The Richards jazz ensemble has been turning in some “sound” performances — so much so that the ensemble has been selected to perform later this month at the 2016 Illinois Music Education Conference at the Peoria Civic Center.
Richards band director Chuck Martin, with 36 years of teaching under his belt, will lead the 25 members of the ensemble at the conference on Jan. 29.
“To me, this is one of the big ‘bucket list’ accomplishments for the jazz program, because 21 years ago there were only 38 band students and no jazz program at all,” Martin said. “Today there are over 95 band students in marching band and concert band and with a very successful jazz big band and small jazz combo program.”
Richards jazz band students agree the band has been a big part of their day-to-day lives at the Oak Lawn high school.
“Jazz band has given me the confidence and joy to have a successful and happy high school career,” said Julia Wilson, 16, of Chicago Ridge.
“Jazz band always gives me something to look forward to,” said Katlyn Graham, 16, also of Chicago Ridge. “My friends, the music and the excitement fuel me to keep my head up and simply get me out of bed every morning.”
The Illinois Music Education Association is a nonprofit representing every level of music education in every discipline.
Students audition to perform in an Illinois Music Education Conference ensemble made up of band, chorus, orchestra, jazz band or vocal jazz ensembles. Based on that audition, high school seniors may be invited to participate in the annual Illinois All-State Music Conference. Any orchestra or band instrument or voice part can be used in an audition. To be eligible, student musicians must be active members, in good standing, in the appropriate music ensemble at their school.
Through an audition tape submitted last April, Richards was one of seven schools to make the cut to perform as an ensemble, along with Lincoln-Way North, giving the Southland two representatives. This is very meaningful in the world of jazz bands, Community High School District 218 spokesman Bob McParland said.
The Illinois Wesleyan University and UIC Jazz ensembles also were chosen to perform.
During the performance, Martin’s ensemble will play a set consisting of about 40 minutes of live music. Each performance session joins together two jazz groups. Richards will be paired with the Midwest Youth Artists Jazz Ensemble from the northern suburbs. Together, their jazzy set will consist of six tunes.
Also performing with the students will be two guest artists: Mark Colby, a jazz tenor saxophonist who toured with luminaries such as Frank Sinatra; and Kirk Garrison, a trumpet player and a member of the Lt. Dan Band featuring actor Gary Sinise.
“Jazz has survived because of schools and colleges, since the ’70s, have been teaching it,” Martin said. “It is America’s original musical style that has grown all over the world. Music has become so diversified that jazz has found a niche in order to survive.”
“Jazz brings out the best in those who really love music,” said Richards jazz band student Lukas Williams, 16, of Oak Lawn. “Jazz band has the ability to bring people together with the same love for music and create it together.”
Kelly White is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.