suggestion: Invite high school musicians to perform with bands during summer jazz concerts

A suggestion to make the summer jazz concerts even more special: Invite a talented High School musician to play at least one piece with the band!

During the months of July and August residents are treated to terrific jazz concerts at Waterfront Park in Dobbs Ferry, Matthiessen Park in Irvington, Pierson Park in Tarrytown, near the VFW building in Hastings, Yosemite Park, near the Theodore Young Community Center and at Pascone Park in Ardsley.

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These concerts are free and many of the musicians are extremely talented. A jazz concert at the Theodore Young Community Centers Yosemite Park featured, for example, the incomparable Robert Randolph- a Grammy winning pedal steel guitarist who was recognized as one of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of all time.

Area high school band directors would help select the talented high school student musicians who would perform.

This would inspire young musicians who could perform alongside experienced professionals and would give students a rare learning opportunity that will motivate them. The students selected would gain confidence by performing before a live audience in a professional setting and will build connections with professional performers who can help them with their careers and musicianship.

Inviting students to perform will also help attract larger turnouts at these concerts. We should showcase local high school talent and show he we value our young people.

Finally, residents might enjoy watching different generations of musicians performing together.

I hope organizers of next years jazz concert series will consider this suggestion.

PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor