On one hand, I can vividly recall each and every one of those years, like a boxer remembering every punch he's taken. On the other hand, the years feel like an ethereal blur of rehearsals, airports, cab rides, rental vans, highways, miscellaneous crises and conflicts (of varying scale), good meals, bad meals, getting lost, finding our way, hotel rooms, early-morning lobby calls, load-ins, sound-checks and load-outs. But when I reflect on a deeper level, what comes to mind are all the amazing relationships we've cultivated, collaborations we've forged, friends we've made and supporters we've garnered along the way.
But by far, the defining moments of the last twenty years - the ones that've made the journey so meaningful and that continue to reaffirm the value and importance of our mission, are the all-too fleeting moments in front of young (and at times not-so young) audiences at all the performing arts centers and concert halls and in all the many classrooms, school auditoriums, band rooms, gymnasiums, community centers, parks and festivals across the country.
These are the experiences that fuel and sustain us and are why we do what we do. And we couldn't have done it without you - the performing arts community. Thank you for granting us these precious opportunities, for embracing our mission, inviting us into your communities and lending your soapboxes and megaphones.
To give, to serve and to share our passion and love for this great art form. To inform, engage and impact people's lives through rhythm and tune. These are enormous privileges. And as we all know, privileges are not entitlements. They are rare opportunities that we cherish and hope to continue to earn for years to come.
Looking ahead, we're eager to move forward into the next twenty years! Our goals are to simply continue growing, flourishing and offering the most engagiing, highest quality educational and main-stage programs possible.
In closing, please remember "this". This is our heritage. This is our culture. This is our music. This is JAZZ! We are JazzReach and it is our honor to serve you. Thank you for all your support and we look forward to seeing you on the road!!
Yours truly,
Hans Schuman
Founder / Executive-Artistic Director
