Jazz ensemble sings in Camp Sherman

Bret Godfrey brought his music students to Camp Sherman on May 3 as he has every year for the past five years. Godfrey, six chaperones and his students all raised funds so Black Butte School students could compete in National History day in 2009.

The Community Center shook with singing, clapping and some loud scat happening.

This year the Jazz Ensemble consisted of 23 singers, 11 guys, 12 girls, a drummer and Godfrey filling the double role of director and piano player. The performers are also members of Corvallis' 60-person concert choir. Most are seniors, so this will be their last year performing for Corvallis High.

Godfrey brings with him his lifelong passion for music handed down to him from his father. It comes as no surprise that he has taught music for 32 years in Corvallis. Godfrey has a home in Camp Sherman and started supporting the school after Tony Foster told him about Black Butte School's needs for the history program.

Every year the music students, who are already committing their time, step up to the plate and contribute gas money for the trip. For some, this was their first visit to Camp Sherman and they all spoke to the crowd about what they enjoyed most about the area. Several nodded when one student mentioned the thick sandwiches from the Camp Sherman Store.

The evening's performance focused on jazz music of the 1930s and '40s along with some a cappella, do-wop, and scat and was highlighted by the William Tell Overture hummed on 23 kazoos. It was a great time to look back and listen to songs like "Just in Time," "Pennies from Heaven," and "I Only Have Eyes For You." Tyler Morse sang Billy Joel's "New York State of Mind," which helped him win the Mr. Spartan Pageant. The evening was interlaced with several solo performances.

This event brings two communities together in a very special way and was also made possible by the volunteers who cleaned the community hall in the morning and the mothers who made desserts for the fund-raiser.