This is a huge thank you to everyone who braved the snow and cold to attend the Mount Si High School Jazz Band fundraiser at Boxley’s on the evening of Tuesday, Jan. 17.

We were able to raise more than $2,000 to help these kids represent Mount Si High School and the Snoqualmie Valley at the Savannah Music Festival’s Swing Central high school jazz band competition and workshop in Savannah, Ga., in late March.

Earlier in the day these young musicians spent three hours rehearsing with and learning from jazz trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, a current faculty member at the Manhattan School of Music in New York.

Mr. Gordon was sent from Swing Central to do a clinic in advance of the festival. He was a brave soul himself, driving from Battleground, Wash., to us during Snowpocalypse 2012!  A big thank you to him for his gift of time and talent.

In addition, and as always, Boxley’s Danny Kolke and his family opened their doors not only for the morning session (since the schools were closed) but also for a warm place for good food, good music and fundraising.  We are so lucky to have Boxley’s and all that they do as part of our community.

Thanks again to all who supported these kids the other night.  This is an expensive trip (roughly $1,000 per person).  If you were unable to make it but would like to support us, you can still make a tax deductible donation in one of two ways. Either online via PayPal at www.jazzattheclub.com  (click the donate button on the left menu) or by sending a check payable to MSHS Band Boosters, PO Box 92, North Bend 98045.  Please indicate “Swing Central” in the memo line.  We have less than a month left to raise our funds. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact us at mtsi.band.boosters@gmail.com.

Jane-Ellen A. Seymour and the MSHS Band Boosters Board,

North Bend