THE "LASTS" BEGIN:

There are stories, readings, writings, poems and endless creative messages that have been created over the years about the "last" and this time of year is no exception to the concept.

Some might view it as "at last" while others might perceive it as "finally," according to what goes on in your world. But perhaps those thoughts are fabricated or created by the treasures we store in our hearts.

This winding down of the school years is a reality checker for many parents. Did I do everything I could for my child? Did I give them the support they needed in their school engagements, activities, and sports and was I any support for their academic growth? Can you look back on the year your child is closing out and feel strong and positive about pages that are turning into chapters?

This week the Jazz Concert held at the high school, had a quite low attendance. Most of the audience was comprised of parents and grandparents, while some in attendance were those who enjoy the fine arts such as music. The crowd, though few in numbers, was not let down by any means.

One might say, Mr. Engebretson had his hands full of kids that evening. His finely tuned and prepared students numbered five, as a mom used to say, as she counted on her fingers...one, two, three, four, and five (one for each of them) that life had given her a "handful of" (of kids). Five may seem like a quite small number, however the quality and melodic blend in the auditorium was thoroughly enjoyed.

Tuesday evening's Jazz Concert was also a page marker in the senior year of three of the five young lives performing, as Kirsta, Mady and Jon enjoyed their "final jazz concert." Bringing life to the keyboard and piano, Kirsta Meisdalen tinkled the ivories with fingers of magic with a fine, soft, precise and well trained set of delicate hands. Mady Bain graced the concert with her talents on the clarinet with a graciousness that many would love to attain. Her poise and internal spirit of contentment, it was easy to see the spark in her eye was a reflection of the pleasure and sense of accomplishment that sprinkled her like sparkles.

The third senior is Jon Siewing, who is one fine master on the drums.

The three were accompanied by fellow students as gifted. Bow Saint Louis stood at ease with a notable and evident sense of his love for jazz. His notes from the trumpet sounded forth through the one hour concert that surrounded the audience and took them away to the south where the jazz sounds shall never fade.

Madilyn Ohl with her bass guitar provided the deep and soothing accompaniment that brings the group and sound together.

Mr. Engebretson livened the concert up with his touches on the musical instruments as well, and his fancy blue shoes could be spotted tapping and keeping time with the lively jazzy sounds.

A highlight of the evening was the addition of Mr. Kelly McCann who joined the six with his talents and abilities expressed on the drums...and the sound of Magnificent Seven was impressive and made for an evening of enjoyment.

The Jazz Combo will perform again with the spring concert and it undoubtedly will make for an enjoyable evening. The admission is free, satisfaction and pleasurable listening is a plus!