Jazz student lives for music

HARMONY- Lindero Canyon Middle School eighthgrader Scott Lamm, who plays tenor saxophone, received the Outstanding Saxophonist Award at the Reno Jazz Festival in April. With Scott is Lindero Canyon's band director, Matt McKagen, who recently won the Mr. Holland's Opus Award. See story on page 18A. JANN HENDRY Acorn Newspapers

When you reach eighthgrade student Scott Lamm on his cellphone, the recorded message invites you to enjoy the classical music while waiting for Scott to answer the call.

It's all about music for Scott, who is enjoying his final year at Lindero Canyon Middle School in Agoura Hills.

Scott plays tenor saxophone at the school and competed in the Reno Jazz Festival during the last weekend of April. He captured the Outstanding Saxophonist Award for the middle school category- and he's only been playing the sax for three years.

"It's huge," said Matt McKagen, Lindero's band director.

Scott's affinity for music is based on natural talent helped along by McKagen, who Scott credits for helping him perform at a higher level and deliver the award-winning performance.

Before turning his musical aspirations to the saxophone, Scott played classical piano for many years. He now wants to try his hand at the clarinet.

Scott credits McKagen for his success. "He makes us put our egos aside and focus on the music- that's it," Scott said. "We have a whole bunch of talented kids at school."

Scott envisions his life beyond school as a professional jazz musician- a performer and composer.

In the meantime, Scott leads a balanced life of sports, keeping up his grades. "My grades are really good," he said of his 4.0 grade point average.

"The band program (at Lindero) is really good," he said. "We have a whole bunch of talented kids at Lindero."

- - Stephanie Bertholdo