WJMA. What is it? What is it suppose to be? The core belief came from local seasoned jazz musicians who were influenced at a young age to pursue the study of their chosen musical instrument. This was long ago when students had opportunities to study music in all Public Schools and to have access to a musical instrument, band, orchestra or chorus. It was also a golden time of neighbors and communities where everyone took an interest in the children. This was before busing. I believe busing did more harm than good because it broke up communities. That is just how I see it. Back to WJMA, which stands for Wilmington Jazz Musicians Alliance. Local musicians in and around Wilmington, Delaware, including the Philadelphia area produce a certain kind of jazz that came down from those who played and those who taught before and the area can be very proud of the young people playing their way up today. In addition to mentoring young people, some WJMA members are also fully dedicated the the Peacekeepers Organization. Men who spend quality time with misguided young men, sharing their experiences and sharing what they have in common. Right now, in this country, too many young men are going for local gangs and finding guns in their hands instead of a musical instrument. Let your imagination roll with the repercussions of those two choices for a moment …. Our little group of people, 147 of us at present including our Facebook “Likes”, want to organize a “Musicopia” type of program in Wilmington. If you are not familiar with Musicopia in Philadelphia please jump on the net now. They have been very successful with their program. We would like to focus on one aspect of their great organization and that is to procure un-used, un-played musical instruments that will find their way to the hands of an eager and deserving student. There are instruments in closets, attics, and under beds, just collecting dust. I like to look at it as adopting a student and watching them grow with your loving support. Before you know it, you will be taking your chair out to a concert to see your “kid” on that stage. I am acting secretary for WJMA. The I.R.S. said, it will cost $400.00 for WJMA to become a non- profit organization, as we have no assets. That is a requirement, so we in turn, can issue a tax credit slip to those who donate a musical instrument to WJMA. That’s great, except we do not charge for membership and we do not have $400.00. I don’t want to have Bake Sales because no one really needs to be eating that stuff. We ask folks to join us in spirit. I am asking for help. I would like to collect one dollar per person who is willing to donate towards our goal. Each dollar will carry your name and my gratitude for caring to participate. I know it will cost some a stamp and I appreciate that, too. Tuesday evening, June 25th, 2013 I am putting my dollar in an envelope. Now, we only need $399.00. Cool! We can do this. Thank you, Linda Sobieski - WJMA 2415 N. Broom St. Wilmington, DE 19802
Posted on: Tue, 25 Jun 2013 22:59:25 +0000