Every time I receive the latest Downbeat digital magazine I immediately go to the back cover to check out the latest JodyJazz ad. This time it seemed like it was aimed directly at me, since I received the Custom Dark Baritone mouthpiece handpicked by Jody for me less than a week ago…and it completes my Custom Dark Family Collection as well as my Jody Espina collection, including complete sets of Chedeville and Rousseau mouthpieces for all clarinets and saxophones.

Of course, that heartfelt ad is not just for me! It is for any player of any Jody Espina mouthpiece, as we are all part of a large and varied family that is treated like gold. Jody’s fundamental mission is pleasing musicians and audiences. His heart, energy, sincerity and expertise are second to none.

I’m blessed beyond my dreams with a two year association with the JodyJazz family, and it just keeps getting better. I finally get to meet the Chedeville/JodyJazz/Rousseau team in person at the ClarinetFest in Reno in eight weeks, and I’m counting the days. In appreciation of the team, this ad is now framed in my studio, facing my students, right beside another dear family, the Vancouver Saxophone Ensemble.

A treasured student gave me that sterling silver picture frame and I was saving it for something very special. Synchronicity…that student plays a Custom Dark Alto mouthpiece.