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	<tr><td valign="top"><em>Shabazz (Sha) Ranney was a member of Steckman Studio's Jazz Prep 
Program 
when it first began in 1996.  We contacted Sha, currently in his third 
year 
at Illinois Wesleyan University and working towards a B.A. in Piano 
Performance, and we asked him to reflect on his experiences with the 
Jazz 
Prep Program and how those experiences affected his current pursuits:</em>
<br><br>

The Steckman Studio of Music introduced me to jazz guitar and other 
string 
instruments. I started taking classes in guitar and bass and joined the 
Jazz Prep Program where I learned and practiced weekly with other 
students 
from my area.  I learned a great deal about playing with an ensemble, 
as 
well as learning separate music with Ron (an excellent guitar teacher). 
 Because I did this, I eventually got into the Oak Park River Forest 
High 
School Jazz Band, something that I had aspired to do, but never thought 
I 
could make it.  Jazz Prep practiced regularly and I remember how much I 
looked forward to those sessions with my colleagues.  My skills 
improved 
exponentially while my soloing ability took off - all this because 
Steckman 
opened doors for me.  Although piano is and always has been my first 
love, 
I was able to learn other instruments and participate in a group 
experience; one that is lacking in solo piano performance. I would 
never 
have had the broad range of experiences with multiple instruments if it 
were not for the doors that the folks at Steckman School opened for me. 
  The thing I loved about going to Steckman was there was never any 
stress 
involved.  We just showed up, played with amazing teachers, who were 
actually our mentors and truly cared about young people.  Because we 
weren't hassled about practicing, we actually practiced more because we 
loved to get together and help each other improve, always with the 
guidance 
of our teachers.  Furthermore, my interest in becoming a 
multi-instrumentalist was heightened as I was exposed to a variety of 
instruments and playing styles at Steckman.  That is one of the main 
reasons I chose to major in music, with piano performance, violin and 
composition being my main academic focus.
<br><br>
I can never forget my positive experiences with Steckman because we 
were 
able to play at festivals, libraries, fundraisers and really, really 
nice 
house parties, where we were always the main entertainment.  Just to 
relax 
and play your tunes for people who enjoyed our pieces and came over to 
congratulate us, is a very rewarding experience for teenagers.  It 
makes 
you realize that you can do anything as long as you work hard and 
practice 
regularly. Even more memorable are the people who were in the band with 
me, 
including my brother Zane, who has made incredible strides and improved 
his 
drumming skills since joining Steckman (thanks Andre).  Every gig we 
did 
was fun; there were no exceptions.
<br><br>
Currently, I am a piano performance major at Illinois Wesleyan 
University, 
but continue to perform with jazz groups and enjoy my violin, guitar 
and 
bass.  <br><br>Thanks Steckman!  <br><br>    Sha Ranney 
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