How has music contributed to, or become, your community? I came to Juneau about 15 years ago, knowing no one for a thousand miles around. I took a fiddle class (don't ask- my bowing arm doesn't have a clue) that first winter and very soon I knew 50 or so people. Nowadays I rarely attend a party that doesn't involve home-grown music; the combination of music and laughter is a lovely one.

Have you made friends through jamming and singarounds who have become friends in other areas of your life as well, or does the connection remain fairly focused on music only? Of those 50, at least 15 have become beloved friends, both in music and in the world outside.

Do you think any of the lessons you've learned in playing music with other people have carried over into other areas of your life? Absolutely. I trust people more, admire them more, am more open.

Have you had any experiences organizing an event or becoming responsible for regular gatherings that have expanded your sense of yourself in relation to others, Funny you should ask- I realized just recently that my name in some circles has become synomynous with Friday night music! I must say that is a satisfying discovery.

I haven't read the other responses yet- I suspect that the consensus will be along these lines. Perhaps painting, among the arts, is as fulfilling as music, but I can't imagine any other activities that come close.

Thanks, WW. (Hey, couldn't you come up with another 'W'?)

Ebbie