Final Note

Ron Matus: … One day, the band meekly begins what should be a raging funk jam, Jungle Boogie. Mr. T tells the baritone sax player, "You got to be angry." He scrunches his face in mock fury as he bobs to the beat.

"Angry at somebody?" Mr. T shouts over the music. The boy laughs and shakes his head.

"Angry at your mom?" Another shake.

"Angry at Nazis?"

This time the boy nods and dives into the riff.

The kids still talk about the time, about a month ago, when they were working on Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. It's a tough piece for middle schoolers. Slow. Emotional. Mr. T told them some listeners would be moved because they would associate their faith with the music. Others would be transfixed…