At the end of her sixth grade year, and first year playing electric base in the Cal Young Beginning Band, Samantha decided she wanted to audition for Jazz Band. This band was primarily an 8th grade band, but she wanted to give it a shot. She worked with Chuck over the course of a couple weeks to learn the blues scales and songs she would need to know for the audition. It was a very exciting day when she made the band. Sadly her dad never got to see them play.
Sam was the second string bass last year, and then this year, really got to flourish, take solos, improvise and work with the newer students in the band. Her teacher told her she was one of the best bassist he had worked with.
The CY Jazz band is pretty special – and the difference between them and the beginning band is remarkable. Sit through a middle school beginning band concert - particularly early in the school year -and you will know exactly what I mean.
Tonight was her final concert at school – although she will continue to play with her girl’s band (known, for now, as Blue Noise), there isn't an obvious band for her to audition for at Sheldon (grrrr - anti bass bias, I guess). Cal Young Band Director, Mr. Powell, handed out awards at the end of the night, including Musician of the Year. That would be my daughter. Her name will be on a perpetual plack in the CY band room and she took home a custom award. We were stunned.
I so wish her dad could have been there to see her receive this huge honor and to see her play now – it is way too much fun. And although we struggle to balance music, softball, school etc in this busy girl’s life, I’m so glad the music she shared with Chuck continues to play in her heart and in our home. He would have been beyond proud of her tonight, as am I.
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| Cal Young Musician of the Year! |
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