Editor,

Thank you to all who made last week’s South Whidbey High School Jazz Band trip to Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival possible. As a parent of a band member (and chaperone along for the ride), I am deeply grateful to all in the Whidbey Island community (and beyond) who contributed to the journey for this 18-member group of students and their fearless leader and teacher extraordinaire, Chris Harshman. Your contributions supported us all the way there and back.

The band was able to soak up the sounds of off-the-charts musicians. Even though our “little band that could” did not place in the top three, music itself is not a competition, and the jazz band definitely made powerful music in the rarefied playing field of performing arts schools and school programs five times our size. We were graced by clinicians like three-time Grammy-winning drummer Terri Lyne Carrington, who reminded us that performing live music is creating sacred space and asked musicians to consider the importance of the gifts they share with the audience. Thank you for helping provide once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for these young people. Who knows where they will rise to next year? With your help, they’ll get there.

If you would like a hand-knit hat or wrist warmers come fall’s cool weather, please visit www.gofundme.com/jazzhats  to support the school’s music program.

The Monterey trip was my first travel in a decade. I am committed to awareness that we are all in this together and try to do anything in my power to contribute. Each of us can play a part no matter how small. I understand firsthand what a difference for families scholarship and assistance with instrument repair can make.

Thank you again!

ERIN WATERMAN

Langley