[Dixielandjazz] Cindy Leibe's award

[Stephen G Barbone]

Does it pay to be an musical activist? Well the below note from  
Barbone Street Jazz Band trombonist, Ms. Cindy Leibe seems to indicate  
YES. It also seems to dispel that old myth that there is no grant  
money around, while reinforcing the adage that the harder/smarter one  
works, the luckier one gets.

Cindy is 31, teaches in the New Jersey School system, and in her spare  
time, plays the hell out of her trombone for Barbone Street, Connie  
Francis, The Temptations, Barry Manilow and others.

You go girl.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone

Hey Steve:

Here are the particulars of the award. Felice Mancini told me they  
will be sending an official letter and itinerary with complete details  
shortly.

The award is from Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation, www.mhopus.org. (I  
won an $8000 grant for my school for new instruments last year from  
them). They choose 12 schools out of thousands of grant recipients  
around the country and visit them. Advisory board member Gabriel  
Kosakoff, former principal of the NY High School for Performing Arts  
visited our kids and put together a report of my teaching and how the  
school and students were using their grant.

He loved our program despite the fact that we work under adverse  
conditions, no room, no budget money and not many instruments to lend  
to needy families. I am not sure what specific qualities they look for  
in teachers so cannot tell you why they chose me.

Out of the 12 schools, 5 teachers are chosen for the "Mr Holland's  
Opus Foundation 'Music Teacheer of the Year Award,'" Based on Mr.  
Kosakoff's report, a panel of judges picked me as one of the  
recipients. Felice Mancini (Henry's daughter) contacted me with the  
happy news. I am getting an all expense trip to NYC from April 2 to  
April 5. Events there include a party at the home of the CEO of Guitar  
Center and Musician's Friend, shows and other receptions.

The main event is attending Carnegie Hall where the NY Pops will  
perform, and at a special ceremony, 4 other teachers and I will be  
recognized and given a $10,000 check for personal use and a statue/ 
trophy. The awards will be presented by a celebrity who will remain a  
surprise until the ceremony.

Wow! I am still in shock.

Love,
Cindy