Smith, 89, a former longtime director of the Sharpsville High Marching Band, took many in the community on a march back in time prior to the Sharpsville-Warren John F. Kennedy game when he directed the 2003 version of the band in the playing of the national anthem and the school alma mater.

Smith taught in the school district for 18 years -- and 40 years overall including stints in Lewistown and Altoona -- before retiring in 1976. He served as the supervisor of music, directing Sharpsville's band and orchestra.

About a month shy of his 90th birthday, Smith, who has homes in Michigan and Florida, got an early present when his son-in-law and daughter, Len and Deana Grandy, 195 Wakefield Drive, helped arrange the opportunity for him to lead the band one more time.

Smith, a native of Roaring Springs, Blair County, and his second wife Caroline were in town for an early 90th birthday celebration, set for tonight, with local family members.