Anita Brown: Guestbook
Cathy Harary
November 9, 2011
Anita -
Finally listened to Stand and saw the video on the standsymphony.com site. I'm so sorry I couldn't make it that day but it was great to hear the whole piece and see the drill team. I thought the music was so evocative of that day and all that followed. Great solos and a terrific performance overall. Congratulations!
Howard and Kitty Doughty
September 11, 2011
Thank you for the wonderful Program in Nyack yesterday. We attended at the urging of our son, Brian. Your mentorship of Brian in his High School years helped save his life and we are eternally grateful to you. He and his family(wife and 2 year old daughter) now live in Cinncinati. God Bless !!!
Mary Jo
September 8, 2011
Hi Anita..wanted to wish you the best of luck on Saturday..luv u and miss u..always mary jo xo
gooba
September 7, 2011
hey juanita , its nice to see your name in lights . keep on jazzing . love ya babe .guess who?.
Jimmy K
July 17, 2011
Hey..............just to let you know I can read.:) Just saying....... Hey
Bud McCormick
May 4, 2011
It was nice to meet you today.
Bud McCormick - Jackson Memorial
Laura Tatro
March 20, 2011
Anita,
It's been a long road trip! I wish you the best with all your future rides AND the best is yet to come. Love you B!
Erik Dunton
March 13, 2011
please add me to your mailing list.
DJ!
March 3, 2011
i was just checking out your youtube page and this website and i loved everything. I subscribed to your youtube account, and i will check for new videos there and on this page.
Jeff Morgan
February 26, 2011
As a Vietnam Veteran I want to thank you for what you are doing in remembrance of 911! Once again "Thank You"
Faith OHan
February 3, 2011
Hi Anita,
Nice reconnecting with you on Facebook. You were the best music teacher I ever had -- of course I took it all for granted at the time. You know what they say about youth -- wasted on the young. You really were (and still are) so young at heart and generous with your self and your time. When I was younger, I just didn't understand how talented you were because I didn't know enough about music. But I still remember so many of the things you put together, and the arrangements. I especially remember Lenny Kravitz "Let Love Rule". . .you put so much energy into all you did, it really made it special for everyone.
Recently I was in a psychiatric hospital in Boston and one of the clinicians there was running a music group. I told him about one of the activities you did with us in Middle School -- having us draw on paper how different pieces of music made us feel. In particular, I remember "Rite of Spring". . .I kept the drawing I did for a long time. Anyway, they tried it at the hospital and everyone loved it. Everything we do touches more people than we know. Especially people like YOU who reach out to others so much and are so warm and loving. Good luck with all your projects. If anyone deserves all the support they can get, financial or otherwise -- it's you.
Thanks so much for the great memories! ~ Faith
mark neuman
December 27, 2010
checking out your page listening to some tunes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! love it anita!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Carol Buchanan
December 23, 2010
Loved the new lyrics as told by the men and women serving our country. I am proud of all that you do.
Jamie Dion
December 21, 2010
12 days of x-mas was outstanding and did make me smile....I am so glad to reconnect with you after so many years.
Jamie
Cpl Green
December 18, 2010
I loved your 12 days of Christmas! Highly motivating stuff yaunnastanat? Keep up the great work!
JEANNIE
December 18, 2010
LOVED THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS, PASSED IT ON
MSgt Scott McClellan USMC Ret
December 18, 2010
Outstanding version of the 12 days of Christmas. Thank you very much!
Mario
December 17, 2010
Enjoyed your rendition of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" with Marine lyrics. Thank You for caring enough to help us smile.
SEMPER FI! 88-92
David Phillips
December 17, 2010
Liked the 12 days of Christmas Anita! Good to go!!
Corey Owen
December 17, 2010
I was a former C Co Corpsman and served with Morris Ravich. I'm glad he sent you the lyrics, I really enjoyed the video. It brought back some good memories
Susan Katz Keating
December 17, 2010
LOVE that 12 Days of Chrissy! Mwaahahahaa.... and it clearly is an act of love. Thank you for YOUR support of our troops.
