Carlos Brown Sr. and his wife, Zorina, have spent many hours shuttling their kids to and from events. But for the Brown family, those events have taken place all over the United States. Their son, Carlos Brown Jr., is talented jazz musician (he plays the alto sax) who's had the chance to play the country with some of the world's best jazz musicians. "It has been a big sacrifice, but this is a sacrifice that I don't mind," says Carlos Sr. "It's a positive one. He has his head screwed on pretty good and understands the sacrifice that's being made."

How did your son first become interested in music?

Carlos became interested in music in middle school. He tried sports, track and field and was a part of the Youth Basketball League at the YMCA of Southwest Illinois and realized early that sports was not his strong area. Since then he acquired an appreciation for music.

When did you first notice your son's talent for music?

One evening (when Carlos Jr. was about 14 or so) we were in the basement playing around, I played something on my horn (Carlos Sr. plays the trumpet), and he played it right behind me. So I played a few notes on my horn, and he was able to tell me what note I was playing without playing it on his horn. I then put a song on, and asked him what key the tune was in, he would tell me, and that's when we said that if he continued to work hard in the classroom, work hard in the 'shed" (that's what they call practice), that he will go far.

How has jazz affected his life?

Not only jazz but music has had a big impact on his life. He sets goals and goes after them. He recently penned his own song called "Familiar Face." It's a catchy "fall feel" song.

What is his involvement in Jazz St. Louis?

Carlos is a member of the Jazz All Stars Combo under the leadership of Jason Swagler. This is his third year being affiliated with Jazz St. Louis. Since the beginning, Carlos has improved tremendously as a result of being a part of the organization. Morgan will start auditions next fall.

How has Jazz St. Louis helped Carlos?

I would have to say that Jazz St. Louis has afforded Carlos the opportunity to meet some really cool people who happen to be jazz musicians. He loves the program and what it offers and has offered. Phil Dunlap asked me if Carlos could be a part of the program when Carlos was just about to enter high school. It was then that I felt that if he works hard, he could be good at this.

What musicians has Carlos worked with?

Carlos has had the opportunity to be on stage with Terrence Blanchard when he came to East St. Louis Senior High School, the Clayton Brothers, and just this year, when the high school was selected as one of the top 15 bands to compete in the Essentially Ellington contest in New York, Carlos played with Victor Goines of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Band. He also received "outstanding alto saxophone soloist." Carlos has had the opportunity to play with James Carter as well. He has been a part of Professor Ron Carter's summer jazz band camp for the last past three years. Mr. Carter was also my band director at Lincoln Senior High School. This year he had a chance to participate at he jazz camp at Michigan State University, where Professor Rodney Whittaker is the professor of jazz studies. There he studied with Diego Rivera. He regularly speaks with Jeff Clayton of the Clayton Brothers on the phone. The list goes on and on of whom he has met and has pictures with.

What kind of time commitment does that mean for you?

We really can't break it down into years, months, weeks, days, hours or minutes. As parents, when you make a commitment to your child's success, you do whatever is necessary.

What are Carlos' plans for the future?

Carlos' plans are to attend either Northern Illinois University or Michigan State University for undergraduate studies, majoring in music therapy, music business and performance.

As a parent, how have you encouraged him with those plans?

We have provided a support system and loving home for all of our children, always pushing education first. We tell him that success is in his hands and that he can and will persevere wherever he goes.

Getting into the music industry isn't easy. What advice have you given him?

Always have a backup plan. We tell him to work hard at his craft because there's always room for improvement.

What was it like sending him off to school as a senior, his last "first day of school" at your home?

All summer we kept saying that this is his last summer here before he goes to college. Well, when school started, it finally hit me that he will be going off to college next fall. I choked up and then smiled as I reflected on his accomplishments. He has had the opportunity to meet and even play with some of the world's finest musicians — an accomplishment that many can only dream of doing. As I sit answering these questions, I get a little emotional thinking about all three of our children and how God has blessed them.

What are your hopes and dreams for your children?

My hope for them is that they continue to put God first in all that they do. My hope is that they are productive citizens to society. My hope is that they continue to be grateful for all that they have or accomplish — no matter how great or small it may be, because little is much in the eyes of someone who has nothing.