I had the pleasure recently of traveling to Seattle, Washington,
with the SBCC Lunch Break Jazz Band to participate in the Bellevue College Jazz
Festival. I wish to commend Director Jim Mooy for his many hours putting the
trip together. As a retired band director, I am very familiar with the
monumental task of organizing such a venture, providing for the needs of the
students, and ensuring that it is a valuable contribution to their education.
In additional to playing at the festival itself, Jim also arranged for them to
perform at local venues.
Santa Barbara City College is well-known for its outstanding
music department, and it was well represented by all of the students who
participated. Also on the trip was the New World Jazz Ensemble, under the very
capable direction of Tony Ybarra. Both Jim and Tony are gifted educators and
Santa Barbara is lucky to have them.
Throughout the trip, I was extremely proud of the students both
on and off of the stage. They were wonderful ambassadors for our city. I was
truly proud to be able to say, “We are from Santa Barbara, California.”