One of my proudest associations is with my Byron Center Band Family and some of this is redundant because I've blogged on them before.

​The maintained standard of excellence across the entire band program, is achieved through hard work and character building. Not one decision is made without careful consideration of does it fit our core values, will it advanced the goals and desired outcomes we have set for the program and the students,  will it character build, does it have a greater purpose and on and on. 

Much is built on leadership and student ownership of being a responsible member of each ensemble. It also sometimes is not surface level fun, however a more mature "fun" is realized much later after many hard sectionals, rehearsals, and performances. 

Marc and I sat, at a Buffalo Wild Wings for hours, one night upon Marc taking the job at Byron and we discussed the vision and dreams for the jazz program. We had a year goal, 5 year goal, 10 etc... Most of those dreams came true much sooner than we had ever planned. Marc is truly one of my best friends and his family is my family. 

One of the really special moments for each performance is "The Circle" . It usually starts with Marc asking the question, " What do you want tonight to be about"? Sometimes the tears start already! LOL As the year progresses, and the bonds begin to form both from strife and harmony, from the hard work and dedication of everything they have been through together throughout the year, the let downs the celebrations, by the last few concerts, (usually last one being at Jazz at Lincoln Center) the kids have realized the incredibly special group of people they just spent the last year with and only each one of them know what they have been through to get to where they are by the shared experience. 

This circle mostly for the members of the ensemble, is sometimes joined by principals, superintendents, many times me and Marc is always so gracious to call me out to say something, and always our guest artists who also share inspiration and wisdom. On so many occasions, the comment is made "I have never seen anything like this"  If our country could see this, we'd be in much better shape. Many tears have been shed by the incredible journey we've all just been on. 

The kids are more mature than you think. They get it. They know the demands put upon them are out of love. Even one year they had tee-shirts made up that said, "mean Mr. Townley, takes us places" Those places have included the  Savannah Music Festival and the Essentially Ellington Competition at Jazz at Lincoln Center and in my humble estimation the most prestigious Jazz festival in the world for high schoolers, and if I'm not mistaken for the 10th time this year. And yes it was our goal to make this once in our career when we planned at Buffalo Wild Wings. 

I'm now just getting to the point of this blog! LOL 

I don't know if you would call it a core value, but one of the main objectives for everyone at Byron is how you treat people. Everyone from your classmates, your instructors, but also the agents at the airport, the ticket takers at a concert we will be attending, the people who have planned tirelessly to give you the best experience possible at their music festival, and on and on. Thank you notes are written by the kids to visitors. In this day and age of phones, this is sometimes harder than you think, but these kids have been taught and always deliver. Personal responsibility is crucial and excuses not tolerated. 

One of the objectives we wanted to do from the very beginning is bring in the worlds greatest musicians to inspire the kids and the list at this point is very long and I believe is a major component to this day, of the success of the program. I really want to make a self deprecating joke here but one of my greatest honors is to have been on that list for which I don't belong 3 times and is some of my most cherished memories. Thank you. 

With the emphasis on treating people with respect, love, and dignity, Marc is very big on honoring the people who have helped him along the way. One of those people he has honored every step of the way was my Father. It started with I think emails back and forth, then Marc always having a ticket for my Dad for any concert he wanted to come to. But then he and his parents went further. I think it was the 2nd time we made EE in NYC, Marc and his parents wanted to honor my Dad by paying for all his expenses for him to be able to come and watch the event in person. 

My Dad humbly accepted this most gracious gift and my Dad and I went together. They would have paid for the flight but Dad was in kind of bad shape with his nerve pain issue so we drove instead. ( a move that was I guess smart because on the way home he was in so much pain he just screamed in the backseat for 12 hours straight as I drove all the way home. Not sure what he would have done on the plane.)

My dad couldn't have been more proud of Marc and it was a very special time. 

