"If I only had a Nickel..."

Enthusiasm. It's the part of respect that most people forget. Though respect is sometimes quiet, I think it's mostly jumping-up-and-down energetic. Respect is happy, joyful...not dour and bland.

Chris Thile (see picture, left) plays the mandolin like no one else on this planet. He's technically astounding...perfect, even. But when you see him play, it is his enthusiasm that makes him unforgettable. Chris has such a respect for his instrument, his music, his audience that he cannot help but play the strings off his mandolin.

You can hear Chris play with his band Nickel Creek (at the Peace Center, September 21) or solo. I saw him play Largo in L.A. a year ago. He came on--a surprise guest on Jon Brion's bill--and blew everyone away. I've also seen Nickel Creek play live. Chris was terrific then, too.

If you're wondering what kind of students I'm looking for...what sort of people I'm going to let carry Mann Show 2007...the kind of people who earn As in my class, look no further than Chris Thile. Match his enthusiasm (just come close), and you'll get no complaints from me.