Fostering a love of jazz

Oct 29, 2025 | Arts & Culture

Group posing with musical instruments and awards

By Mary-Justine Lanyon

 

Members and guests of the Mountain Jewish Community were treated to the talents of two of Rim High’s senior musicians at their Oct. 11 meeting at the Mountain History Museum.

Brenden Watson – playing his alto sax – and Jaden Martinez – playing his bari sax – played several tunes including “Dream a Little Dream of Me,” “Fly Me to the Moon” and “It Don’t Mean a Thing.”

Larry Zamora, vice president of the Blue Jay Jazz Foundation, told the MJC the Foundation’s goal is to “promote music for young people.” He reminded them they have a lending library so students can try out instruments.

Renee Lewis presented Zamora and Mary Lindsey with a check. She also presented them with two trumpets donated by MJC members Hans and Letty Baemayr.

When asked how he chose the sax, Brenden said he first gravitated to the trombone but then thought the sax was cooler. “It’s really important to be able to give instruments to kids,” he said, noting his musical journey started in fifth grade.

Jaden wanted to play the flute in sixth grade but it cost a lot of money to rent. Then he tried the clarinet, followed by the trumpet and finally the sax. “I really love the sax,” he said.

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