Every couple of months, the staff at the JESM get together for a staff meeting. There is always plenty of coffee and laughter to be shared among the faculty. This past staff meeting, our trumpet, trombone and tube instructor, Jon Samuel, pulled Jerry and I aside with some very exciting news. Jon had been contacted by the Yucatan Symphony Orchestra (Orquesta Sinfónica de Yucatán, or OSY).
The OSY was short a tubaist, and had asked Jon to step in to play for them. It is not often that one of our instructors gets asked to make an international trip as a guest performer, so we had to encourage Jon to accept the offer.
The next thing we knew, we were helping Jon reschedule his lessons and sending him off for a two week trip that was sure to result in some great stories.
While in Mérida, Yucatán, México, Jon was able to collaborate with some amazing fellow musicians and play under the direction of Juan Carlos Lomónaco who has been the conductor of the OSY since 2009.
The Impact
I have heard is said that a change is as good as a rest. I can definitively say that the change of location had a great impact on Jon and his instruction. The collaboration with new musicians has been a clear point of rejuvenation for Jon.
Creative collaboration is a proven method of expanding creative gifts. We encourage all of out students to get involved with group musical activities. If you play euphonium, trombone, or trumpet, we encourage you to try out for one of our Rock Bands. It is a unique opportunity for our brass players to be able to collaborate with musicians that they would otherwise not be able to play with.
Call us at 630-359-7725 or email admin@jeshoolofmusic.com to sign up for an introductory lesson.