Class K-LD
December 8, 2010
Thank you for visiting our school. We liked when we got to sing and compose. We loved hearing your instruments. We liked hearing your trumpet. We also love your website and youtube videos. We think your music is great and we think you super-talented. Come visit us again, soon!
Jimmy The K Krantz
September 21, 2010
I be here again....... now i need to go box up a Quincy Jones album to loan to Harry Condon...... Keep Smiling
Kari Musil
September 18, 2010
Hi Anita,
I'm a HS band director and saxophonist living in St.Paul, MN. I know you are probably very busy, but I would love it if you would listen to my big band compositions at http://www.myspace.com/kariirenemusil, and give me some professional feedback. Thank you so much! Kari
Sgt. C.P. Hart
August 31, 2010
Met you on facebook, and loved your jazz videos!
Jim Krantz
August 22, 2010
I stopped by and listened....... Impressed!!!!!!totally!!
George Greene
July 31, 2010
Beautiful!!
MAJOR NEPENTHE
Words & Music by Anita Brown
It was plain as day to see (though surprisingly) smiles for me
And we laughed through the night, maybe ‘til three.
What he did not see is that it was meant to be
A sparkling fancy naturally.
An unlikely pair, for sure. Fascinatingly, seems so pure.
He was staunch military, such a Marine.
He lives ev’ry moment like he was seventeen,
His fav’rite toys is all he needs.
Release
He is proudly in command of his C-H Fifty Three.
Just complete the mission: please be good to me.
Oh, with his trident of prowess, wit and charm;
Noble “Alpha Librae,” Sempre Fi!
Refrain
Major Nepenthe, won’t you take me away from the pain, Sir?
Not even you can hold it back.
Major Nepenthe, oh please show me the way to your heart, Sir,
Like only you can take me there,
You can take me there, you can take me there.
Verse
And oh, what a friend to have as a champion ‘til the end,
As he lives just to serve, to protect and play,
With a dash of whimsy, frolic and modesty
A boy turned man so valiantly.
Although ev’ry now and then a little amorous, he pretends
To be not really watching carefully.
An unflinching, skillful, spirited, grand, White Steed,
The shining pride of USMC.
Mrs. Gayle Leonardelli
July 25, 2010
OUTSTANDING ANITA!! I am honoured to have met you. Absolutely beautiful music! From your new USMC Widow friend in Canada :)
Anita
July 23, 2010
Sir! Yes, SIR! :-) Thanks Cpl Sly!!
Cpl Sly
July 23, 2010
Good Jam eh!
Napalm!
Anita Brown
July 18, 2010
Thanks to everyone who listened to "Major Nepenthe" and took the time to sign the guest book. In particular thanks to my new friends from the Marine Corps Official Page on Facebook! :-) Oorah! And Don, the answer to your query lies in the back story posted on the music page. Click on the title. :-) Semper Fi.
Don Freshour
July 18, 2010
I like this... Great lyics, can't wait to hear it with the horns! Now what's his real name... He may have given me and my bubs a lift...
Ramona Mcleod
July 16, 2010
How absolutely, beautiful, Anita. The composition was very captivating, and I enjoyed listening.
I'm honored to meet such a talent as yourself.
Judy Tanch Bonaiuto
July 1, 2010
You are awesome sista!!!
John Sinibaldi
June 22, 2010
Keep up the great work! xoxoxo
Bob Cammett
June 18, 2010
Bravo Anita.
bonora
June 17, 2010
hey Anita!! Great tune. thanks for posting. Hope the birthday was good.
Michelle & Tate
June 17, 2010
Great tune AND lyrics B!
Love ya,
M & T
Robyn Huck
June 17, 2010
Hear a new tune, learn a new word. Nepenthe is an excellent word. Tune's not bad either ;)
Belinda Parker
June 17, 2010
I love you!!
