Over the years, we’ve had many high school students play in the Band.  Some of these young men and women go on to play in other bands, some go to college so they can continue to improve their talent and share it with others, and others simply use it for their own enjoyment and relaxation.  Here are excerpts from some of those students who have put a priority on their musical skills and are moving forward to use those talents in their careers:

Chris Burbank has a passion for playing the trumpet.  He has loved jazz music since middle school, when he received my first compact disc, which happened to be a Duke Ellington compilation of some of his greatest hits. He heard the flugelhorn solo of Clark Terry over the tune "Perdido" and fell in love with swing music.  As he listened to other trumpet players from middle school all the way through his undergrad studies, he became more attached to, and quite serious about ,the instrument. The sound of the trumpet is what got me, as well as the ability to play different styles of music where trumpet fits in so well.    Mike Adams, the Band’s Director and Chris’ High School Band teacher, invited Chris to sit in at a few of the Band’s gigs. He was later asked to show up to some rehearsals with the Band, and then began to perform with them during several performances through high school and during his undergrad studies in college.  Playing with the Band gave him a chance to play with people who had been playing music for a long time, who were more experienced, and who helped him perform to his best ability. The Band helped me grow as a musician, and supported him as a soloist. They were tremendously kind and supportive. Performing with the Band helped Chris realize that he wanted to perform music for the rest of his life. Because of the influence of the Band, Chris became even more dedicated to music, He received his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, and has continued his education at Julliard.

 

Chris hopes to both perform and teach music throughout his career. He also hopes to emulate the members of the Band by passing on the language of jazz to others, and give beginners a chance to grow  musically, as the Band had helped him.

Jeremy Hitchcock likes the tone of the trombone.  He was drawn to jazz/Big Band music because it was interesting music to play and has some pretty interesting complexities.  Jeremy’s high school music director was Mike Adams.  Mike asked him if he was free one night for rehearsal.  He went to rehearsal and fell in love!  He liked the playing standards, the camaraderie, and being able to constantly play tunes.  Jeremy says that playing with the Band made him think about needing to play in college, gave me a much wider perspective of music, and some experience playing at gigs.  Although Jeremy went into computers, he often played music more than he studied.  He wants to continue to play music through his adult life, as time permits.  When asked, “What else would you like to share concerning your experiences with the Band, Jeremy says, “Cannot wait to play again!”

Jillian Fournier was influenced at a young age by her teacher, Mr Foley at Rundlett Middle School and by her private instructor Scott Grant. They both encouraged her to listen to what was a new type of music for her and she fell in love with it.  Jillian also recalled my grandfather liking Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey music and wanted to explore that because of him.  Jillian really wanted to play the saxophone, however, she chose trombone in 5th grade because it was the least expensive instrument.  She says her family was not convinced she would stick with it so they chose something less expensive to start.  It turned out to be the best decision she ever made!  Mr. Foley recommended the Freese Brothers to her.  She had seen the Band perform every year at the March Jazz Concert in Concord and had been waiting for her chance to play with them for years!  The best thing about the Freese Brothers is the camaraderie shared by all members. She felt welcome from the first day and continue to feel that way every time as she continued to play with them.  She loved learning music from decades ago that I otherwise may never have gotten the chance to play. Playing with people of all ages made me realize that music transcends everything and that there is no limit to learning. .  Playing with the band solidified Jillian’s desire to be a band director. She saw her teachers playing music that they enjoy and she knew that she wanted to do both as well. It is wonderful to still be able to go back to a rehearsal and talk about teaching and performing techniques with people in the Band. 

 

Jillian attended Hofstra University and received her BS in Music Education.  She is now earning her Masters in Wind Conducting, also at Hofstra. She chose Hofstra for its Music Education program and for its location, and has had the opportunity to work with numerous wonderful musicians and teachers there. She is currently seeking a job as a band director in the Long Island area. She plans to finish my Masters in Conducting and perhaps continue with a more specialized degree after that.  She wants to teach band, specifically elementary school band, and continue to play trombone and other instruments for the rest of her life.

 

The Freese Brothers Big Band continues to be one of Jillian’s strongest connections to Concord.  She loves stopping in and playing every time she visit the area, and she communicates with Band members year round. These are the people who helped shape what kind of a teacher and musician she wants to be, and Jillian continues to value their input and advice about all aspects of life.  She can't wait to see what the future brings for the Band.