Why High School Band is Cool

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​Kenny G is the universe's highest-selling jazz musician, and he magically appeared behind me at the Syracuse Jazz Festival.  His band opened with three standing ovation songs before he spoke.

I’ve been lucky enough to see tons of great concerts – from Led Zeppelin about 50 years ago to Bruce Springsteen about 50 days ago.  When all of these musicians make their opening remarks, they usually exude cool attitude or unrestrained ego.  None of them said what Kenny G said next.
 
He talked about the debt he owes to his high school music program.  
 
He held up his sax and told people it was the same saxophone his Mom and Dad bought for him 50 years ago in high school band.  He said he was playing with these same guys for over 40 years.  He went on to say they all got their start in their public high school music programs.  
 
He then introduced each person by saying what their hometown was and naming the specific high school they attended.  For instance, he and his keyboard player had met in Franklin High School jazz band in Seattle and have played together ever since.  

In 50 years of watching concerts, I've heard superstar musicians sing that "we don't need no education, we don't need no thought control," or about throwing fastballs during their high school glory days.  I've only heard one of them ever say how grateful they are to the education they got in public high school, and how grateful they are for their music teachers. 

As amazing of a musician as this guy is, I think he's probably also an amazing person.

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