Album Notes

This is the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley, Inc.’s first recording or a three-recording project for the period 2006-2008. This recording captures our students in various forms from small combos to large ensembles, live from Rome Free Academy. All ensembles were directed by Scott Rutledge, Director of Music. The songs chosen for this recording are in our standard repertoire and focus on our great interest in jazz and big band music. We were fortunate enough to have had a strong beginning, highlighted by New Orleans legendary trumpeter Leroy Jones, who wrote and performed on two of the songs, “Katrina” and “Finn-Tee-Lee Blues”. Katrina was written by Leroy shortly after Hurricane Katrina and shows the true spirit of the composition through its haunting, yet beautiful melody. Our students have won numerous awards over their short history, through the work and support of many people. The YMCA’s mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that help build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. We believe this project, along with the next two, clearly show that our students, staff, volunteers, and supports are “Mission Driven”.