My Jazzy Valentine

Hard on the heels of Daniel’s jazz night over the weekend was Matthew’s jazz night this evening. The official name of this event was the Valen-tunes Gala, which was Matthew’s idea. He was pleased as punch that the band teacher liked his suggestion enough to use it, and the band teacher was pleased as punch that Matthew had more invited guests than any other band student. It was a fundraiser for much needed band items, so the fact that Matthew had thirteen guests was a big deal. Dinner was served at this event as well, and we were given the best table in the house-all thirteen of us front and center. There were more than 200 people in attendance and Matthew told us they made over $5000 for the band program, so as a fundraiser, it was definitely a success!

As a concert, it was also a success. The high school jazz choir serenaded us as we ate our dinner, and then the band took the stage. The lower-level jazz band was first, followed by the big band, which is the one Matthew is a member of. He is the lead trumpet which means he gets all the super high notes, and he did an amazing job! He has been practicing and has really come a long way these past few months. He has also been able to get a handle on some performance anxiety he was experiencing, and he was back to having a great time. I am so proud of how much work he has put into his playing, for the effort he expends trying to get his section to be their best, and how he just steps in and takes care of whatever needs to be done to make things go smoothly. That’s his stage crew experience creeping in. And, he arranged for one of the tunes they played, the one where Matthew just happens to have a flugle horn solo, to be dedicated to Kevin’s parents, who celebrate their 56th wedding anniversary tomorrow. It was a lovely nod to Valentine’s Day and to the lasting marriage of a couple that we love.

We all had a great time. All of Kev’s family showed up, which is why there were thirteen of us, which was super fun. We obviously don’t see each other enough, because Cory’s family and ours stood in the parking lot chatting for a good long while after the concert was finished. We probably would have talked for longer, but it was cold…and a school night. But Matthew will get his driver’s license soon, and he and his cousins are already making plans for temple trips and get togethers. 

Sometimes it takes a music teacher a while to establish his or her own traditions and such as they come into a new school. I feel like the transition to this year’s new band teacher has gone really well. He has earned a place of respect with the kids and has done some things that I’d like to see continue. This evening’s gala is one of them. I hope they do this again in the coming years. It was an incredibly enjoyable night and a high point for the students.