The connection with my Dad and Byron is very strong. Mr. Klein was a student teacher for my Dad when I was a student at Northview. He was a very bad duct tape basketball player in the band room! LOL inside joke but a great student teacher! Also, a very special student teacher for my dad was Megan Soukup, all 3 were the band directors at Byron. (the bond was so close that my Father had wanted both Marc and Megan to speak at my Dad's celebration of life ceremony and they were awesome)

Marc wanted to continue to give my Dad respect and honor him and ended up having him be a guest twice to work with the bands so that his kids could experience a little of Marc's high school experience. (oh yea, should have mentioned my Dad was Marc's band director! LOL)

I believe Marc told me the last concert linked below, was my Dad's last time in front of a concert band. 

Megan was also so good to my Dad always staying in touch and he had so much respect for her and of course was always so proud of her. 

Marc and Megan thank you for honoring my Dad. His legacy continues though you both and he always was so proud of you both!  Love you both madly! 

I've also included a few photos from over the years. I have thousands I think!  (sidetone: this platform for making these blogs will resort to a previous picture I may have posted with the same number of the picture, so if you see pictures of the Arizona Desert, lol, it does that while scrolling but if you click on the pictures I don't think it does that. very annoying)

I also have to mention that I'm thankful also to my dear brothers and families at West Ottawa with Mike Hamann and Rockford with Cullen McCarthy who both share the same philosophies and mindsets about jazz and kids! I'm thankful for their confidence in me, to bring me in weekly to teach life through jazz, and I take it very seriously because I'm required to do so. 
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It is always important to find balance especially when going through something. With a lot of feelings swinging one way, the above beautiful friends and family have counterbalanced those feelings just this week. I usually keep most reach outs private for various reasons, but felt the need to publicly thank all these beautiful souls for just checking in and showing some love. 

My family is still very much dealing with the loss of our patriarch. It may be a weird picture to show, which is from a private service for just my family that I held for Talia, but it shows that when I needed them most, they were very much there for me. There have been many reach outs this week from various members for which I am humbled and grateful. I love my family!

While I will keep our conversations private that I had with the rest of these amazing friends, I will say all brought humor, all brought encouragement, and all brought a tremendous amount of love to my life this week. Thank you Mike (Tonya), Jon, Marc, Keith, Luther, Chris, Cullen, Dale, and Sandy. Love you all so much!

(I feel I've also missed some people) I'll edit if needed to include! 

This is all in one week. God truly is good and is love! I'm so blessed! 

This is a hard blog to write on so many levels for me. I'm actually not emotionally ready to write it yet, because I'm still going through it, however, God continues impress on me what He is doing in my life that I have to write just a little about it. 

It seems like I have been in a season of loss for a long time. Losses of all kinds not just the passing away of loved ones, although that has been a constant over the past 6 years. Some of the losses were  intentional like resigning from my job, selling my house I built my life with Talia, etc. I've lost 3 very long friendships out of the blue and the latest is the loss of a relationship I was very serious about. She is an amazingly strong, inspiring, Godly, compassionate, transparent, wise, playful, nurturing, sensitive, and beautiful woman. Anyone that knows her, would understand why I was so attracted to her. It was nobody's fault really, just the wrong time for her and her situation. It's important that I don't place any blame whatsoever, needles to say, I don't do really good with these things at all. 

I try and hold these things kind of private, but God is truly trying to show me it is about trusting Him. I learned something about myself however that has plagued me in every relationship I've ever been in. I think I will keep that close too, but needless to say it was very enlightening. 

For me, as a believer in Jesus Christ, it truly is about trusting what God says about us is true. Ironically, and there are a few irony's, is for both of us, a foundational verse in both of our lives is Proverbs 3:5-6 " Trust in the Lord, with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path" 

Very famous verse and get the concept in my head and mind. But what about all these feelings that are eating me inside and my heart that is so broken? 

While the verse provides the answer to my healing. With most promises from God, there is conditional participatory actions that need to be taken in order for the promise to take root and make even my feelings feel better. (Phil 4 put it into action)

The frustrating thing to me, is with all I know about God and believing Jesus died for me, what more should I need to trust Him, also knowing Holy Spirit is in me the same one Jesus had. 

