30 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS FEBRUARY/MARCH 2026 Aquarius Jan. 20 - Feb. 18 You’re always thinking about the party. Make sure your guests are all given the correct amount of attention at whatever social event you’ve arranged. But give yourself a chance to enjoy some quiet time with someone extra special. Pisces Feb. 19 - March 20 Making a di erence in the lives of others is important to you. Try to nd a way to accomplish this goal. You might try volunteering or donating to others. At the very least, you can o er some help to a friend in need. Make it count. Aries March 21 - April 19 It’s time to enjoy your own home for a change. Life has been hectic, but sticking close to the old homestead can provide you with some rest and relaxation, as well as give you some good chances to improve the family dynamics. Taurus April 20 - May 20 Well, your brain is on re now. You have tons of ideas that need to be sorted out. If you have an important project in the works, your answers will appear. Are you writing a book? at plot becomes clear to you. Enjoy this ood of creativity. Gemini May 21 - June 21 You are feeling the need to connect. Arranging a get-together with friends and family can provide you with some opportunities to spend time with those close to you. Everyone has been way too busy lately. Give yourself plenty of hours together. Cancer June 22 - July 22 Try putting yourself rst now. Sure, you have been busy nurturing others, but turn your attention inward for a change. Do something for yourself, even if it feels silly. Go to a movie, get a manicure, listen to a podcast, just concentrate on yourself! Leo July 23 - Aug. 22 You always enjoy being the star of the show, and an excellent way to shine is in the glow of others. If you are working with a group that becomes successful, you will gain compliments and attention as the leader. Make sure to share the rewards with all. Virgo Aug. 23 - Sept. 22 You generally like to be positive, but you may be tested now. You will have to deal with some folks who carry negativity around daily. Dealing with these naysayers will test your will to remain positive about anything! Libra Sept. 23 - Oct. 22 You love meeting new people and are the leader of networking. But now would be a good time to pay attention to your core group of friends and co-workers. ese people are most important in your life and deserve thanks and consideration. Scorpio Oct. 23 - Nov. 21 You’ve been on the move for sure, but the home res are beckoning. Getting to your own place will be so comforting. You may have some hardships in getting back there, but once you do, just settle in and get back to the routine you love. Sagittarius Nov. 22 - Dec. 21 Goodness, you’ve been through a lot lately. It might seem unlikely that you will concentrate on the a rmative, but it is important to you now. All your future choices depend upon you having the absolute best attitude. Carry on! Capricorn Dec. 22 - Jan. 19 Everyone needs a helping hand some of the time—and your time is here. You will de nitely need the assistance of others. Once you make the request, you may be surprised at the responses. Old friends come through big-time and become even more important to you. CASHMIRA’S STARGUIDE Reviewed by Darcy Peters Author Sam Quinones has written extensively about the drug epidemic, but in this new book, he places his attention in a much more positive vein. He says, “… now I wanted to write about people who were cultivating their talents, not stunting them, people devoted to nding ful llment in what they created for themselves and with others, not from a product they bought.” ese stories about the humble tuba will surprise the reader with positivity and inclusiveness badly needed in the current times. Tubas? No one ever got rich or famous playing the tuba. Who knew that unpretentious instrument would deserve such attention? Quinones’ interest was sparked when he was researching stories on drugs in Los Angeles because he noticed tubas being so popular during in-house and backyard parties. He started interviewing tuba players, and found people concerned about developing a skill strictly for the love of it. Quinones writes that few people actually choose the tuba. When kids are selecting their beginning instruments, tubas generally come last. e tuba is o en for youngsters who don’t have money for private lessons. Any discussion of tubas automatically leads to the topic of school bands. Tubas in the band are a standard part of bands marching in parades and especially at athletic competitions. Tuba players also showed the author “the connection between what kids learn playing the tuba and what they learn in band: focus, patience, perseverance and sacri ce, all through working with others, yet without so much of the glory, and perhaps without the privilege, accorded to athletes.” Interestingly, there are a couple of “perfect tubas,” which are currently owned by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. ese not quite twin instruments were made in the 1930s by York Band Instrument Co. in Grand Rapids, Michigan. “To be even in the same room with them is a big deal, let alone touch them or play them,” says Mike Roylance, principal tubist for the Boston Symphony. He has played “The Yorks.” “If there was an instrument that could understand what you want to do before you know what you want to do, this is the instrument,” he marvels. ese perfect tubas have inspired many to attempt to copy them exactly. So far, no one has been completely successful in building a tuba able to make that deep resonant sound. Quinones discusses the history behind several band directors and music teachers. Folks with incredible dedication have been able to make huge contributions for their students. Band supports people of limited means and some of the more famous school bands in Texas work with non-English speakers. All their hard work has earned prizes and accolades, as well as individual bene ts to the students. Al Cortinas, for example, created a teaching system for his high school marching band, and many of the kids were migrant workers who eventually became college graduates. Cortinas was even more inspired to teach and train his students once the drug cartels became plentiful in the area. Enjoy reading these stories about people making positive moves all because of the not so modest tuba. “The Perfect Tuba” By Sam Quinones Bloomsbury Publishing 2025 • 384 pages BOOK REVIEW
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