October 2015 Uke student embraces creativity

Grace Francis used to play dent for almost a year and a the piano, but she has fallen half. in love with the ukulele. She has some advice for aspiring “I thought it would be fun musicians. to get a uke,” she said. “I got it for Christmas and my “Pick an instrument that re- dad signed me up for les- ally reflects you and your sons. That’s the only stringed characteristics and what you instrument that would fit me. really like,” she said. Guitar’s too big. And I also really like stringed instru- Francis, 9, takes ukulele ments.” lessons through the Wichita Music Academy at Garten’s Music. She has been a stu- uContinued on back page. Grace Francis Longtime bass player joins WMA Jim Keefer is a familiar name Keefer teaches bass guitar journey playing trombone, to musicians and fans alike in and upright bass. He has euphonium and tuba. He the Wichita area. been a freelance bassist for began playing upright bass 50 years, and he has taught when he was 14. He gravi- He plays in six bands, and he students for 10 years. tated toward the music of has released two CDs. He has jazz legends Miles Davis and performed at various events “I am excited and eager to Dave Brubeck. such as the Wichita River bring my love and enthusi- Festival and Wichita Blues asm for playing the bass to a Keefer served in the U.S. Crawl, and now he has joined new, young group of future Army in the late 1960s and the Wichita Music Academy bassists,” he said. early 1970s, when he learned at Garten’s Music. uContinued on Page 2. Keefer started his musical Jim Keefer

Congratulations to our graduates of the Goofin’ u“Bass” Around Keyboard Class (Red Book 1)! From left: Continued from front page. Larry McCurry, Maxine Mikesell, Mary Taylor, Clara to play the Fender electric DeHaven, Daniel Perez. bass. He worked with Randy Goodrum, a well-known songwriter, in a group called Graduation day! Jazz Disciples. Keefer also played for many official events, including the Dean Martin “Golddiggers Revue” with comedian Alan King.

Keefer performs in the bands Crosstown Traffic, Nouveau Quintette, Delano Jazz Or- chestra, The Boomers, Jim Vega Band and the Keefer Madness blues band. He also plays for church worship services.

“There can never be too Congratulations to our graduates of the Goofin’ many bass players!” he said. Around Keyboard Class (Red Book 3)! From left: Shane Hutchinson, Brent Kleeman, Gene Krehbiel, See our booth ... Lynne Gable, Liz Hicks. Not pictured: LE Anderson, at Asian Festival Polly McGreevy. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Century II in Wichita! ‘Marquee’ event

Lowrey artist Dennis Awe visited Wichita in Sep- tember for the unveiling of the Lowrey Marquee at Garten’s Music!

Awe provided two concerts for Garten’s students and showed the many features of one of Lowrey’s newest products.

At right: Red Kimball, left, poses with Awe after pur- Welcome to new & chasing the Marquee. returning students who signed up for Bottom right: Wanda Shaw, lessons & classes! left, and Evelyn Whitmer also are the proud owners Trevor A. of new Marquees. Heather B. Dorothy C. Mickey D. Coltin C. Maddux G. Dahlia G. Yvonne C. Eva B. Becky K. Esther G. Lynette H. Mark your calendars! Upcoming classes and gatherings at Garten’s Music:

PlayTime 2 big days with Lowrey! is an opportunity for current Lowrey artists Dennis Awe and former Lowrey students and Brad Bryan will to enjoy listening to and provide a Fall Music Camp. playing for your friends! It will last from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, – 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9 for adult beginners teaches Oct. 28 and 29, at Wynd- students to have a blast goofin’ ham Garden Hotel, 221 E. Organ Club around at the keyboard! The Kellogg, Wichita. Call 942- includes a Name That Tune 10-week class affords students 1337 to register by Oct. 12! game, playing tips, new the chance to learn to play in a songbooks and great music! fun, no-stress (and no recital) L.I.F.E. in Kansas environment. We’ll even loan MusicMakers – 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16 you an instrument! Join the club and enjoy (Theme: Jazz/R&B) making music with us! It’s FREE introductory class: time for our annual election – 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13 of officers. – 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6

Congratulations to our graduates of the Goofin’ Around Keyboard Class (Summer Campfire)! Front row, from left: Connie Gonzalez, Virginia Hosey, Evelyn Whitmer, Dee Cheatham. Middle row: Nancy Wiard, Connie Profaizer, Priscilla Liddeke. Back row: Bill Hall, Phyllis Carr, Wanda Shaw, Joyce O’Dell. A multitalented writer The Wichita Music Roy Beckemeyer, Academy offers instruction a student at the in piano, keyboard, guitar, Wichita Music bass, voice, ukulele, tuba, Academy, is making saxophone, trombone, a name for himself trumpet, flute, clarinet, as a writer. violin, viola and baritone/euphonium! He studies piano and composition with Call today to reserve your spot ... before the time and instructor Adam Roy Beckemeyer Willingham, and day you want are taken! he’s a poet as well. September. Beckemeyer’s book, “Music I Once Beckemeyer was Could Dance To,” featured in The Congratulations to was named a Kansas Active Age and Pam Lamborn, who Notable Book. now teaches a won our monthly He received the poetry writing drawing in August! award at the Kansas workshop for She received a $25 Book Festival in LifeVentures. gift certificate for music or instruction books. Welcome to new & returning students who signed up for u“Ukulele” a lot between lessons and lessons & classes! Continued from front page. wants to learn to play more Leslie R. Nichadha P. Francis studies with Matt challenging pieces. Gracie B. Melanie S. Kuzma, and they performed Selah B. Eric T. at the student concert in the “Grace has a lot of energy Bryson J. LE A. spring. They played a duet around creating her own Richard M. Vesta C. titled “Grace’s Song.” songs as well as exploring Ruth F. Phyllis C. new rhythmic interpretations Bill H. Red K. of existing tunes,” he added. Brent K. Priscilla L. “I made up the chords and he Joyce O. Wanda S. helped me a bit on the melo- Evelyn W. Liz H. dy,” Francis said. Francis likes classical music, Connie G. Marissa F. but she’s willing to work on Cheryl P. Tina B. “Grace is really enthusiastic any song. Connie P. Marion C. about playing the ukulele,” Polly M. Merl H. “Even if I don’t know it, I’ll Sally W. Edna T. said Kuzma. “She is fun to Floyd H. Ty S. work with because she plays learn it,” she remarked.