Al Chez is to the Crossman what the skeleton is to the body -- The true spirit of Bones --.  Year after year I have witnessed how the kids unfold , try harder, and feel more self worthy each time Al shows up at the workshops and at performance time.  Al has the magic that brings the imagination and spirit of the kids back into their home at the heart.  Al's amazingly generous, humble, kind, and truly sincere nature is so awesome.   In 2006 every time Al's presence was made it was like to experience a warm and bright sunrise after a long cold storm.  In spite of the fact that he was left without transportation from the airport to where the corps was, or a place to stay after he visited with us, Al took upon himself to show up anyway and give of himself with smiles, hugs, and love  for the benefit of the children  -- I am 60 so I get to call anyone under 30  children because, after all, I love them all so much -- 

Al Chez gives the Crossmen a feeling of success through his personal story and victory.  He is a true row model in EVERY aspect of his life.  As a great artist and as a mentor for all of the young musicians Al Chez keeps the Crossman's Soul alive and defiant through all the challenges the corps have faced over the last few years.

These young musicians give away a full summer of easy living to sacrifice themselves under some of the most challenging conditions -- often as bad or worse than US Army basic training conditions -- to have the opportunity to excel at their passion for the art of music.  Al Chez validates their efforts by appearing and being so accessible to anyone. Al's presence is a living testimony to the Soul of Jazz and the Crossman kids know and feel throu Al's example the reality of what passion and dedication to their music may bring to them as well!

I have witnessed personally  this as a father of a young musician -- Juzeh.   I witnessed my son coming back from a weekend Crossman workshop walking on air and so excited about meeting Al Chez, and feeling important for having been given attention and instructions directly by him.  That weekend carved in his heart a level of commitment and passion so intense that brought him   the Crossman rookie award of the year and respect from his musician peers at home, in college, and in his artistic performing confidence!!!

Artist to artist, father to father, and heart to heart,  thank you from the core of my heart AL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The following is a selection of images