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Let's hear it for saxophone players!

Tonight, I had the privilege of hearing my 14-year-old niece, Ani, play with the District 118 Jazz Band at Central Junior High in Belleville.

Ani and I share one thing in common: We both play alto saxophone!

The jazz band entertained the crowd who was filtering in for the District 188 holiday band concert for fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders. Ani had a short solo part in "Shadow of Your Smile," the song from the classic 1965 film "The Sandpipers." Her mom said she was nervous, but Ani still managed to hit it.

I was a pretty decent saxophone player in grade school and junior high. I even had a perfect score in a solo contest while I was in eighth grade. But my music career went downhill in high school after I got braces. The braces prevented me from being in tune while trying to hit a high A.

Ani has more musical talent than I do! She also plays clarinet and piano, and she's learning to play the guitar and the trumpet. I see music being a big part of her life for years for come.

Thursday night, Ani and the jazz band performs again, and the District 188 junior high band, in which she plays clarinet, also performs. I wish I could be there, but work calls.

Roger 0 comments 10:15 PM