On the weekend of Feb. 6-7, Utica High School’s jazz band performed at the annual jazz festival hosted by Central Michigan University (CMU) and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia in Mount Pleasant, MI. This annual event features performances from jazz bands across the state, providing a vibrant atmosphere for jazz enthusiasts.
Students participated in a special practice session led by Utica band director Brett Bays. This session gave performers the chance to receive hands-on instruction and ask questions about jazz technique and performance.
“We had three judges and each wrote comment sheets and they gave very positive feedback, and we were very happy with our comments that we received.” Bays said. “So, we’re going to the use the comments to improve our pieces for our MSBOA state jazz band festival in March.”
The festival allowed visiting students to perform in a collegiate concert hall and experience CMU’s music facilities. For some participants, the event provided an early look at what studying music at the college is like.
“What I appreciate most about being at CMU is that it truly brings the group together and creates a strong sense of bonding on stage,” Alto Saxophone player senior Emmalyn Kasperek said. “Although I felt a little sad knowing it would be my last time performing on that stage, my favorite band event, it was still an incredibly fun and memorable two days.”
Michigan native and professional musician Andrew Hunter is known for his talent and skill with the trombone, as he plays with WDR Big Band, a German orchestra. As an educator, Hunter has taught lots of classes that specialize in jazz where his students have been winning rewards and recognition at major festivals.
“The most memorable moment of the weekend was watching Andrew Hunter perform; he shared his experiences as a musician in Germany and stood out for his unique tone on trombone,” trumpet player junior Lilly McNair said. “I really enjoyed being at Central Michigan University, the campus itself is genuinely beautiful.”
CMU music students played an active role in the festival by performing and interacting with visiting ensembles. The experience gave them opportunities to develop leadership and professional skills. Throughout the festival, bands performed for a panel of judges made up of professional musicians and educators. Judges offered feedback on talent, style, and improvisation to help ensembles improve.
“Something that made me nervous was the feedback from the judges, and the amount of people and jazz bands that were there.” piano and percussion player sophomore Leon Gross said. “My favorite song was “Tiger of San Pedro,” this is probably not the best thing to remember, but during one of our songs, I lost my place for three measures.”
With the feedback they received and new notable memories, Utica’s jazz band hopes to improve for next year’s jazz weekend and do even better. As they prepare to take on the MSBOA Jazz Festival on Mar. 25, the jazz band reflects on their performance at CMU and works to perfect their craft.