So much of my life has been trying to find that balance between mind and heart. I need the knowledge in my brain to just drop about 5 inches to my heart and things will be cool. It is such a battle for me. 

So, I have listened to this particular sermon many times before, but it popped up in my suggestions so while driving I listened again.(starts about 15 mins in) I think the line that gets me most from Bill is God needs us to trust Him, when we don't get the things we desire. It's easy to trust when everything works out and for a little bit, it really did seem to me that many of my prayers were coming true and dreaming mode was in full bloom. But if we can't trust Him when dreams are shattered, He can't trust us to give us the good things either. I guess it would be like someone that didn't love you the day before but after winning the lottery they now "love " you. LOL

I've known for ever that most characteristics I strive for can only be obtained through trials. How can I prove my faith and trust in what I say I believe unless it's challenged. He also uses the example of a pearl and how it ends up like it does through great pressure. 

Working through all these dumb emotions is sometimes a minute by minute battle in which the only way to victory is changing my mindset to fully focus on God's love for me. He can only give me good things as my Daddy, and when my dreams become unrealized, He is still good and still working on my behalf despite feeling like my world just ended.

I'm working hard and continuing to pray for my dear friend who I still love very much on many things in her life, but part of what I'm learning is to hold loosely most things in life. A very hard concept for me. 

So, as I would not wish upon any enemy of mine the broken heart I have, in some very weird way, I'm thankful for the pain, because I know, God is working in my life because He loves me and wants me healthy. 

Bill also talks about a sacrifice of praise. When you have lost a loved one or ones in my case, or loss of a dear relationship, a gift we can only give God on earth is a sacrifice of praise. When nothing in your body feels like praising God but you do it anyways, God sees what that takes and will honor that knowing the strength it takes in times of loss and pain. In heaven, everything is perfect and there will never need to be any sacrifice! 

God is good all the time and all the time He is good. He is the embodiment of Love! Thank you Lord and I love you!
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I still would like to capture a picture of a tornado. It has been a long week and wasn't up to chasing it. Very sorry to say 3 people lost their lives in the tornados just south of where I was. I was driving home from moving, and had one of the weirdest experiences ever. It was getting very dark, but then instantly it went to a new level of dark like midnight. Never experienced anything like. As I drove towards Holland, the sun was coming out, but behind me was very dark so I was on the look out! Then it appeared! It was cool that so many people pulled off to capture it. God still stuns us with His creation! 

The first gig was sponsored by St. Cecilia and we went into GRPS to promote Jazz. Band was great, kids enjoyed, kind hospitality. A good time had by all. Second gig was in KZoo and was my first BWK of the year. A benefit for the American Heart Association. Blessed to do what I do!

Proud of Miss Esther! She has a beautiful heart and always trying to serve others! Happy Birthday Ess! Uncle Max loves you!

I had a gig downtown with Charles Johnson so showed up early and did a little prayer walk before the gig! 

There is a lot of talk about love today for some reason! LOL 

I have learned a lot about the different types of love over the years and to this day, I continue  to grow deeper in understanding for which I'm thankful. I'm very focused right now on the difference between selfish vs selfless. Parallels can also be drawn to like a jazz group, those that play for self or those that play for the good of the group. When one plays for self, I promise you the group does not sound good. Only people who understand their function and how to serve it selflessly will ensure a successful band or vice versa in a romantic relationship. 

The most selfless act of love ever demonstrated to human kind, was that of Jesus coming to earth, dying on a cross, taking the place of what I deserved, and overcoming that death, so we all may live eternally in Heaven if we choose to embrace this act of love. Love is never forced. It may have dire consequences to not choose this, but it wouldn't be love if God made you believe this. That's why there were two trees in the garden. You couldn't choose if there was only one. He's provided everything you need to have relationship with Him. I also believe opposition only exists if there is real truth. The devil is a deceiver  and does not want you to believer this. 

