03/01/2024
I am humbled every year when my birthday comes, and kind people I've known in my life are thoughtful enough to send me good wishes. Especially because I am so sh*tty at remembering to do it myself, ADHD poster child that I am.
I'm working to raise $150,000 in honor of Jim Keene, a man who literally changed my life from the moment I met him. He was my college band director, conducting professor, sometimes nemesis, and always treasured friend over the many years since I was his student. I loved him dearly.
He recently died, far too young, of an unusually virulent form of leukemia. He always wanted the rehearsal hall at my alma mater to bear his name. That is where he worked his magic. Jim built a band program--that could not even credibly be called mediocre before his arrival--into a powerhouse that gained statewide and national recognition. He did this is just five short years.
It felt like being strapped to a rocket...an experience absolutely unique and precious to all who hung on for the ride. I've done quite a lot in life. But nothing ever matched the growth trajectory of that ensemble. Anyone who was there would say the same. A perfect confluence of exactly the right people at exactly the right time.
If you feel like contributing even a small amount in honor of this man I so profoundly admired--and even more profoundly miss--I would be grateful. If your employer happens to be on the list that offers matching funds, you can select that dropdown and double your donation. This endowment will exist in perpetuity, and will provide scholarships for talented young musicians who might not otherwise have access to a university School of Music. Jim Keene was tireless in channeling funds to just such students, and I very much want to honor his legacy. Click the graphic to see what we've raise so far (I'm pretty proud of it), and help us get to the goal if you can
Thank you for your support!
