Iala Teresa-Callega
Jazz vocalist
2012 Young Jazz Leaders Honors Band

My participation in the Young Jazz Leaders Honors Band has been one of the greatest, if not greatest experience I have ever had the fortune of being a part of in my life.

Before the day I entered the band, there weren't many opportunities in the South Florida area to get involved in Jazz and with other Jazz musicians like myself.

Frankly, I didn't think a Jazz scene even existed in South Florida. The closest thing I had to that was my school's Jazz band, which I am a part of, but that still wasn't enough.

I was searching for a place with an actual sense of community. By complete chance, I got word of this is institution and its auditions for a new band and I felt as if my prayers had finally been answered.

Discovering Jazzonian was like a miracle just waiting to happen...it was destiny. Without a doubt, becoming involved with this organization was one of the best decisions I have ever made, and if I could, I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Jazzonian has so far done a great job of keeping Jazz alive, making them the center of the Jazz universe in South Florida. I admire their efforts and thank them for caring about the preservation of this magical American art form; on behalf of Jazz lovers like myself, we truly appreciate this. In fact, the South Florida Jazz Summit has been the highlight of my year so far.

The truth is, from my collaboration with the other band members to the summit itself, everyone was so generous, kind, professional and on point. Mr. Bobby Ramirez and Mrs. Karen Dorsey were just so inspiring, as well as everyone else.

Thank you so much for believing in me and seeing some potential, as well as my desire to create Jazz. It was also great working with my five other band members who constantly set the bar and would push me into giving my very best. I really feel like we were all just very comfortable with each other from the start and naturally worked well as a team.

Our wonderful conductor Christopher Dorsey gave great advice, really brought the group together, and helped us realize our full potential. It was a pleasure and and honor to work with him, and to be honest, it was practically inevitable to not take advantage of his experience and wisdom.

Everything about this event was so well coordinated and thought out, that one just can't help but admire the whole thing. The men and women who actively participate in Jazzonian events have such an intense passion for Jazz and believe so much in what they're doing that they can virtually turn any idea into a reality.

More events and programs should exist like the South Florida Jazz Summit, and I do hope more pop up in the future. For all those who have a passion for Jazz, I recommend you all get involved in anyway you can and make your contribution.

Finally, I hope the Young Jazz Leaders Honors Band made you proud, Jazzonian. Thank you for giving us this incredible opportunity and the chance of a lifetime. It has meant more than you will ever know.

Iala Teresa-Callega
Academy of Arts & Minds
2012 Young Jazz Leaders Honors Band