| Eden Kicks Off "Eden in the Schools" Program | Print This Article |
Last Thursday (September 22nd), we kicked off our new "Eden in the Schools" program. Through this program we will donate Eden amplifiers to schools around the country. Initially we will focus on Middle and High Schools.
I begged David to let me give the first amplifier to North Ridge Middle School here in Danville. They have an award-winning jazz band, The Redpeppers, that was in dire need of a good amp. Additionally, musicians from the jazz band perform with the school's show choir, the Redcoats . So, in essence, the amp would serve double duty.
I contacted the school's band director, Tom Harrigan, who was thrilled about our proposed donation. We quickly arranged a time to present the amplifier during a jazz band rehearsal, and Tom alerted Mark Goodwin, the school's new principal so that he could attend as well.
Soon after seleting North Ridge as the first recipient, David mentioned our new program to Rudy Schlacher, owner of US Music. Because he strongly supports the program, Rudy was kind enough to offer a Washburn T12 bass to go along with the amplifier. (Thanks, Rudy!) I didn't tell anyone at the school about the extra donation; I decided to wait and surprise them instead. And what a surprise it was!
I got to the school while Tom was still performing "bus duty". This allowed me to sneak the bass and amp in without him seeing it. I hid the bass off to the side so that he wouldn't see it until the appropriate moment. After a quick introduction, I spoke to the students for a few minutes, explaining my own participation in school music programs all those years ago, and talked about Eden's commitment to supporting music as an integral part of the education process.
| I then brought the ampflier out - a brand new Nemesis Silver Series N12S. The students oohed and ahhed, and Messrs. Goodwin and Harrigan were very enthusiastic. After a minute or two to let everyone see the amp, I commented that, while it looked great, it sounded even better. Then, I dropped the other shoe. "You know," I said, "we really wanted you to hear how great this amp sounds." Pulling out the new bass, I continued, "so we thought we'd give you a new bass to go with it."
I've got to admit, it was a ton of fun to watch the band director's and principal's jaws drop and their eyes bug out when they saw the new bass, which was Metallic Red to match the school's colors. Everyone in the room was totally thrilled with the surprise. We then gathered the two student bassists, the band director, the principal and myself for some group photos with the bass and amp. When I handed the bass to one of the students, he whispered to the other,"I'm afraid to hold it. I might break it." I told him that as long as he didn't drop it, he'd be fine. After the comotion died down, I sat down with the two bassists and showed them how to work the controls. Tom stood nearby and marveled at how easy it was to get a great tone. Even better, he made this remark before I'd even dialed in some Enhance - the amp was dead flat! |
 North Ridge Middle School of Danville, IL, receives the first bass ampfier and bass guitar donated through "Eden in the Schools" - a Nemesis Silver Series N12S and Washburn T12. Shown left to right are: student bassist Mitchell Killough, Pincipal Mark Goodwin, student bassist Nick Gaudio, Band Director Tom Harrigan, and Eden Special Projects Coordinator Lane Baldwin. (Photo by Rachel Bein) |
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When we were finished, all the students walked by in procession to shake hands and thank me for the bass and amp. It was very heartwarming to see that all of them appreciated the contribution to their music program. After the students left, Tom asked me to come to an upcoming concert so we could do a "re-presentation" for the parents. We also discussed the possibility of a guest appearance at a future concert, to which I immediately agreed. All in all, it was a lot of fun. And I'm very excited that my home-town school was the first recipient under our new program. I'm looking forward to hearing the new rig at an upcoming concert. I'm also looking forward to working with other schools around the country in the near future. Congratulations to North Ridge Middle School. And hats off to David for creating this wonderful program! Ya done good, boss! |
Lane Baldwin sits in with the Redpeppers Jazz Band using the school's new rig.
Yes, the bass is red, but it's not Lane's bass, so it's ok. (Photo by Rachel Bein)
 Tom and students look on as Lane explains his surprise. (Photo by Rachel Bein) |
 Band Director Tom Harrigan shows his astonishment over Eden's extra gift. "Wow! This is SO cool! A new amp AND a new bass. This is just too much! You guys are great!" (Photo by Rachel Bein) |