On behalf of the Austin Public Schools Band program, we would like to extend a gracious note of thanks to the many people in Austin (and beyond) that made our first annual Paramount Jazz concert more wildly successful than we ever anticipated. To the students and the parents who continually give of their time and talent, we salute you. To the staff and volunteers at the Paramount Theatre who provided amazing facilities and services at a fraction of the normal cost. To Tedd Gullickson and members of the Southern Minnesota REAL Big Band, for traveling to Austin to perform with our jazz students on a Sunday afternoon — without charging any fee for their appearance. And finally to the patrons who filled the Paramount and generously donated money to our program — funds that will go directly toward instrument repairs, new music and equipment, and entry fees for upcoming jazz festivals and travel. This is a great community in which to live and work, and we see the very best of it every day through our students.

Our most sincere thanks,
Bradley Mariska, 9-12 band director
Nino Tarara, 7-8 band director
Tim Davis, 5-6 band director