<DIV><i>And There I Stood with My Piccolo</i>, originally published in 1948, is a zesty and colorful memoir of composer Meredith Willson&rsquo;s early years&mdash;from growing up in Mason City, Iowa, to playing the flute with John Philip Sousa&rsquo;s band and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, to a successful career in composing for radio and motion pictures in Hollywood. It was apparent to everyone, except maybe Willson himself, that he was on his way to something big.<BR><br> Lighthearted and inspiring, it is no surprise Willson&rsquo;s tales caught the attention of prominent Broadway producers. In 1957, just nine years after the publication of this book, <i>The Music Man</i> became a Broadway sensation, winning five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Meredith Willson&rsquo;s musical comedy is to this day arguably the most produced and beloved musical in American culture.<BR></div>