[We need] someone like Don Sickler, who is an amazing trumpet player and who is also a publisher and amazing producer and composer and arranger. There's a lot of ways you can make a contribution.

Alan [Ferber] is a great trombonist and composer. I'm thankful that I got some associations like that through peers and former students. That's kind of what it is.

Sense of community was really fostered by Larry Laurenzano, who was a great educator.

Phil [Wood] was known for having a little bit of a gruff manner, but he was all heart.

Your optimism today will determine your level of success tomorrow.

I love to see people recognized [me on scene].

The only person who can limit your possibilities is you.