Making music leads to making 'different' friends

The enthusiasm of Just Playin' Jazz is unmistakable to audiences, but the effect the band has on its members may not be as recognizable to those sitting in the audience.

Ask any member of Just Playin' Jazz what their favorite part of the band is, and you'll hear about the camaraderie, the diversity and friendship the members share, despite the band's members ranging in age from middle school to high school, and from six schools.

"It's so cool to work with people you never would have worked with before," said member Ashley Martin. "I have so many different friends now. We do so much stuff together outside of the band, and I probably would never even have met them if I wasn't playing in the band."

Conductor Hank Hartman, who helped organize the band three years ago, said a big reason the band is successful is because of the students.

"I can't take the credit for that," he said. "We've got great students who are committed."

Commitment seems to be a buzzword for Just Playin' Jazz. Just ask David Burtch.

"It takes a lot of commitment and it teaches you responsibility," Burtch said of being a band member. "You learn a lot more than just music. That's a big reason a lot of us are here and ready to play all the time."

Young musicians must audition to become band members. Hartman said interested musicians can call Matanuska Music at 376-4006 for more information.