MAILBAG - May 2, 2000

I would like to add my words of support to Charles Rutherford and the

jazz program he has created at Orange Coast College (“So where is all

that jazz?” March 18).

As a past student of these classes, which have included the Monday,

Tuesday, Friday and Saturday Big Bands as well as the Tuesday and

Thursday improvisation classes, I feel qualified to give an informed

opinion from my direct observation and involvement and personal benefit.

Additionally, I have performed in countless performances with

Rutherford’s big bands and improvisation groups both on and off campus

over the years. I also played trumpet on the first compact disc produced

by Rutherford involving the students of the Saturday band.

I can state without hesitation or reservation that Rutherford is a

world-class educator in the finest tradition of the only art form fully

originating in the United States. As a jazz educator, he has brought a

unique and thoroughly professional approach to every aspect of his

position. One could search long and hard to find anyone of his caliber in

the field, not to mention that he has dedicated his life for more than 30

years to this endeavor. He almost single-handedly has raised the

standards of jazz instruction and directly influenced scores of musicians

who are now at the zenith of their respective fields of musical activity.

Orange Coast College should be very proud indeed of his accomplishments

and contributions for this school.

Now, you can imagine my extreme disappointment that many, if not all

of his programs are being canceled. Notwithstanding any other

contributive elements that may be effecting this decision, I urge the

“powers that be” to step back and take a 30,000-foot view of what is

going on here.

If the charter of OCC or the community college program in general is

designed to offer individuals in the community a way to learn or enhance

musical skills that can be put to use either professionally or for

personal enjoyment, then the jazz program is one of the most effective I

know of. Further, if that is in fact the purpose of the school, then I’m

at a loss to understand the value of cutting back or eliminating this

valuable asset to the school and community. I don’t pretend to have all

the relevant information and indeed would welcome some enlightenment on

this matter. But from my point of view, something just doesn’t make

sense.

Thank you for taking the time to allow me to air my point of view and

for your efforts in supporting the general goals and purposes of OCC.

Overall I applaud your work. Your attention to this matter would be very

greatly appreciated.

DANIEL W. JACOBS, PhD TOLUCA LAKE

American family already destroyed

What is the “traditional American family” you allege Piecemakers have

shed? (“No decision in Piecemakers case,” April 27). Is it one whose mom

and pop have never divorced; five cloned kids who are all submitted; one

where all members go to church on Sunday; one whose dad brings home a

middle-class income? If that is your idea of a traditional family,

America has shed that image decades ago.

When all scapegoats are gone, [Tom Halliburton] (like the rest of us)

will have to take a good look at himself. The Halliburton family was

destroyed long before Piecemakers existed.

KATIE NEEDHAM

Costa Mesa

Local poets have a lot to offer

Thanks for your coverage on the poetry event at the Newport Beach

Public Library (“Writers share their ryme and reason,” April 25). Any

notice of poetry in Newport-Mesa is appreciated.

However, although I participated in the reading for two years running,

I chose not to this year for the following reason: the focus of the event

is not to celebrate our own local poetry talent but merely asks our local

writers to present the work of other, more “established” poets. That

makes us simply “talking heads” on others’ works.

Meanwhile, there is enormous poetic talent throught Orange County. Why

not let the locals present their own writings?

In short, the focus for this event is all wrong.

LEE MALLORY

Performace poet and English professor

Newport Bbeach