It was a warm, sunny day on campus when nearly 80 Ann Arbor Rotarians and guests gathered to listen to the indomitable Pioneer High School Jazz Band on Wednesday, May 17th, in the Anderson Room at the Michigan Union. Over 30 members of the band joined us for lunch and entertained Rotarians with stories about playing in the band and the latest high school news. Dawn Johnson gave etiquette zoom reminders, and President Mark Ouimet rang the bell to start our meeting. Resident Pianist Tom Strode played the “Star Spangled Banner” for the enthusiastic crowd of singing Rotarians.
Christine Watson gave our inspirational welcome reminding us that our parents guide us with wisdom. She shared a story about her mother’s storytelling that stuck with her and encouraged her to think of the decisions we make, or don’t make. Sometimes those decisions happen in an instant. She encouraged all of us, in the strong shadow of her mother, to be mindful of the decisions that come our way this week.
Dave Keosaian led us in song to the happy, sunny tune “Blue Skies” by Irving Berlin to celebrate our gorgeous spring weather. Tom Strode accompanied this happy tune. Dave went back to his very first Rotary song, “Ramblin Rose” by Noel Sherman (lyrics) and Joe Sherman (music) which also commemorates his first dance with his wife with whom he will be celebrating 40 years of marriage this Sunday. A reason to celebrate, to be sure!
President Mark welcomed the guests of Joanne Pierson, Barbara Eichmuller, and Dave Keren. We welcomed Dr. David Gordan, Elizabeth Javerkowski, Alicia Ponney & Sabine Gaberon. Don Deatrick came to the podium to honor birthdays for the week. A round of applause to all!
John Sepp, shared with membership that the Wine, Women, & Song at Kerrytown Concert House was an amazing success! He also invited us all to the upcoming event that will be hosted by the Membership Committee. Happening on June 11th at 3pm, the Chelsea Players will be performing a musical written by recent guest speaker James Perry Eyster, showcasing the interesting history of Chelsea, Michigan. The show is called “The Only Man in Town.” Please join fellow Rotarians to see the show. Better hurry because there are only 20 tickets reserved in our show block!!
Dennis Powers and Susan Smith shared that our local Kiwanis Club is now having a 102nd birthday party in mid June! On the 15th, there will be a happy hour social hall to raise funds and celebrate all that Kiwanis does for our community! Please consider joining us for this special commemoration. Click here for more information!
John White came to the podium to share about Rotarians in the news; Lauren Heinonen, our director of Public Image, has been accepted to the Michigan Medicine school and will begin her studies next fall. In addition, she and her fiance will be marrying this summer on June 24. She will return to the club late this summer. We are so proud of her!! Congratulations, Lauren!
Pioneer Jazz Band
David Leach, new Rotarian, & the students of Pioneer Jazz Band were introduced by Tom Millard. Mr. Leach’s 21 year career at Pioneer includes a string of national & state awards. He has grown the program with high levels of success, including placing students at prestigious music programs including the Juilliard School and a number of other top music schools in the country. Under his direction, Pioneer High School has been one of the top 2 music programs in the nation for public high schools.
The Jazz Band
They kicked off the concert with a joyous rendition of Walkin’ & Swingin’ followed by a spirited & original arrangement of Girl from Ipanema sung by the talented Isabella. David interspersed these energetic performances with memories of his mentors, several of whom were Rotarians; Tom Millard taught David Leach as a child.
Ken Fischer and UMS were instrumental (pun intended) in David’s continued professional development. David extended a deep and heartfelt thank you to Dr. Arthur Williams for leading the way at Huron High School, and to rankle the Pioneer Band, gave their rival a cheer: Go River Rats! The show carried on with Blues in Hoss Flat, Salsa Caribena, Braggin’ in Brass, and another fabulous vocal performance during “Lady is a Tramp.” After raucous applause and an offer to take questions, the crowd voted for one more song! The talented players put on a fabulous performance of Moanin’ to round out the show!
President Ouimet shared his quote of the day from Louis Armstrong, “If you have to ask what jazz is, you’ll never know.” He rang the bell to end the meeting.
Submitted with joy on this bright and lively day,
Kate VanHorn
