At 80, O.C. jazz instructor still has that swing

If Chuck Wackerman's life were set to music, the tune would swing.

Never mind that he's 80.

He's been playing music since he was 10, bebopping to Big Band and jazz rhythms. And for the past 54 years, he's been teaching and inspiring generations of students in North Orange County, gaining accolades for his music program and its young musicians.

When Seal Beach celebrates its 96th Founders Day on Sunday, the guest of honor will be the "legendary" Chuck Wackerman.

"Chuck is an institution," said Matt Johnson, a drummer and member of the music faculty at Fullerton College.

Just ask his former students from the Los Alamitos Unified School District.

"He's such an amazing teacher. I couldn't say enough. I feel such gratitude to him," said Matthew Embree, 31, a guitarist whose progressive rock band RX Bandits has toured around the world and produced several recordings.

Humble. Unassuming. Patient. Persistent. Supportive. Students and colleagues repeatedly refer to Wackerman with these words. - By ROXANA KOPETMAN


http://articles.ocregister.com/2011-09-30/news/30233889_1_chuck-wackerman-jazz-drummer-louie-bellson