Jazz Band Competes in Oregon

Overlake’s Jazz Band is off campus today as they compete against some of the West’s best high school musicians in the Clackamas Community College Jazz Festival.

Teacher Steve Mraz and 21-students make up the Overlake jazz band ensemble and return to the festival after an eight-year absence and high hopes of success. “This festival is a lot more competitive than the festivals we play locally,” says Mraz. “Our goal is to do our best, make great music, and, hopefully, come home with some hardware.”

For that to happen, the musicians have to impress a three-judge panel in preliminary rounds during the day on Friday. The top three bands are invited back for an evening performance for a playoff round to determine first to third.

The musicians departed for Oregon on Thursday afternoon, but several will not come home with the band. That's because they are members of the Boys’ Soccer team who will leave Saturday morning for a weekend game at Wahluke in Central Washington. Mraz says his eclectic group brings an competitive energy to the jazz band. “When you’re part of an musical ensemble, it’s like being part of a top basketball or soccer team. Every position is important, but sometimes the emphasis is on just one section. If you’re not there for your part, the whole performance can be a letdown,” says Mraz.

He adds that this group has got some special talent, which to many in the audience may look at as too relaxed. “Don’t let it fool you,” says the band director. “A great jazz band doesn’t just play those black notes on the music sheet. They capture the pulse of the music. This band does that.”

There are three opportunities to see our jazz band this spring. The one that Mraz looks forward to and hopes for a great Overlake turnout is at Tula’s Jazz Club in Seattle. It’s on Sunday afternoon, April 15th. They’ll also play at Fulton on April 26 and at our ArtsFest on May 4.

Click here to watch the jazz band at a recent rehearsal.