WoW! What a fantastic band we had for August! I had so many good comments; I almost didn’t know what to do. For the dozen or more people who wanted me to book them again, we’re working on it. The thing is, I’m not sure who had more fun, the musicians or the audience! Thanks to Bob for bringing his friends!

What a nice surprise to see my neighbors, and new MDJS members, Luis and Gloria, returning for a second month to hear the music. This time they brought Gloria’s mom who it seems already knew about MDJS! Be sure to come to the September meeting, we’re having a great band!

So, it’s back to school time. I’ve been run pretty ragged at the music store where I work, renting instruments to parents of bright-eyed, enthusiastic, budding musicians. Our road sales person, and new MDJS board member, Ernie Bucio, is more ragged than I am. But no matter how hectic it gets at the store, and no matter how many years I have worked at music stores, I don’t get tired of the beaming faces of the kids when I open the instrument case and introduce them to their “new best friend.” I tell the kids that the instrument knows no bad notes, “so don’t teach it any!”

I applaud the parents of these children for giving them an opportunity to learn music. Many of the kids will give up after only a few months, some will play through junior high or high school. But some will go on to play the rest of their lives. Some will even pick up the instrument as adults after years of not playing. Why? Maybe they have realized the joy of music, how no matter what else is swirling around you, no matter who or what has failed you, music will never let you down. The music can come washing over you as a healing balm when you are alone or when playing with others.

Two high school musicians were sent to jazz camps thanks to MDJS and it’s members. Then there is the other end of the spectrum … Tom Castles who will be 100 years young in October. That is the blessing of music, whether it be playing or listening or dancing. Music knows no age or boundaries. There is something for everyone in music.

See you at The Moose!

Jazz Campers

Following are “Thank You’s” from two young musicians who were sent to jazz camps Thanks to members of MDJS.

Holly Olsson went to the jazz camp held by the Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society as this year’s recipient of our Youth Scholarship. In an e-mail Holly writes :

My experience at the Traditional Jazz camp in Sacramento was absolutely great fun as well as highly educational. Meeting with new friends, mingling with older ones, taking on my weaknesses and refining my vocal strengths were some of the many things I got from my time there. My growth throughout just one week is astonishing, and I owe it all to the help of my sponsor. Thank you so much!

— Holly

Here is a picture of Michael Channing at the Jazz Festival in Mammoth Lakes. Through individual contributions, members of MDJS gave over $200 to help send Michael to the Jazz Camp in Mammoth. Michael had never played traditional jazz before and is now hooked. He and a few friends are forming a band, with Rik Nishimori (trumpet/leader of Barkin’ Dawg Jazz Band) as their leader.