Ryan Finn playing his Trombone. Courtesy photo
By BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Executive Director
LARSO
One year ago, the Los Alamos Hilltopper Jazz Band and their award-winning teacher Ryan Finn made the offer to host a free concert at the senior center.
This Friday at 6 p.m. the crew, along with the Los Alamos Big Band will bring those stylish tones to the Betty Ehart Senior Center.
There indoor concert will also have some outdoor seating nearby and while masks are not required, they are still welcome if it makes the audience feel better about attending. The center will use the opportunity to fundraise for youth and seniors, with pre-packaged drinks and snacks, to benefit both organizations. While there is no admission fee, the music case will be open for those feeling inspired to throw donations in for the artists.
Often it is best to hear from the youth about what positive experiences work for them? Here Mikalh Adams said it best. “In my musical journey, many have influenced me, but one-man towers above the rest, lumbering, a gigantic beast, head above even the clouds, making him a potential hazard for planes: Mr. Finn, local jazz LEGEND,” Adams said. How can this noble youth know so much about legends? Well, that answer is easy, he sees it with his own eyes. “He plays the trombone really loud. He devotes a scarily large amount of time to music education (I fully mean that one). He once threatened to cut the strings off my guitar. He’s Miles Davis but if he was (slightly) less egotistical, was white, and instead of writing Kind of Blue, sat in rooms full of raucous, head-splitting, clinically insane teenagers all day.”
When you have a good source of inspiration, you run with it, so let me tell you about Mikalh. Mikahl likes music because. “Music hits you most directly; instead of hitting your brain first, it hits you directly at your core, not only conveying (hopefully) but making you FEEL (hopefully), what the composer wanted.”
So, when you mix an inspiring adult and a student with the passion and the bandwidth to drink in every note, some magic tends to happen. Adams a senior, and also a student in a great public school system takes the education one step further to highlight success. Here, they lay out the educational strategy to success.
Thus, in keeping with this Adams Theory and the personal success due to the tutelage of Mr. Finn, before he rises to his next chapter, I lay out the new theory of Mikahl.
“I shall lay out my case:
- Playing music is enjoyable
Studies have shown that playing music provides greater enjoyment. This stems from many sources, but playing things you enjoy, and especially playing with others, provide feelings of mirth, accomplishment, and in the latter case, collectiveness. - Playing music increases aptitude
Studies have shown that playing music increases aptitude in multiple areas, including synchronization, focus, and playing music - I said so.”
So, if you love great kids, fantastic teachers and a great jazz music, join us Friday night. Donations of breakfast items, heathy snacks and drinks for kids will be collected for a family that needs to feel a little love from their community.
Small toys and items to love on would be an added boost. To learn more, email Director@losalamosseniorcenter.com.
