Big band plays and teaches

By NICK NGO

Not only did Mt. Hood Community College students recently experience the musical style of the Mike Vax Big Band, they also interacted with the band in a workshop.

The concert and workshop took place Thursday April 6. Music and Jazz Ensemble Director Dave Barduhn began planning this event last fall.

The purpose of the concert was to serve as entertainment to the students and members of the community. Jazz Band Director Susie Jones describes the style of the band as “big band,” meaning a large musical ensemble playing jazz music. They also played in the form of a contemporary big band.

Most of the members are alumni of the Stand Kenton Orchestra. During the concert, they played a few Stan Kenton songs like “Peanut Vendor” and “Intermission Riff.” The band mainly played songs they wrote themselves. The group consisted of five trumpet players, five trombone players, five saxophone players, a pianist, a bass player and a drummer.

Before the concert there was a workshop from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the MHCC Theater. The members of the Mike Vax Big Band ran the workshop. There were a variety of workshops: each one for sax, trombones, trumpet and a rhythm section.

The purpose of the workshop was the members of the band taught the students the styles that pertained to the instrument of the group. Barduhn said Bob Florence, pianist, gave a special vocal workshop since there weren’t enough piano players to do a workshop. Genesis singers got a special session to sing and interact with a special accompanist.

The workshop was open to everybody. Students from Oregon City High School and David Douglas High School attended the workshop and concert. Along with high school students, members of the community also attended.

Jones said there were about 150 people attended the concert and workshop.