The La Cañada Thursday Club members, who have a long-standing tradition of inviting the Glendale Jazz Band to perform at their clubhouse, recently gave sousaphones to the band and challenged other members to match their donation.
The sousaphone was invented out of need by John Philip Sousa when his marches demanded the bass of a tuba, but it was difficult to march with such a cumbersome instrument. He unwound the brass of the tuba and rewrapped it so it would fit over the body of the marcher with the bell facing forward.
The club members have always been entertained and impressed by Glendale Jazz Band Director Amy Rangel. Not only does her personality meld with the band perfectly, but she has also encouraged many of the students to join the band at an early age despite some of them had never played an instrument before. This experience has been impactful for most of the students in the band.
Additionally, the club members enjoyed getting to know the band after their performance.
The Thursday Club, although it has been in existence for more than 100 years, and although it is one of the oldest women’s clubs in California, it strives and succeeds to keep the club current, entertaining and informative. It also offers bridge, book clubs, Mahjong, evening socials, contemporary interest outings, philanthropy outreach, scholarships, a Debutante Program and much more.
For more information about the Thursday Club, visit lacanadathrusdayclub.org, or contact Jody Platisa at jodyplatisa@gmail.com.
First published in the June 1 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