So with all this being said, I am thinking in a round about way, about my Father's celebration service. It was supposed to be a celebration of his life, but everything Dad wanted for this day, was to point to the goodness and love of Jesus. I have included it here. The picture above, was driving home from my Dad's celebration. It was just kind of a little wink if you will from God, giving me comfort that Pops made it to Heaven!

I also find it ironic that the tune most associated with me, (because it's always my go to when I have the choice to call the tune)  Is "No Greater Love". In the old days, there was romance in the songs written about love. (not so much anymore) Lyrics were poetry put to song. Any love song that presented such creative ways to discuss ones romantic feelings between a man and a woman, one could substitute your personal relationship with Jesus and instantly be in a moment of worship. 

So when I perform "No Greater Love", it is always in tribute to Jesus's incredible love for me. It was included one of the first LP's I ever bought and has sentimental memories and really developed my love for Sweets Edison. One more sidenote, I have a very important and sentimental performance coming up soon of this tune, which I will write more about in the future. I also was honored to play it with my friend the late Frank Mantooth and will always be thankful for that memory. I've also included one of my favorite, there are many, Fred Hammond tunes also entitled No Greater Love. 

Much love to you all! 
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Nature always for me, is a direct worship response. I'm left with an only You God! When you start diving in on what you are seeing, that is only enhanced!  Thank you Lord for always letting me see such beauty and leaving me amazed! 

Check out my dear friend Alvin Chea and his narrations of all these videos in the John 10:10 project!

Just off the announcement of Wynton stepping down at Jazz at Lincoln Center, his creation,  in two years, the band will be on tour for the next week and a half here in MI. When The NY Times did the article, Lugi, who does Wynton's website, asked for stories to be sent in about Wynton. (As a side note, I believe Lugi has the greatest artist website ever for any artist. It is very detailed and I can get lost for hours on it.) So here on this particular blog , I'll update the week. I think I'm going to start another division of this website devoted to Wynton and all the concerts and experiences I've had for the last  40 years.  It will for sure be a work in progress! Stay tuned! 

The tour in MI started off with a concert yesterday at the Chenery Auditorium in Kalamazoo. My friend, Rev. Millard Southern , was responsible for not only bringing the band in but also for the discussion that happened today at Kalamazoo College. Millard is not only a Reverend but plays trumpet, but also is writing a book on Roy Hargrove, and doing a dissertation on Wynton. He's a busy guy! The band sounded great as always and the theme was Duke in Africa. It was nice to meet Jessica Williams, who student taught with my Father. It was also nice to see the Floreska family, Nigel just bought a flugelhorn from me and WMBI last week. I was going to get a lot more pictures but everyone came at once. I always feel bad in situations like that because I can't give the attention to everyone I want. I'll just say it was fun to see so many loved ones! 

First the day started cool sun moments. Then did road runs for West Michigan Band. Some of these country roads, I'm telling ya! LOL Then headed to my gig for the evening which was at the BOB. It was a benefit called soups on I think. LOL Every floor had events and bands and I was happy to play with two old buds Dave Collee who I call cuz even though we are not related and he spells his name different and my dear friend Eric Thorne who I lived with for a minute. My favorite drum group to play in is big bands but I have really been having fun with a trio in settings where I can take some chances and work some stuff out. I apologize to the band if it doesn't work out and nobody's listening in the audience  so I've been having fun and Eric has fun arrangements which I haven't  played in years. I included one from way back here that we played. I loaded in with my friend Paul Lesinski who was playing on another floor. They had a few sports items for auction. It was also very cool to see a classmate from high school I haven't seen probably since high school Jody Gray-Boucher. It was also nice to see Catherine Behrendt again. Her Father was one of my chaperones on my McDonalds Bands trips in high school. Lastly, met a new friend. I think his name is Kim Denton. Very rarely, venues will have people help you bring in your stuff to the gig. Kim did this for me, but he also stopped to listen to us and compliment us. Found out he used to do sound for Frank Sinatra. Thank you so much and pleasure to meet you Kim! 

It was fun to see so many people from all the different parts of my life at the Michigan Music Conference in Grand Rapids. I was working the booth for West Michigan Band Instruments. It was the first time seeing so many people since my Dad passed so I received many nice comments. 

