A memorial service was held for AJV's Founder, Clem DeRosa on May 21, 2012, in New York City at St. Peter's Church (which has for many years included a Jazz Mission). This was a very moving and memorable event, the tributes underscoring the enormous impact Clem had on generations of musicians. 
  
Preceding the ceremonies, recorded music was played. First was an album that Clem's band at Walt Whitman High School recorded nearly 50 years ago of a suite that Clem composed to honor his graduating musicians; year after year, until none were left. Clem called the suite "And Then There Were None," very Kentonesque, to say the least. And even more profound since Clem was the last surviving founder of IAJE. Rich DeRosa's moving "Requiem (for a loving father)" followed.

 

In addition to family tributes, friends, colleagues and students spanning over the many years of Clem's career spoke. Typical was Joe Randazzo relating that he had planned to go to Ithaca College until, attending a Kenton Summer Camp, he heard the University of North Texas Band for the first time. Already serious about pursuing jazz, that concert provided Joe with an epiphany. When Joe told Clem that he had decided he wanted to attend North Texas instead of Ithaca, Clem used his knowledge and influence to get Joe accepted (without even the need for Joe to submit an application to the program). To say that Clem's getting Joe into NT changed Joe's life would be an understatement of grand proportion. Almost every speaker during the service echoed the refrain that somehow Clem had changed their lives for the better. 
  
Marvin Stamm, the final speaker and performer, also referred to Clem's caliber as a human being and his wonderful abilities as a teacher, another theme repeated by previous speakers and performers including AJV Board member Justin DiCioccio, Ted Rosenthal, Joe Randazzo, Gerard D'Angelo, Frank Wagner, Dick Oatts, and Garry Dial. Following his remarks, Marvin played a solo rendition of "Body and Soul." Out there, musically naked; both the remarks and the performance touched my heart. 
  

The Master of Ceremonies was Rev. Peter O'Brien who has deep jazz roots, early on often bringing youngsters to hear Mary Lou Williams (also known to be an influential proponent of teaching this music to young students at an age when they still had open minds). AJV Board member Tom Uzzo was the sound engineer.

R.I.P., Clem. 
  
(Incidentally, Marvin Stamm will appear in the Berkshires in early June, as Paul Winter re-forms a sextet including four of his original members. I'll be out of town and will miss the performance. Aaargh.) 
  

 

Excerpted from a submission by Ed Bride, Vice President, AJV  

AJV Member & Music News