Mike Hackett
June 17, 2010
Hey Anita! Sounds great! MH
Viv
June 16, 2010
Loved Major Nepenthe!
Kyle Madsen
June 15, 2010
I think that may be the first jazz-helicopter tune I have ever heard. Stellar work as always Anita. COME TO CHICAGO SOOOOOOOON
Mark Patterson
June 7, 2010
Nice track, Anita. You sound inspired!
Bob Brown
June 6, 2010
I liked it Anita
Jann
June 6, 2010
'Major Nepenthe' is a fabulous, fabulous, *fabulous* tune! Love it!
Kirk Garrison
June 5, 2010
Cool tune! Clever lyrics. I look forward to hearing the final product.
kathy rende
May 13, 2010
I play lead tenor in an all-women big band in Maine. I'm very interested in women jazz musicians, especially composers. We have had one piece written for us by a woman, and we are currently working with an arranger, but he happens to be a man. Another exciting experience was having Toshiko Akyoshi work with us! I'd love to have your opinion on our band. Please visit our website www.edithjonesproject.com
Jake
December 7, 2009
It's the guy from the West Village bar! Sorry, like many a man before me, my alcohol consumption is affecting my writing skills. I should sign off before I embarass myself. Sadly, I am no Poe. I'll see you at Village Vanguard next Monday??.
Nice to meet you,
Jake (Klein, that is)
Martin Fowler
December 6, 2009
I for 1 read your blog,Anita.
ZACH STRUHL
November 24, 2009
I HAD A AWSOME CONCERT. THANKS FOR COMING!
Scott Anderson
October 25, 2009
Hi Anita,I was on classmates at Andover High and remembered you and Salisbury beach like it was yesterday.I also remembered all the instruments your family had at the house in Andover.Love to hear from you.Scott Anderson
Michael Fioretti
September 2, 2009
Great meeting you at the blues night, imagine how much I learned about baseball pitchers. I like "Shifting Tides of Montauk". Hope we meet again next time your visiting Steve.
Best wishes
Michelle Schreckengost & Laura Tatro
August 28, 2009
Anita, We most definitely agree with Charlie...you have the soul of a poet as well as a musician! After reading your blog, we just had to respond to the "retraction" of visuals. For what reason would someone do this? You talk about the reasons in your blog because you are your own "Devil's Advocate", and we highly respect that you always see "the other side" to every story.... you are a good soul and they are very lucky to have ever even known you. BUT, what does this person think??!! Does this person think that it is strictly the pictures that inspire you to write such breathtakingly beautiful music?? What an arrogant, self-absorbed person this must be! We love your music, your lyrics, your blog and your soul.......keep movin' on Anita....you were amazing before him, amazing during him & even more amazing after him!
d. Winseman
August 27, 2009
L
-
I see you!
laura torres
August 26, 2009
i just checked your blog and it´s awesome, when you are talking about chac mool you describe in a very exact way how it looks underwater, i have been in chacmool a several times and your description of this is so close to the reality. Congrats! I need to use this for our dive shop blog, can i use it?
Mo "Reese" Taylor...Trombonist from Upstate NY
August 25, 2009
I have been looking around here for a while...Finally got around to signing the guestbook. You got a lot of very nice things going on Anita!! And some cool friends too!! Tony K, Bruce I..ect. Hope to meet and talk to you soon!!
Denise D'Angelo Jones
August 24, 2009
Hey Anita,
Wanted to check out your blog. Looking for a good book on notation because I have been told by many musicians who have been tortured by my original charts (on more than one occasion) that my notation chops suck. (Usually bass players and drummers.) I always seem to write roadmaps that take people to Mars via the NJ Turnpike when writing a Coda. I'd love to take one of your workshops, but live kind of far (Georgia.) Got any suggestions?
Charlie Jennison
August 24, 2009
Anita - you most definitely have the soul of a poet as well as a musician. Your description of the art work inspiring your latest project is absolutely delicious! Can't wait to hear the music!
