Central High Aims To Bring Back Jazz Band After Successful Concert

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Tuscaloosa City Schools announced on Thursday that Central High School has a Jazz Ensemble for the first time in nearly two decades.

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During the spring semester, a group of 19 student musicians at Central began using their spare time to work with CHS Band Director Michael Maxton. What started as practice to resurrect the school's jazz program resulted in the Central High Jazz Band performing its their first concert this week.

“It took a long time trying to build it back,” Maxton said. “The students had interest, and then we had to get the logistics together, but it’s coming together quite nicely. I’m very impressed with the kids and I’m proud of them. We wanted to show off our talents with the season ending.”

The group played six pieces, ranging from “The Girl From Ipanema” to “The Pink Panther” by Henry Mancini.

The students are credited with taking the initiative, most practicing this spring in the morning on their own time before school. Maxton also hopes the success of the ensemble can result in a full class next academic year.

“For some of them, it’s playing a new instrument and none of them were used to the jazz style, so I’m introducing them to the style of jazz, as well as learning improvisation, learning the chords, learning to listen to one another,” Maxton said. “That’s been the biggest challenge, and finding a time for them to all get together. Hopefully, this will lead to a jazz band class next year, so we can build program this even more.”

Senior Samuel Wegrzynowski discussed learning a new instrument after playing baritone in the marching band. However, he borrowed his band director's bass guitar and learned to play as part of the ensemble.

“I was really excited about the jazz band and learning the bass," Wegrzynowski said. "Learning to play it as well as learning to play a new kind of music. It’s a new style of learning, and it’s been amazing to participate in.”

Central High says junior Caleb Boyd has played the trumpet for five years, including in the marching band, but recently found a passion for playing jazz.

“You get to feel the soul of jazz, really, and enjoy the movements and how different genres are, and feel the difference between funk and soul,” Boyd said. “I really enjoyed it.”

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