They re jazzin up the winter blues
By Michelle Bosworth
Staff writer
For the most part, they fell in love with jazz when they were in middle school. After listening to the high school jazz band perform, they knew this was something they wanted to do also.
"It sounded really cool," says Darren Enns. "It was different. It had a certain feel to it."
Presently the Hillsboro High School jazz band has 21 members who intentionally create room in their hectic schedules of work, sports, choir, forensics, and other activities to meet regularly and practice their distinctive music.
"My purpose in doing jazz band was to give band members a more challenging outlet," said band director, Gregg Walker.
Lora Andrews has played tenor saxophone since 5th grade and she enjoys the "swing tempo" of jazz. "I really like jazz. It's more fun, and it doesn't seem like work," she says. "You get to interpret music rather than just play notes."
Jazz offers students the opportunity to uniquely express themselves and their feelings through music. That expression runs the gamut with these young people. Sammy Espada loves playing his trumpet "louder, being obnoxious, and getting into the music a lot more."
On the other hand, Jenny Whisenhunt singles out the "beat and rhythm; the laid-back style" as her favorite part of jazz music.
Alysha Claassen enjoys the best of both worlds, "It is a way to express myself through the different variations of the music." She especially likes the sound of jazz. One moment it carries a beat that inspires movement: lively, upbeat, swingin'. Only to be followed by a smooth, mellow, easygoing style that relaxes and soothes listeners.
Trumpeter Thomas Murphy takes advantage of every opportunity to be involved in any band activity. He values the jazz band's approach to teamwork.
"If someone doesn't understand, we stop and let them catch up. We work together as a team," he says.
Sometimes Walker treats his students to a one-man jazz performance on his saxophone. Lora loves to listen and pick up on how he interprets the music. It is an adventure in learning new musical styles.
Years ago, in middle school, they heard the music and were drawn to it. Now it is they who are sharing their talents with members of the community and, hopefully, a new generation of future jazz musicians.
The Hillsboro High School Jazz Band will be showcasing its abilities in a Valentine Jazz Evening concert at 7 p.m. Feb. 10 in the Hillsboro High School commons. Desserts and drinks will be provided. The cost is by donation.
"I feel good about jazz and that people like what we do," says Sammy. "It's great!"
