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Dancing to Some 40's Tunes

© Jerri Brooker

"Would you like to dance?"

I could hardly believe it. We had not been dancing for about 15 years, and now I heard an invitation that was music to my ears - an invitation from my husband to dance. What was really great: my grandson was playing in the band, tunes from the great swing era of the 40's and also some 50's-familiar songs.

The Spokane Mead School District middle school concert was the result of a much-revered band director, Lee Shook and his Jazz Bands One and Two. He and his students planned a night for parents (these grandparents tagged along) that put joy in our hearts. Not only did we get to listen to some big band dance music, but also the middle school gym was set up with tables, desserts, and decorations along with dimmed lighting to make you feel you were in a jazz hall with lots of smiling faces.

We moved across the state a few years ago to be by our grandchildren. We have five and two are in varying stages of the musical experience. Our grandson plays trumpet and his sister plays drums. We have watched them over a couple of years really grow with the fine instruction and music they are allowed to play.

A month or so ago we saw the same grandson play in a parade in Spokane. That was fun, too. And our granddaughter can really play the drums; I can hardly wait until she gets a little older to see what direction she goes with them and the five other instruments she plays. I look at the three younger grandkids, ages 8 to 10, and think how great it will be if we get to have this experience with them, too.

Family is always first with me. It is so special to be a part of our grandchildren's lives, which include music. Their concerts remind me of my music background. I played violin in a school orchestra and my husband played drums in the band.

Neither of us can remember having the wonderful opportunities with music our grandchildren are having. We had to play stuffy music and never got the opportunity these kids are getting. The only time we really enjoyed school music was at school dances with records - that's right, records. I remember playing some 78's when I was a kid and singing my heart out. I certainly had the desire to be musical. But somewhere I lost the love of playing an instrument and put my music down.

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