[TPIN] ADMIN - Leon Merian

[Paul Kurtz]

Michael and all, as everybody else does, I feel Leon's passing. In a
6-hour lesson, he said, "You're a player." He didn't have to say that to
a fat, middle-aged blind guy who has no real high-class reputation in
the music business as a real pro, but he meant it because he saw
something. He didn't flatter and didn't have to. He said what was on his
mind including hacking certain parts of my playing to bits!! :-) :-) (as
my friend Bryan Goff also did, both in my best interest) 
But, Leon loved his music so much, loved bands, combos, and individual
players. I don't know that we could scrape up enough money on TPIN to
give some young player a chance to work with a great ensemble, jazz or
classical, or a great present professional, or get a special lesson from
an educator, but I'd certainly stick my share in there. 
I haven't fleshed out the idea yet but I know that my lesson with Leon
was very important and you couldn't pay for the experience I got if you
gave 3 times what I paid! 
The other possibility is to help support some type of big band clinic or
something where we could put some money in as TPIN. Leon supported that
venue and type of music just as long as he could with great gusto. The
guys in his last big band as well as his combo guys would say the same
thing! I heard some of it and would say it, too, so this is another
option. 
Whatever's done would, of course, be in his name! 
And yes, the very small glass of refreshment we had after the marathon
session was good, too! :-) :-) 
Paul Kurtz Jacksonville, FL