First Lady supports jazz education
Jazz has a big fan in the White House — Michelle Obama. The First Lady proved her affection for and committment to what she called “America’s indigenous art form” (where have we heard that before?) by hosting a Jazz Studio at the White House on Monday, June 15, where she called jazz “America’s greatest artistic gift to the world.”
About 150 middle and high school jazz students performed at the gathering in the East Wing, after participating in jazz workshops led by jazz musicians such as the Marsalis family — pianist Ellis, trumpeter Wynton, saxophonist Brandon, and drummer Jason Marsalis. The seminars focused on the influence American history had on jazz, improvisation through jazz styles, and the influence of Duke Ellington.
“Today’s event exemplifies what the White House, the people’s house, should be about. This is a place to honor America’s past, celebrate its present and create its future,” Obama said in a speech. “And what better example of this is than jazz, America’s indigenous art form.”
She continued, “There’s probably no better example of democracy than a jazz ensemble; individual freedom but with responsibility to the group.”
Many of Obama’s comments restated the goals of the Healdsburg Jazz Festival’s Education Program , long a key component of the organization’s committment to the community.
Read related story on the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
A New York Times writer once described jazz as “the sound of surprise.” In Healdsburg Jazz is is the heartbeat of our fine city. Support the fine artists who bless our nightlife. You haven’t enjoyed the best of Healdsvburg until you do.
As you do that, thank Jessica Felix for the mission she has been on for the past decade. She’s the reason the musicians get the opportunity to share their music with all of us.