[Dixielandjazz] Thanks to Art Wood and bringing up inspiring teachers

[vaxtrpts at aol.com]

Date: Tue, 02 Apr 2013 21:23:09 -0700
From: art wood <artwoo at aol.com>
To: donsno2 at charter.net
Cc: dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com
Subject: Re: [Dixielandjazz] A Word About Mike Vax - 2
Message-ID: <q52w4adl008vq0ivt0v9dpx4.1364962989845 at email.android.com>
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It is ironic that Mike Vax is keeping the Stan Kenton memory alive and one of 
Mike's best friends is Fred Radke who is the leader of the Harry James band. 
Both Mike and Fred are alumni of Oakland High School and were classmates 
together in the late 50's. If Mike and Fred were around in the heyday of big 
band jazz they would have been in the ranks of Conrad Gozzo, Ziggy Elman, Bunny 
Berrigan or Johnny Best, etc.
The Oakland High student dance band was directed by Jewel Lord who in my opinion 
was one of the most inspiring music teachers I've ever known.?
I was lucky enough to have been one of Jewel's students as well and easily 
recall his encouraging methodology. He was one of those unforgettable teachers 
who instilled a love and respect for music in countless students.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Thanks Art, for the kind words.  Yes, Fred and I are best friends and I have played lead trumpet for him with the Harry James Band and he has performed 
at my festival in Arizona.  You are also right on about Jewel Lord.  For many of us who were his students, he was one of the main reasons for our continuing on with our music careers.
I don't seem much talked about her in the DJML about teacher who influenced those of you who are musicians.  I think it would be great to find out more about who taught and inspired you to become a musician.
Mike Vax