Benjamin at FitzGerald's Nightclub

Never thought that my son, Benjamin, would attend a nightclub, let alone at such a young age. The interesting thing is that it was required for him to attend. He is a part of the Jefferson Junior High School Jazz Band and today they had a required performance at FitzGerald's Nightclub in Berwyn, IL.

From what I understand, this is a well-known place and a wonderful opportunity for their group to be playing there. Normally we wouldn't be doing something like this, but since it is for school, he attended.

The last two sessions of General Conference were today and he and Clinton were able to get most of it. They left the last hour of the second session to head out and be there early enough before they were to perform. Following their performance, the Chicago Grandstand Big Band performed for everyone. I'm sure it was enjoyed by all. I'm glad he has opportunities like this to listen to great performers. His old band instructor from Meadowview Elementary School, Mr. Payne, performed twice in the Chicago Grandstand Big Band and his current band instructor from Jefferson Junior High School, Mr. Carlson, performed once. His performance was actually a solo. Such great talent. I wish I could have been there to see it and to hear it, but I stayed with the other kids at home. I had a good night at home, too.

Benjamin is "In the Mood"

Benjamin performed at the Downers Grove South (DGS) Jazz Café tonight. Downers Grove South High School sponsored the event. There were three different Jazz groups from their school which performed as well as four junior high/middle schools (Lakeview JHS, O'Neill Middle School, Eisenhower JHS, and Jefferson JHS - which is Benjamin's school). I wasn't able to attend due to a Jefferson JHS meeting, but from past performances and concerts that I have attended, I know they did well.

Benjamin started band in 5th grade and plays the trumpet. It is actually Clinton's trumpet that he used in band growing up and played it for 7 years. Now that Benjamin is in junior high, he attends Band daily as a class instead of as an early morning extracurricular event. He does, however, attend Jazz Band Tuesday and Thursday mornings as an extracurricular event. He loves it! Although the Jazz band performs when the normal band performs at concerts, Mr. Carlson provides additional fun opportunities for Jazz band. They have their own special performances like tonight and performing at 8th grade graduation (so I am told), go out for breakfast across the street to McDonald's during their early morning practice occasional, and order pizza and watch a movie after school on a Friday. Although the students have to pay for their own food, I like that they receive more socialization outside of their practices.

Benjamin performed "Caravan" by Duke Ellington, "Blue Trane" by John Coltrane, and "In the Mood" by Joe Garland. Each song was arranged by Michael Sweeney. The song, "In the Mood" is Benjamin's favorite.