We had Jazz Day on February 16th and it was great success! We flew
Mic Gillette (from Tower of Power) up and let him loose on the kids. He was joined by Andy Fuller, who played lead trumpet with Arturo Sandoval and is also a rep for
Marcinkiewicz Trumpets and Mouthpieces, a Portland-based company.
Pictured are: Andy, Mr. Barber, Mic, and Mr. James.
Mic sat in with the both bands during rehearsal and hosted a clinic. Mic's energy and expertise took every one to another level. He's got funny stories, great advice, and stellar playing. Too bott, Mic switched effortlessly between trumpet & trombone, showing us all that there is no limit to his creativitiy and skill.
Andy also sat in and, after the clinic, gave his own brass/mouthpiece clinic showcasing the Marcinkiewicz product line. Andy's another fantastic player & was parting hairs from across the room with his screaming high notes.
The evening's concert was blast, with Andy and Mic sitting in with both jazz bands and the vocal jazz group. More screaming high notes, booming bone notes, and fluid solos. The audience was the best I've seen at BHS--on their feet with plenty of hooting & hollering.
Many, many thanks to the Ballard Music Boosters for their support. Also, I'd like to extend a big Thank You to
Akright Music in Lynnwood for the financial support of Jazz Day. I certainly hope this becomes an annual tradition for us both. Akright's has the best selection of brass instruments and accessories anywhere in the Northwest. The only place I've ever seen such quality & selection is New York City--and the store is not limited to brass. If you stop by Akright's, tell Jimmie that BHS sent you. Jimmie is the nicest guy & always bends over backwards to help.
Also thanks the Neal Booth and the
Dibble House, for helping us with Mic's accommodations!
