Central High Jazz Band Shines in Nashville

Article by Beth Fussell
    On March 20, the Central High School Jazz Band left for Nashville, Tennessee for a trip and performance that they had worked hard to earn.  In 2014, the CHS Jazz Band recorded a video and audio track in the hope that they would be chosen to perform at the National School Board Association’s annual conference, which was being held this year in Nashville.  Out of many submissions, which included vocal and instrumental groups from schools around the nation, the jazz band was one of only two groups selected to perform at the conference.
    The Nashville trip turned into more than a performance opportunity for the band members.  They got to visit the country music museum and RCA Studio B, the studio where Elvis recorded over 250 songs.  The students excitedly shared that they were treated to dinner at Hard Rock Cafe by the Central School Board members, who were also in attendance at the conference.
    On the day of the performance at Music City Center, the band members woke early for a sound check, followed by a warm up on the balcony with a great view of the surrounding city.  Band member Zachary Mclain shared that many of the band members were extremely nervous as they waited to go on stage.  “But when David (the drummer) counted off those first beats, muscle memory and adrenaline took over and everything went smoothly,” he said.  Landon Disedare described the excitement he felt when the band received a standing ovation after their first song, “Blues Brothers Review,” the song they had played for their audition tape.  He went on to say that the crowd gave them standing ovations for their other two songs, as well.  “It felt amazing to get that kind of response from such a huge crowd of people.”  Monica Wootan estimated that there must have been nearly 10,000 people in the room, as there were seats for over 8,000, and many more were standing.  “This is what I want to experience in my career,” she said, as she discussed the congratulations and photo op requests from the crowds after the performance.  “It was a surreal feeling to have this experience on this level.”  Landon agreed, adding that, “The crowd was genuinely excited to see the band.  Many said after that they would pay to hear us play.  It was amazing.”
    The students were emphatic in their praise of Jazz Band Director Patrick Bordelon.  He was described by one student as “a guiding hand for the band.  He is such a perfectionist.”  The band members give credit to Bordelon for their ability to play so successfully together and for helping them to perform at their best level.
    The excitement was not over for the band, as they then had the opportunity to record four songs at Ocean Way Recording Studios.  Artists like Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Etta James, No Doubt, Yo-Yo Ma, and many more famous names have recorded there.  Zachary McLain said of the experience, “It let us show and express our musicianship in a new way.  We got to record in this famous studio like we were pros.  We learned the importance of managing our time and how to record in a professional setting.”  Landon Disedare added that, “We felt like we each got to have an impact on the songs, with solos and cool guitar parts.  We got to put our own twist on things.”  The songs recorded in the studio are included on the CD that the jazz band is currently selling as a fundraiser to help defray remaining costs from their trip.  The CD also features CHS Jazz Band performances dating from 2011 to now.  The CD will be available for purchase for $25 at the CHS Instrumental Music Spring Concert, which will feature the symphonic band, percussion ensemble, and jazz band.  The concert will be held on May 8 at 6 p.m. in the CHS theater.  The public is invited and encouraged to attend.  CD’s are also available to order for those who cannot attend the concert.
    When asked about their favorite parts of the Nashville trip, the band members had a lot to say.  Landon said that he enjoyed getting to bond with the other band members and learning a lot about other people.  Monica enjoyed getting a feeling for what a professional career could be like and how gratifying and exciting it could be.  She shared that it really sparked a flame in her for music and performing.  Zachary says that he is not a perfectionist, as he enjoys more of a raw sound, so the live performance was great because of the energy in the band and in the room.  Jonathan Ryder enjoyed the three standing ovations by thousands of people, and Shelby liked the feeling that, without all of her fellow band members, she wouldn’t have been able to be there and have that experience.
    Bordelon stated that he is very proud of his students.  “They did a wonderful job on stage and in the studio, and they were mature beyond their years at all times.”  The band members were indeed aware of what they represented.  One students said, “We represented Central.  We presented ourselves professionally, and we introduced our songs and ourselves in a way that made us proud.  We brought a piece of Central to share with them.”  The spirit of the trip can be summarized with a quote from Landon Disedare: “We want to spread the joy of jazz band to other people and to school systems.  We could really impact the lives of others through music.”
    Check out the CHS Jazz Band in the “Speak Up for Music Education” video on the NAMM Foundation YouTube Channel!