A big fan always - Charlie Jennison
Bob Cammett
August 24, 2009
Very impressive. I will take a look around.
Andrew Dark
August 24, 2009
Where can I send monies?
Richard J. Flanagan
August 22, 2009
Yes, quite impressive.
David Manley
August 17, 2009
Hey you rock!! nice site ! later
LAURA
July 20, 2009
hoping to catch you at jazz week tomorrow night in the square!..Laura
Tara Linehan - Kindergarten Teacher - Rye Neck
May 2, 2009
My six year old daughter began piano lessons with Anita in September. I am amazed at the progress she has made in a few short months. Anita's instruction is structured, purposeful, and age appropriate. The materiails she uses are easy to follow and encourage meaningful practice time at home. In addition to teaching fundamaentals of music, she is instilling a certain discipline necessary to be successful in learning. What I love most about Anita, however, is she encourages my daughter to reach beyond the sheet music and compose! To date, my six year old daughter has composed three original pieces which she is extremely proud of. Anita inspired the musician in my daughter and for that we are extremely grateful. We highly recommend Anita Brown!
Chuck Donches
April 27, 2009
Wow! What a performance at Trumpets last night! Man, those charts are rockin'! What a band!!! So where's the next gig?
Only one complaint; who do you think you are changing the key of "Dig It"? You have some nerve messin' with Poppa's bag. Next time, I expect to hear it played the right way.
Martin Fowler
April 22, 2009
Anita. Im glad to have met you! Salisbury Beach? Go figure? Beauty and Brains!! But 1 question? Can you cook? LOL.
Michelle Schreckengost & Laura Tatro
February 16, 2009
Hi Anita, great website! I keep telling Tate we should go to NY to see you all perform....one of these days! I know she misses you! Nice to meet you...via phone anyways ( : Have a great day!
Peter Kostakis
February 15, 2009
I have to tell you this. I was your student for two years, and there were several moments that really were important in my my experience with music. You are the reason for my love for Jazz. You are also the reason for my love for Tower of Power. :) Seriously, I had taken private drum lessons for several years before meeting you. Nothing clicked really until 9th grade. You were like the breath of fresh air. Your passion rubbed off on me for sure. You put on Max and Dizzy doing Salt Peanuts, and then I just turned into this crazy person looking to learn about improvising and swinging and chops. The next year with Tower of Power, I just thought those were the coolest beats in the world. I still remember being impressed with the care you took to show us how to be musical with all the percussion instruments. We weren't just dirty drummers. You expected us to be musical. We learned about latin percussion and we learned to appreciate that the triangle wasn't just some stupid little thing that anybody could just pick right up and play while sleeping. HA! So THANKS for that passion that you shared and I was able to receive. It has fueled me to continue doing my homework 17 years later on the drum set. I haven't ventured to any other kinds of percussion, but there's enough work to be done on the kit for now. It's been a wonderful hobby and therapy.
Thanks, Anita!!!
Lisa LeMay
February 13, 2009
Great to hook up with a fellow UNHer. Give me a holler any time you're in the NJCU neighborhood.
Bryce N.
February 8, 2009
Just over a year ago you came to Las Vegas to do a workshop, and to work with my band in a recording session. Your love of music and of performance gave me the inspiration to practice and grow as a musician.
Thank You!!!
Jordan Miller
February 5, 2009
You are a great music teacher.
Thank you.
Steve Doyle (Jr)
January 29, 2009
Damn I'm old. Read over the whole site and one, its looks like you're doing awsome and two you look really good and HAPPY! It seems like yesterday we sat in front of the school board and told them to go shove it. Anyway, Anita (Mom) I'm really happy for you! we need to hook up soon.
"Doyle"
david edmondson
January 19, 2009
anita just to say your music is absolutely superb and a great credit to the business
on the day of barack obamas inauguration it says wonders that your music has also created a change in thinking
so best regards d v e KENDAL CUMBRIA ENGLAND UK
Mary Jo Papich
December 28, 2008
ANita...WOW...am I impressed with all that you have done and are doing! YOU are the consummate educator/artist my dear!!!!
