205 - Eugene

My beginning band low brass students finally figured out my name (the two other directors have said it before, but they weren't paying attention; so one of the trumpet students finally told them). On the walk from band room to sectional room:
Student 1: John is such a common name. Why are you embarrassed by it?
Me: I'm not embarrassed by it, it was just fun messing with you all.
Student 2: Can we call you Eugene instead?
Me: No.
Student 2: How about Geneu [pronounced Gene-u]?
Me: No.
Student 2: How about just Gene?
Me: No. Though, it's sort of close to the French for John (Jean).
Student 2: So if we speak in French, we can call you Jean?
Me: No. I don't speak French.
Student 3: Can we call you Gaston?
Me: No.

I got Mr. Baumgartner about 75% of the time that day, so...progress.