Brownwood High School jazz band members auditioned for the Texas Small School Bands Region VII Jazz Band on Saturday September 22nd with much success.
BHS Jazz Band members Eddie Mares-guitar (junior), Brock Allen-saxophone (senior), Angel Hernandez-percussion (senior), Karissa Means-trumpet (senior) and Adam Tipton-base guitar (junior)auditioned at the Region tryouts held at Early High School .
Mares and Tipton were selected as first chairs in the select region band. Means earned fourth chair in the first band and Allen was selected as lead alto in the second band. Mares and Tipton, earning first chair positions, also were selected to perform for a taped audition to be judged for the All State Jazz Band. These taped auditions will be judged at a later date which has not be announced (October or November), according to BHS Band Director David Lambert.
BHS Jazz Band drummer Angel Hernandez was only one place away from being selected in the competition. His percussion skill is known and heard locally in the BHS drum line, concert and jazz bands.
Lambert said he was very happy with the auditions of his band members, especially considering they only had about four weeks to learn the very difficult region band music. He explained that most schools have had the music since May; however being the new band director, Lambert ordered the music as soon as he arrived so that students would have it at the beginning of the school year so that they would be able to participate in the auditions.
“I am so happy since they had never done this before and did so well,” said Lambert. “We’re going to keep doing this because we have some kids that can compete.”
Lambert stated that all five members volunteered to learn the music and compete. He also stated that jazz band tryouts had an improvisation portion to the music and each musician had to compose their own parts to play.
“Improv is difficult, they have to make it up as well (as play it),” said Lambert. He explained that although difficult, this is really an enjoyable part of the competition, allowing the students to express their own styles and skills.
Region VII is also made up of larger schools which competed in the auditions, such as Stephenville, Castleberry (a school in the DFW metroplex) and Springtown. Approximately 50 schools make up the region and were invited to the auditions.
“I was so proud of their performances, how well they did and proud for those who made it,” said Lambert. “The students are working hard and we are doing our very best every day.”
Lambert stated that this is the first of several competitions the BHS band will participate in during the coming weeks. Next is marching band competition starting October 13th at the Early Marching Contest, then UIL Region Marching Contest October 20th in Brady. If the band receives high ratings at the region contest in Brady, they will move on to the UIL Area Contest in Waxahachie on October 27th.
The BHS Mighty Maroon Marching Band has approximately 90 members currently, having added several since the start of the school year.
Pictured above (left to right) are BHS Band Director David Lambert, Angel Hernandez, Brock Allen, Karissa Means, Assistant Band Director Adam Cartwright, and (kneeling) Adam Tipton and Eddie Mares. Below are jazz band members with their instruments. Photos contributed.