Proud to have you join the Jazz Education Network and I look forward to meeting you soon. You are a role model for all of us.
MJ Papich
Pres.
JEN
Kari and Thelma clementi
October 10, 2008
Hi Anita. Mom and I are checking out your site. We'd love to hear from you! If you get to Andover Mom and Dad always welcome you for a visit and have plenty of extra rooms for an overnite visit!! If you get to Sheboygan Wisconsin......we have extra rooms to! So come vist anytime!!
How are Mom and Dad and Jeffrey?? We are all fine. Dana is divorced and has 4 children now. She's in Ohio on the Kentucky border. She's in nursing school with her daughter Sara.
I am married and live in Wisconsin with my hubby and 3 almost grown kids.
Dad recently had tripple bypass surgery and is home recovering and Scott and I am here visiting for a week.
Well, Mom and I put our emails addresses into your site.
Hope we can touch base.
Love,
Kari and Thelma
steve finkelstein
July 30, 2008
anita-
what a pleasure checkin out your band last night at cachaca. your music is thick and juicy, layered, deep, serious, and demanding. you've definitely got your own voice. being a nature boy, i especcially loved the "waves" at the end of 27 east...and the way you conducted them...very realistic.
you write with great use of dynamics- what a pleasure it must be to have a band that can actually PLAY those dynamics!
great show- brava!!!
Rebecca
July 16, 2008
Congrats on recent press!
Pat Sullivan
July 3, 2008
Hi, Anita,
It was a pleasure meeting you this past weekend at David and Jackie's wedding. I'm enjoying reading all about you! I've not had time to listen to the music yet, but will log on later tonight or tomorrow. I look forward to listening!! Will email you again soon.
Take care,
Pat (David's aunt)
Kostroff Family
June 19, 2008
Anita has been teaching our daughter Piano for 3 years, and Clarinet for 1. She looks forward to Tuesday's and her lesson and her conversations with Anita. She has always loved music, but Anita brings in out in her. Anita make her work, and she makes sure she takes it seriously, which I think makes Anita a good teacher. We look forward to another year starting in September.
Alex Gittelman
June 16, 2008
Hey Anita! I really enjoyed your master class. I feel like I learned a lot about being a musician as well as ideas for composing. I can't wait for the next class and to get into more of your music and new thoughts on writing music. Also, the Vanguard trip afterwards was an incredible experience! I'm glad that we were able to hear your piece performed...Oatts' solo was ridiculous and it was a great work of art. Can't wait for the next master class! I'll probably see you tonight at the Vanguard.
Marsha Bowe
June 7, 2008
Hi Anita!
I just wanted to let you know that I REALLY enjoyed the lesson/lecture session this past Monday! It definitely helped me as an aspiring writer to really dig into your own original (and very eclectic!) tunes and observe your techniques, transitions, musicality, etc. etc. I've been working your assignment with a huge sense of clarity this week. Not only that, but on the drive back home to Philadelphia, Alex and I talked about how your teaching us "composition" makes sense-- it's creative AND methodical...
We are looking forward to more sessions in the future for sure... I'd recommend them to everyone :). I hope others join next time if they're not on summer vacation!
P.S. It was also definitely an honor to be present at the Vanguard on Monday when they performed your piece written for Oatts to play. I think everyone also definitely felt the spirit of Dennis Irwin in the room. It was great to see one of my teachers conducting it and the other teachers playing it. Definitely surreal. I'm definitely blessed to be able to study with you guys.
Thanks again for everything this week, see you next lesson! :)
~Marsha
Matthew Makuch
June 4, 2008
Hi Anita, I think your music really great. What is your favorite song that you made?
Curt Jacques
May 28, 2008
Does "the little farm boy from Vermont next door on Gemini Circle mean anything to you?...................... Can't belive I stumbled across your website! What an accomplishment you have become! I have listened to a few of your clips and WOW! ...................
