lightbg Posted June 14, 2017 Share Posted June 14, 2017 I'm certified to teach Music K-12 in the State of New Jersey, and I've spent the last 21 years doing that in the City of Elizabeth in a K-8 elementary school. I'm blessed to have both a Principal and a Supervisor that allow me to try anything that will give our students a better understanding of music and help them become adults with good value judgments and critical thinking skills. More on this in a moment. I became a teacher because of an amazing reed player who was also my assistant band director in Clifton, NJ. Eddie Wasserman was known as "Eddie the Cool" because he did jingles and sessions in NYC, and was an outstanding player. He also directed the Stage Band in which I played keys. Out of his own pocket he chartered a bus and took 20 of us to New York to sit in the control room of a Basie Band recording session. I was totally transformed: at that point in my life I knew Music was going to be pivotal; hence my becoming a teacher. Back to the main point. My final Spring Concert was last Thursday. Since I'm also certified in LKR (Little Kids Rock), I wanted my "modern band" (keys, bass, and drums) to perform. I have three 8th grade girls who took to these instruments like a fish to water. They played and sang "Oye Como Va" and "Heathens". Their performance was over the top - parents, students, staff and other visitors went wild and gave them a standing ovation. I thought this was a great way to end a wonderful career. The next day my kids came to rehearsal to help pack things up. The drummer said her parents were buying her a drum set for graduation. The keys player I took care of by giving her an older Yamaha PSR that my son used then forgot about. The bassist was hesitant. I asked her if she would get a bass, and she told me that there were "issues" at home. I didn't press her for details, but it bothered me since I could see how much joy she had when playing. That night was my retirement party. I do remember some of it, but the next morning I opened the card I was given. There was money in it. I knew what I had to do next: I raided my GAS money and along with my gift went to Guitar Center and bought a Fender Squier 4 string bass (which the salesman there gave me a solid when he found out why I was buying this - he's a band director himself). Monday I saw my bassist first thing in the morning. I had her come up to my office and told her I was paying something forward and gave her the bass. Since I had 2 sons I wasn't prepared for the crying and shrieking that ensued but after the initial shock I saw this child smile with the biggest grin possible and a thank you hug that hurt my ribs. I do know one thing - I was happier than she was. So I think I paid homage to Eddie the Cool, and I know I touched a life that will definitely have music in it. All is right in the world. Jake 1967 B-3 w/(2) 122's, Nord C1w/Leslie 2101 top, Nord PedalKeys 27, Nord Electro 4D, IK B3X, QSC K12.2, Yamaha reface YC+CS+CP "It needs a Hammond" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Markyboard Posted June 14, 2017 Share Posted June 14, 2017 Damn - can there be a happier more uplifting story? You absolutely made my day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Mike Posted June 14, 2017 Share Posted June 14, 2017 Jake, that's an amazing story! Sounds to me like you are their Eddie the Cool! Let's hope to see those kids on the stage one day. My wife taught at EHS for a few years a long time ago. We were introduced by the Vice Principal who was there at the time - a very close friend of mine. It's a challenging environment. Kudos to you! . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Wright Posted June 14, 2017 Share Posted June 14, 2017 Nice! "I cried when I wrote this song Sue me if I play too long" Walter Becker Donald Fagan 1977 Deacon Blues Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tfort Posted June 14, 2017 Share Posted June 14, 2017 Thanks for the act of generosity, and for sharing it with us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soot 29 Posted June 14, 2017 Share Posted June 14, 2017 Nice!! Thanks for sharing!! Rick Hammond XK3c, Mellotron, Fender Rhodes, Arp2600, Moog Voyager, Clavinet, Nord Electro https://www.youtube.com/user/reeg2600/videos https://rregerakaashenactuariesofasgardreeg2600.bandcamp.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EscapeRocks Posted June 14, 2017 Share Posted June 14, 2017 That is just totally cool!!! Nice job! There is no greater joy in life (at least for me) than bringing happiness to kids. David Gig Rig:Depends on the day Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mighty Ferguson Posted June 14, 2017 Share Posted June 14, 2017 Not enough stories like these it seems lately. Well done. I guarantee you that girl will never forget the gesture. "If you can't dazzle them with dexterity, baffle them with bullshit." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TommyRude Posted June 14, 2017 Share Posted June 14, 2017 Some music I've recorded and played over the years with a few different bands Tommy Rude Soundcloud Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe P Posted June 14, 2017 Share Posted June 14, 2017 Jake, The world could use more people like you in it! Great story. And I remember your Count Basie story with his repeated takes on a song intro due to mishaps (bass palyer knocks over music stand - "take 2") with each take getting worse and worse! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yamoho Posted June 14, 2017 Share Posted June 14, 2017 I think music is a great gift for children, what a blessing you have passed on... thanks for sharing. kirk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moonglow Posted June 14, 2017 Share Posted June 14, 2017 Awesome experience for both you and the girl. Your act of kindness and love transcended any classroom and taught her what is really essential in life, the power of human relationships. "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keysguy Posted June 14, 2017 Share Posted June 14, 2017 Great story, made my day. I too was a Music then later Computer teacher in Woodbridge NJ. After 35 years it was time to go but I do miss the kids as you will. We both know how teachers have been bashed by our Governor but this shows what teachers are really all about. My kids will remember me for the hugh jar of lollipops I kept in my room LOL!!! I've already told my wife that when the time comes I want all my equipment to go to an Educational Institution. That girl will never forget you and you will never forget that day. I'll bet it was the highlight of your career. Congratulations on being a great teacher and human being. !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reezekeys Posted June 14, 2017 Share Posted June 14, 2017 Great story, thanks for sharing it. You might have started the ball rolling for us to get another Tal Wilkenfeld or Meshell Ndegeocello. And youtube seem to feature a lot of good young female bass players have her search for Marta Altesa, Alissia Benveniste and Alana Alberg. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveCoscia Posted June 14, 2017 Share Posted June 14, 2017 Way to go, Jake. She'll never forget that. Steve Coscia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElmerJFudd Posted June 14, 2017 Share Posted June 14, 2017 Music - a freaking blessing from the heavens and a gift to be shared with all. a career well spent, mate. Yamaha CP88, Casio PX-560 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mate stubb Posted June 14, 2017 Share Posted June 14, 2017 Way to go, Jake. She'll never forget that. This. Moe --- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George88 Posted June 14, 2017 Share Posted June 14, 2017 Beautiful gesture, Jake. She will never forget your kindness and generosity. This is a wonderful example of how small gestures like this can transform a child's life, just as yours was years ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aellison62 Posted June 14, 2017 Share Posted June 14, 2017 Very nice Jake, thank you for sharing!! Kurzweil Forte 7, Mojo 61, Yamaha P-125, Kronos X61, Nautilus 73 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ballatman Posted June 14, 2017 Share Posted June 14, 2017 What a wonderful story Jake, you made my day! Eddie the Cool would be proud of you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
churchkeybob Posted June 14, 2017 Share Posted June 14, 2017 Thanks Jake. You made my day. I'm practicing so that people can maybe go "wow" at an imaginary gig I'll never play. -Nadroj Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Muscara Posted June 14, 2017 Share Posted June 14, 2017 :where's that Wiping a Tear emoticon?: "I'm so crazy, I don't know this is impossible! Hoo hoo!" - Daffy Duck "The good news is that once you start piano you never have to worry about getting laid again. More time to practice!" - MOI Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gino Posted June 14, 2017 Share Posted June 14, 2017 Thats beautiful Jake. Awesome gesture and congratulations on a great career Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShadowMan Posted June 14, 2017 Share Posted June 14, 2017 You, sir, are one class act. Kudos to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eric Posted June 14, 2017 Share Posted June 14, 2017 Totally awesome. Thanks for sharing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CowboyNQ Posted June 14, 2017 Share Posted June 14, 2017 Best 500th post ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ledbetter Posted June 15, 2017 Share Posted June 15, 2017 Beautiful, beautiful,beautiful. Thanks, for sharing. Kawai KG-2C, Nord Stage 3 73, Electro 4D, 5D and Lead 2x, Moog Voyager and Little Phatty Stage II, Slim Phatty, Roland Lucina AX-09, Hohner Piano Melodica, Spacestation V3, pair of QSC 8.2s. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griswold Posted June 15, 2017 Share Posted June 15, 2017 You have changed that girl's outlook on life forever! Great story & I was having flashbacks of watching Mr Holland's Opus... Kurzweil Forte 7, PC3, PC4, Hydrasynth, Kronos 61, UltraNova, Rhodes, Clavinet D6, MiniMoog, GSI Burn, ELX112Ps, SpaceStation, Assorted Weapons Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
b3plyr Posted June 15, 2017 Share Posted June 15, 2017 Wow, great story. And Jake, you have shown great compassion! Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doerfler Posted June 15, 2017 Share Posted June 15, 2017 Best 500th post ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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