UpDate - Vol. 13, No. 12, Page 4
November 18, 1993
Wanda Cook sings the oldies just one more time

     If I could, I would drop everything and head to Nashville," Wanda Cook
said. One thing keeping her in Delaware is the University.
     Now in her 16th year working at the University, Cook also has been
delighting audiences for the same amount of time, singing popular country
tunes and old '50s hits with her band, Just One More Time.
     Cook is administrative assistant in the Faculty Senate Office, but,
whether she is belting out her favorite country tune or working as an
administrative assistant, she said she loves being around people.
     "I love the people I work with-I am in constant contact with some of
the best faculty on campus. Playing in the band is a lot of fun, I get to
meet people whom I would normally never get the chance to meet," Cook said.
     Cook is especially close to the lead guitarist in the band. It's not
just because he's a nice person or that he's an exceptional guitarist, he
also happens to be her husband, Walter.
     "The entire band is a tight-knit group," explained Cook. "We got very
lucky; everyone in the band is friendly with each other. They are talented,
dependable music lovers, who, most importantly, don't count on music to
make money.
     "We used to call the band Maverick but changed it to Just One More
Time because we lean toward playing older music and everyone wants to hear
the old classics just one more time," Cook said.
     The feelings and reactions she receives from her audience are what she
values most.
     "I want to connect with people. If I can make a song touch someone,
I've accomplished what I set out to do," Cook said.
     Making those connections won Cook and the band a distinguished service
award by the Veterans of Foreign Wars for playing faithfully for the past
16 years at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Elsmere.
     Just One More Time still performs regularly for the patients and
nurses at the hospital.
     "At first, you think they're not into it, but they are," Cook said,
referring to her hospital audience. "I have seen some patients dance around
with their intravenous stands, and others who simply move their finger to
the beat of the music.
     "I am always nervous, especially at places I have never been before. I
think it is important to be nervous. It makes you push yourself to be your
best," Cook said.
     Just One More Time has performed for many different audiences: on the
back of flatbed trucks at many store openings. They also have played
numerous weddings, Christmas parties and New Year's Eve parties. In
addition, the band has played at many University functions and during
Newark Community Day.
     "I started singing 16 years ago, with absolutely no voice training. I
have a really good ear," Cook said. "I enjoy performing for charities and
good causes. I feel that I have been blessed, and I try to give back."
                                                  -Matthew Beckman