Curt
Anita Brown
May 11, 2008
Timmy,
You are such a sweetheart! Thanks for chiming in on that one!
Perhaps what we could say to Jack is, "1...2...3...WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!"
LOL
--AB
Tim Horner
May 11, 2008
Well Anita Brown ,
All I can say about this cat Jack that says your writing is boring him to sleep is for Jack to go ahead and sleep . That's right , just sleep while the rest of us dig the music and enjoy what life and great musicians like Anita have to offer .
My dear , keep writing your beautiful music . I love it and you . Peace and Thank You so Much for You !!!
Timmy
Anita Brown
May 1, 2008
Please send communications regarding NJ IAJE State Jazz Band Finals via e-mail to jlesser@njiaje.org. Comments regarding same made to this guestbook will be deleted. Your comments will be answered as swiftly as possible.
Thank you.
Anita Brown
Anita Brown
April 28, 2008
Dear Jack,
Thank you for your feedback. I am happy that you got some rest while listening to my sound clips.
In fact, I am not trying to "take music in another direction." I aspire only to express myself in my chosen genre. Some will like it, some will not know enough to understand it. This was also the case with Stravinsky, so your comment reminds me that I'm in good company. Thank you!
If you do not like my music, I would prefer you not listen to it, as I wouldn't want to do anything to make you unhappy.
Your response is, however, fascinating. As you can see from the other comments on my guestbook, there is a multitude that does not share your opinion.
I wish you the best of luck in composing and producing your music for jazz orchestra. When your clips are up please let me know.
All the best,
Anita Brown
Jack McNeal
April 28, 2008
Anita- Your music is very boring. I fell asleep while listening to your MP3 files. I understand that you are trying to take jazz into a new direction, but for the sake of the jazz, please turn back!
LauRha
March 23, 2008
Beautiful Site Beautiful Woman....
Beautiful Maker of Magic!!! Thank God for souls like you!!!! Love Rha
aisha ahmad
March 21, 2008
hi miss brown its me aisha ahmad from last year i miss you so much umm if you dont remember i helped you with ur voice at the end oof the year and i have a sqeaky voice miss you
Joyce Lyons
January 25, 2008
Anita,
It was a great meeting you at the Nola party on Monday night. Loved your music as well!
Would love to chat more as you mentioned you were looking for a mezzo for that arrangement!
(Home) 860 927 4666
(Cell) 917 282 9438
All the best,
Joyce Lyons
Tom Bowes
January 10, 2008
'Nita Brown... YOU are GOOD!
Darren Denman
January 10, 2008
You are one of my favorite composers of all time. Next to Debussy, Gil Evans, and Frank Zappa. Never stop writing and put a new cd as soon as you can! Thanks for all of your help with college.
Darren
George Brown
January 8, 2008
Anita,
I finally got around to looking at your entire web site. Very Impressive!!
Hope you have enjoyed your college teaching experience the past year. Colleges need teachers with real world experiences. You certainly have them.
Best wishes for a Happy and musical New Year. Look forward to seeing you again in the near future.
George Ann
Ann St. Cyr
January 5, 2008
Thanks I listened to the mp3 player. /////very nice
Rae-Ann Murphy
January 2, 2008
Hi Anita!!!
I just wanted to say thank you for coming out to Vegas and putting the inspiration towards music back in me.
We played together at the LVA Jazz Winter concert, and Jo Belle sang your tune. I was the bari player infatuated with you, your composing, and everything you had to say. I felt that I learned a great deal from you, and in playing with you conducting I feel that I grew as a player.
So thank you!
brian kinder
December 4, 2007
Jack Goodwin gave me your web site I have been a fan ofv your fathers for many many years and now there is a new release to obtain and your site to nog onto Saturnally Brian Kinder
Gene Weed
November 28, 2007
Wonderful works. Keep the Big Bands alive Anita
Arvin Levine
November 20, 2007
Met at Fairlawn Band -- Trumpet
Just saying hi!
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