EOTYJ 2008 (End of the Year Jam) was June 1st at the Odd Fellows Hall

The year flew by and it was time to show how we've progressed. The idea of it petrifies the new players but those who have lived through it will tell the newbies that it's actually fun! Many students bailed again at the last minute - some came up with pretty good excuses and as usual I let them off easy. (M.I.A: Ben G, Garett H, Maddy S, Taylor C, Bobby C, Mike W, Robert G, Rian, N, Justin K, Tony G) This was largely a jam just to get everyone playing - the new/young kids played the head and sometimes the rhythm while the more experienced got to play the solos. The more senior/accomplished guys (Alex Hueston, Issey Lamb, and Chris Anglin) played more complicated solo pieces. By the time you reach this level, you look forward to performing. This is why it's important for the younger ones to come and see what happens as you get better. Rebecca & Shannon each played and sang a couple of great old songs. I'm proud of all my students. If you want to see the program you can get a copy here.

I managed to start only 5 mins late and we ended at 9:20 - not bad for this many students. These are a few of the comments I received via email:

• Thanks Marty for another great Sunday evening EOTYJ…amazing talent in this community. Thanks for your commitment with these kids and the passion and enthusiasm you instill in them!! Great time… PK
• Thank you so much for all the work you do with the kids. It was wonderful to hear my kid and also to hear what all your other students have been working on. We have much to look forward to! Thanks for taking the trouble to organize the jam for us parents (and for the kids to hear each other!) I truly enjoyed it! DM
• What a super concert last night! The kids looked relaxed & as if they were having fun, besides showing some amazing talent. You combine the best of being a teacher & friend to them. I liked the mix of music too, great to hear them playing some jazz & bossa nova besides good old rock & roll & the blues. JO