JAM Magazine: December/January 1999 Issue: President's Corner

by Vanessa Barnard

Many Thanks To Everyone
Well gang, this is my last column as president of the Jazz Ambassadors. And, as the Grateful Dead once put it, "What a long, strange trip it's been."

It has also been one great ride. And I wouldn't have had it any other way. There have been so many things that I've learned from people both in and outside of the organization. And that's not to mention the help I've received along the way from countless friends. (And others who were not so friendly!) I've learned something from everyone.

I can't leave office without thanking the board members who've served with me over the past three years. Without each of you I couldn't have done this. We managed to turn this organization into an entity to be reckoned with, and hopefully, one that is now a little more respected. If there's one thing about the Jazz Ambassadors I've always admired, it's that we've never been about the politics of music, or one single person in the group. It's never been, "What do we get out of it?" But rather, "what can we do to help this musician or that organization?"

KCJA membership is way up, which makes us a more powerful force. Our Musicians Emergency Assistance Fund (MEAF) is solvent, should we be summoned by someone in need. Even our bank account isn't in the red (at least for the time being!). The point is, we are stronger now than we have ever been. And I leave office certain that this trend will continue.

In a lot of ways, it's hard to say goodbye. In other ways, it's easy. I am looking forward to new challenges, and new bridges to cross. But rest assured, I will still be around. I am not galloping off into the sunset! Because of how strongly I feel about how far we have come as an organization, I will never just walk away. Each of you -- and that would include my successor -- can count on my help if and when it's needed. You only need to ask. And, speaking of my successor, I wish that person the best of luck in this position. We've formed many new bonds in the Kansas City jazz community and I look for the new president to continue these new relationships. It won't always be an easy job, though; you can expect frustration at times. Some words of advice: try not to let it get you down. The rewards are far greater than the downside will ever be. Most important, have fun with it all. Sure, there will be times when serious matters surface, but take it all with a sense of humor and you'll be fine.

So, those are all the words of wisdom I have for now. From now on you can find me out there just listening to great music. And I urge each of you to keep doing the same. That's why we all got involved with the Jazz Ambassadors in first place, right?

Again, many thanks to everyone; and all the best of luck.

Happy Jazzin'!

RETURN TO DECEMBER/JANUARY 1999 MAIN INDEX

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© Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2001. All rights reserved.






	Search our site:		by Vanessa Barnard Many Thanks To Everyone Well gang, this is my last column as president of the Jazz Ambassadors. And, as the Grateful Dead once put it, "What a long, strange trip it's been." It has also been one great ride. And I wouldn't have had it any other way. There have been so many things that I've learned from people both in and outside of the organization. And that's not to mention the help I've received along the way from countless friends. (And others who were not so friendly!) I've learned something from everyone. I can't leave office without thanking the board members who've served with me over the past three years. Without each of you I couldn't have done this. We managed to turn this organization into an entity to be reckoned with, and hopefully, one that is now a little more respected. If there's one thing about the Jazz Ambassadors I've always admired, it's that we've never been about the politics of music, or one single person in the group. It's never been, "What do we get out of it?" But rather, "what can we do to help this musician or that organization?" KCJA membership is way up, which makes us a more powerful force. Our Musicians Emergency Assistance Fund (MEAF) is solvent, should we be summoned by someone in need. Even our bank account isn't in the red (at least for the time being!). The point is, we are stronger now than we have ever been. And I leave office certain that this trend will continue. In a lot of ways, it's hard to say goodbye. In other ways, it's easy. I am looking forward to new challenges, and new bridges to cross. But rest assured, I will still be around. I am not galloping off into the sunset! Because of how strongly I feel about how far we have come as an organization, I will never just walk away. Each of you -- and that would include my successor -- can count on my help if and when it's needed. You only need to ask. And, speaking of my successor, I wish that person the best of luck in this position. We've formed many new bonds in the Kansas City jazz community and I look for the new president to continue these new relationships. It won't always be an easy job, though; you can expect frustration at times. Some words of advice: try not to let it get you down. The rewards are far greater than the downside will ever be. Most important, have fun with it all. Sure, there will be times when serious matters surface, but take it all with a sense of humor and you'll be fine. So, those are all the words of wisdom I have for now. From now on you can find me out there just listening to great music. And I urge each of you to keep doing the same. That's why we all got involved with the Jazz Ambassadors in first place, right? Again, many thanks to everyone; and all the best of luck. Happy Jazzin'! RETURN TO DECEMBER/JANUARY 1999 MAIN INDEX ------------------------------------------------------------------------ © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2001. All rights reserved.