It's been fun going to hear Brother in Love Rick play with the GR Symphony the past few weeks. Rick is an amazing musician and has been lead horn for many years. This will be his last year and will be a big change but looking forward to what God has in store for him and my sister. Job well done Bro! I have many friends in the symphony and we are blessed to have a symphony of this caliber in our city. It was also nice to see my friend Avalon perform and she did awesome as always. It was also nice to share last night with most of the family that came out to support Rick. Afterwards we went to hear Elijah play and saw more friends. Community is a good thing! Last few pictures were not mine but my siblings. 

I've been subbing for Doc Sawyer the past few weeks and the next few weeks. The great thing about that is I get to play with nephew Elijah which doesn't happen to much anymore. I'll keep adding to this folder in coming weeks. It was fun to see my friend Cindy who used to cut my hair back in the day, and she would always put Wynton on the speakers for me! Now that's service!!! LOL 

It was nice to spend time with family and friends! I ended up hiking about 26 miles this week. Last hike was from Lookout Mt. in PHX, which was my first time there. Tough to come home to the cold but it wasn't brutal. 

Went for a hike off the peralta trail. A very bumpy 10 mile unpaved road was interesting. Then headed to see the weavers needle. Then ended the night seeing the Lewis Nash Organ Group! 

I had dinner with my friends Steve and Cynthia Phillips. Then went for a hike at the Usery Mountain Area. At sunset all the sudden all the coyote's starting howling which was pretty cool and a little scary. LOL 

Today's hike was Butcher Jones - Saguaro Lake. Another great time however, I twisted my foot pretty darn good .I've been having more dad moments as I remembered being here last year and FaceTiming him so he could be a part of my journey while he couldn't really get out and do much anymore and also knowing he loved nature. So I went to FaceTime and then remembered no more. I had a very nice dinner with my friends the Kirbys!! 

I only knew the obvious stories about Van Gogh and never really investigated him much. Sad he battled so many things but could relate with him on color and finding beauty everywhere. We have that in common. The last picture was painted by Talia. I think it was one of the things she did at a party before getting married with her family and friends or something but love the inscription on the bottom. 

The day started out sleeping in and then headed to lunch at of course In-N-Out hipped to me by Marcus Printup many years ago. Then off to Fort McDowell area for a little hike! From there I went to a Van Gogh experience which will be in the next post. Then off to my old stomping grounds of Papago Park for a hike. Then met up with my dear friend and world famous drummer Mr. Lewis Nash at his namesake institution The Nash, and then went for some Thai Food! A great and full Day. 

I flew to Phoenix on NYE. I've flown on NYE once before to New Orleans. You can see fireworks from many places if the time is right. This is a new thing living in MI we're usually in a blizzard or something! LOL It was 10 degrees when I took off with delays and landed at midnight and it was 60. I had a connecting flight in Atlanta. Many people on the plane had connecting flights like I did but did not leave much time for connecting and we were almost 2 hours late. So unfortunately, some people were going to be missing their parties and families because they were now spending the night in ATL. I always leave a lot of time between if I can! Got to PHX and a nice drive to Mesa and spent New Years Day with Talia's family cooking food to celebrate the New Year! My flight tracker was not working on the flight so a lot of cities that at the time knew what they were but now just some lights on land. I think maybe Tulsa, Memphis, ATL, PHX ?

Christmas 25 was for sure a different one without Dad being here. It went fine until a tradition my Dad started was continued by my sister and that was a little emotional for me but a nice reminder of Pops' sense of humor. As I mentioned to one of my nieces the very same things that make us laugh and smile are the same things that make us sad and cry. I more than ever want to spread the love of Jesus so I included the reason for the season and every day via Linus. A couple of Christmas' past, and a video of a Child is Born dedicated to Jesus. One of the major blessings win my life was being able to go to Israel and be at the birthplace of Christ! While it was also melancholy to not have Dad there, it was also nice to celebrate with Wells' first Christmas!