Daniel Mendoza, Chapter Project Coordinator, welcomed GRAMMY U members at the entrance to the Greek Theater in Los Angeles for a GRAMMY SoundChecks with Chris Botti on July 9.
Attendees gathered front and center as Botti and his band rehearsed. After a few songs, Botti joined the GRAMMY U members for a question-and-answer session. Botti opened the conversation with a summary of his musical background and the beginning of his professional music career. He spoke of music as a constant learning experience, and advised students to practice continuously. Botti encouraged students to stay positive on the journey from unknown artist to successful musician, and to stay ambitious and true to the love of music.
One member asked, "What is your advice to those of us who want to learn an instrument and are starting out late in life?" Botti replied that it is never too late to become a musician, as long as you practice your instrument everyday.
At the end of the soundcheck, each GRAMMY U member received a free ticket to Botti's concert, which included special appearances by GRAMMY-winning artist John Mayer and Chapter Secretary Sy Smith, among others.