LOOP
IN THE
C O N T I N U E D
GRAMMY-WINNING JAZZ MUSICIAN TEACHING NEXT GENERATION AT AREA HIGH SCHOOL
How many middle and high school musicians can say they ’ re learning each day from a multi- Grammy-winning jazz musician ? It ’ s an everyday occurrence at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School , where nationally known saxophonist Eric DeFade invests in the next generation of young musicians .
DeFade has played on two Grammyaward-winning projects and won an Emmy for his work on the music special “ Live From Studio A .” In the fall of 2012 , he was inducted into the Pittsburgh Jazz Hall of Fame .
For the past 10 years DeFade has been a featured performer for the “ My Music ” series on PBS . This program is internationally broadcast and has featured such artists as Patti LaBelle , Isaac Hayes , The Temptations , Robert Goulet , Wild Cherry , The Platters , and The Commodores among others .
DeFade has also played with music greats Rosemary Clooney , Josh Groban , the New York Voices , Gary Burton , John Scofield , Dave Liebman , Ahmad Jamal , and Benny Golson , and has toured internationally with The Artie Shaw Band and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra .
He appeared on “ The Oprah Winfrey Show ” as well , accompanying legendary jazz vocalist Nancy Wilson .
DeFade has worked at Lincoln Park since 2008 . One of his current students , Caroline Clow , reflects on the opportunity to study with him .
“ Patient , encouraging , and generous in giving out the tips and tricks of the trade ... he has never been stumped with a question from me or the other students ,” she said .
“ There is a certain comfort and a ton of bragging rights that come with the knowledge that your private instructor has won multiple Grammys . There are not many times in a student ’ s life when you can say you were taught by someone whose talent is sought out by famous musicians .”
“ I realized at a certain point in my career that I was equally excited by the success of my students as I was with my own success ,” said DeFade .
“ Over the years I have enjoyed watching Lincoln Park students receive scholarships , and go on to have professional careers . I will always remember the first time I played with a former Lincoln Park student in a professional environment . We had an amazing time .”
U . S . STEEL AWARDS $ 30,000 GRANT TO BOOST BIDWELL TRAINING CENTER ’ S CHEM LAB TECH PROGRAM
To help fill the growing number of chemical laboratory technician jobs in Western Pennsylvania , Bidwell Training Center ( BTC ) has received a $ 30,000 community engagement grant from United States Steel Corporation ( U . S . Steel ) to support and expand BTC ’ s Chemical Lab Tech career training program .
The U . S . Department of Labor projects that more than 7,000 new chemical laboratory technicians will be needed each year in order to meet industry demand .
BTC ’ s 11-month Chem Lab Tech program provides the core training in math , chemistry , and safety that students need in order to complete an on-site externship with regional employer partners , earn their associate degree in Specialized Technology , and start their new careers as chem lab technicians in R & D , quality control , or product testing .
“ We are extremely grateful for U . S . Steel ’ s investment in the future of our region ’ s workforce , and their leadership in demonstrating new and valuable ways for the area ’ s employers and training programs to work together ,” said Dr . Kimberly Rassau , vice president of Bidwell Training Center .
“ This grant will help us build a larger talent pipeline so more students can take advantage of our tuition-free training and find rewarding careers in the fast-growing field of chemical lab tech .”
“ This investment is crucial for creating real economic impact for our region , and for the future of U . S . Steel ,” said David Williams , research manager for U . S . Steel . “ This grant will enable us to develop a skilled and diverse workforce for the continued success of our Research and Technology Center and Mon Valley Works facilities .”
“ The graduates from our Chem Lab Tech program become deeply invested in the work they do , because they know they ’ re investing their knowledge and experience in making the products that people use every day safer , more effective , and more environmentally sustainable ,” said Kelly Weiler , Chemical Lab Tech program director at Bidwell Training Center .
U . S . Steel currently employs six fulltime chem lab technicians who are BTC graduates . The company ’ s interest in supporting BTC ’ s training programs is based on a desire to increase general career opportunities for all Western Pennsylvanians as well as a strategic need to attract more local talent to a chemical laboratory technician career .
FREE TAX RETURN ASSISTANCE BY VITA
Assistance with tax return preparation will be offered by VITA at The Bible Chapel , located at 300 Gallery Drive in McMurray , Feb . 3 through April 10 ( Monday through Thursday ) from 8 a . m . until 1 p . m .
No appointments — help is first-come , first-served . No new returns will be started after 1 p . m .
Attendees must bring : last year ’ s tax return ; ID for self and spouse ; Social Security numbers and birth dates for self , spouse and dependents ; all W-2 and 1099 tax documents ( including Social Security 1099 ), 1095 health care statements ; and property tax receipts . Both spouses must sign joint returns .
Federal , state , and local tax and property tax / rent rebate forms can be prepared . Questions ? Call the IRS at 800.829.1040 . Online , search “ VITA ” or the IRS site or go to swpavita . com . Please do not contact The Bible Chapel . n
34 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | icmags . com