The Blue Jay Jazz Foundation approached me several months ago and asked how they may be able to help our Jazz Band students. I asked them for the opportunity to let our students perform in a public setting. True to their word, they put on a wonderful little benefit concert at the Lake Arrowhead Resort, and our students were the main event!

Our Jazz Band students played a set of 5 songs, which included improvised solos for each individual. This was then followed by a 25-30 minute presentation in which the students and I were able to show the community what music looked like during Distance Learning. We were able to explain why our program has lost so many members and the hardships that our current students are pushing through. After that, our students mingled with the audience to answer questions and receive feedback. This was then followed by another round of music by our students.

As a result, we received $1,275 in pure donations. Our students were very fortunate to have the opportunity to perform, but having this added donation just makes their hard work that much more amazing! With these funds, we hope to buy new microphones and drum sticks for our concerts in May! This assistance could not have come at a better time.

Kari Stebbing