On Friday, January 8, I was honored to participate as one of three judges to choose winners in the original song competition for the Tyler Independent School District.  The competition was sponsored by the National PTA and was divided into four age divisions from K5 - Grade 12.  I found several excellent compositions among the many I judged and realize that there is a lot of talent in East Texas!  One of our teachers, Steven Kirshbaum, was also asked to be a judge.  I was happy that my good friend, George Faber, head of the entire TISD Fine Arts Department, was also a judge.  He is such a wonderful jazz pianist and I always enjoy working with him (or playing jazz!)....In short, it was a fun morning, also one of the coldest on record!  I believe the temperature got down to 15 degrees last night!  I will be glad when it warms up.....

On Saturday, February 20, I have been asked to play special music for the dedication of a brand new Christian school located near Tyler.  It is called Faith Haven Christian Academy and is located 3 miles west of Hwy. 64 W., on FM 279, the road to Edom.  The dedication will be held at 1:00 PM and I think it would be great to see many of my friends there!  The new school will include grades PreK through 3rd.  If you would like additional information, please call me at my studio, 903-581-5461.

I am so excited becaause one of my vocal students, 15 year old Ryan Williams of Van, Texas, has placed in the very top of his division in the Assemblies of God Fine Arts Competition recently held in Waxahachie, TX, and is now eligible to compete at the nationals to be held in Detroit, Michigan in August!  He sang the song made famous by Steve Green some years ago, "In Christ Alone" and did a fantastic job on it!  We are all very proud of Ryan.  He will sing this song at the summer youth recital on June 7th.