Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Hey CT, A tremendous wish for the best bidtarhy yet! We think and talk about you often, and the impact you have had on music education and our family in particular. Daughter Brittany, who was just three when she first met you, still remembers singing a song for you at our dining room table that Labor Day many years ago in Oshkosh (following the Neenah Jazz Festival.) That little red-head is now a college sophomore, and still playing flute and saxophone! I want to thank you for all the great advice, the stories, and the encouragement. You are the gold standard for trumpet/flugelhorn playing in my book. Your approach to creating a melody has been an ongoing inspiration for me, a driving force in my own playing. The Big Band Reunion is still going strong (still every Tuesday night) and has backed up many great artists, but your appearance with us at the Neenah Jazz Festival remains a highlight for those that played (and listened) that day. As I reflect on the several times we've played together, I feel honored to have shared the stage (and a few choruses) with you, but even more than that to have experienced your kindness, encouragement and willingness to share your musical gift with so many others. I truly look forward to reading your autobiography as soon as it comes out! Again a HAPPY, HAPPY bidtarhy and many, many, many more!All our love,Brad, Bonnie and Brittany Curran
