Published in the July 18 – July 31, 2018 issue of Morgan Hill Life

Photo courtesy Greg Chambers
Sobrato High School and Martin Murphy Middle School Director of Bands Greg Chambers will host a fundraiser July 20 at the Granada to benefit bands at both schools.

Music in the schools to me is one of the most important things for a child to be exposed to. Physical Education classes are important in a child’s development and health, but how many kids can use those skills throughout their lives? Once you learn music, you have it with you forever and there are no limits how far you can take it.

In 2015 Greg Chamber began teaching music at Sobrato High School and Martin Murphy Middle School. Most parents of those schools and students know him as the band director but many do not know that Greg’s music can be heard nationally on Sirius XM Watercolors (Channel 66), the Music Choice channels of most cable providers and terrestrial radio’s smooth jazz channels everywhere.

The single “In The Moment” from Greg’s last album “Can’t Help Myself” peaked at #28 on the Billboard Jazz Chart the same year he started teaching at Sobrato and Martin Murphy. His newest album “A New Day” has just been released and in celebration Greg and the Sobrato Murphy Music Association (SMMA) are co-hosting a CD Release Party July 20 at the Granada theater as a fundraiser for the band programs of both schools.

Greg’s latest project “A New Day” was produced and mixed by two-time Grammy Award Winner Paul Brown and features a number of world renowned studio musicians. It features 10 original songs ranging from sultry ballads to up-tempo funky and pop grooves.

I had asked Greg to give me some of his own thoughts on the importance of music programs in the schools. Here is his take:

“It is so important that we support the arts and give our kids a well-rounded education. Music gives our students opportunities for personal growth, leadership, expression and creativity that is so vital to discovering who they are and who they want to become. Every day I get to see how music changes kids and am so excited to be able to help contribute.  I’m also glad that students in turn get to see these values and qualities being modeled through my own musical endeavors.”

I encourage you to support this fundraiser. It takes place at 6 p.m., July 20, at the Granada Theater. This event is priced right at just $35 and includes dinner and music. For more information and tickets visit www.sobratomusic.com or www.gregchambersmusic.com.

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Clos LaChance continues to bring great music with their Time For Wine series Thursday evenings and live music throughout the weekends all the way through Labor Day. Guglielmo’s Vines & Vibes series is every 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays with a strong line-up including country music favorites Luv Bomb July 18, The Kaye Bohler Band July 25 and Long Train Runnin’ Aug. 1 just to name a few. Google other wineries for their full summer music line-ups.

Finally, according to Rene Carrillo at GVA, the damage from an upstairs water leak will mean the music/art gallery area will be closed for three to four weeks. The Cafe is still open.

Got a music Tip? Email [email protected].