Thomas Shields
In Motion Staff Writer
Michael Denike/In Motion
At last month’s Instrumental Extravaganza, held at the News_Journal Center, student musicians channeled those old genres transporting the crowd of around 250 with their skillful renditions all night. Without bias against old school music, they did a solid job, in fact a bang-up job.
When questioned, the many people flowing out the lobby after it was done were in unison — the night’s performance was one of high caliber. Alice Moore of Debary said, “The DSC students were great. Their performance was very enjoyable and nice.”
A good percentage in attendance were fashionably late and also dressed to the nines. Men were looking very Dapper Dan and the women were dressed elegantly in their “Sunday best” with sparkling jewels. The Davidson Theater was solidly packed, an entire bottom portion of the house all the way to the back section next to the sound booth room was filled to capacity. Even up in the “eagles nest,” people were waiting to be entertained by the orchestral sounds of woodwinds, reeds, a brass section and percussionists. In all, the Big Band, which performed first, consisted of 22 skilled musicians.
Coming on later in the evening, the Symphonic Orchestra, 72 musicians strong, offered classical renditions of works by Robert E. Jager and Gustac Holst, as well as George Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess.”
It was an impressive showing of audience members, which was a testament to the talents of the music students.
The Big Band, Flute Ensemble and Symphonic Band crooned to and soothed the light-hearted audience for two hours. Bands were jamming and rocking out on their instruments with enthusiasm for the entire concert.
After every solo or break in the music, the pro-jazz audience clapped appreciatively in unison. There was comic relief constant all night with the different conductors. These maestros had jokes and had the crowd rolling in between sets, with the jazz connoisseurs laughing gratefully at every quip. The best solo of the night belonged to trumpeter Zachary Collins of The Big Band, who made the horn scream like Dizzy Gillespie in terror during the song “Filthy McNasty” by Horace Silver. The appreciation for his effort showed in the hooting and hollering that ensued all over the house.
The conductors gave homage to the bands after every deserving set was played, which was humbling, since it is a rare occasion that the masters acknowledge the novices. The last musical piece presented was dubbed the “night’s dessert”, which it was, a magnificent display of talent, a most delightful delicacy to the ears by George Gershwin.
“Overall it was a great concert,” said trumpeter Ian Jones, who performed in two bands that night, the Big Band and Symphonic Band. “ Everyone in the concert band and jazz band performed well. The last piece of the night, “Porgy and Bess” was the hardest. It was challenging and everyone worked very hard on it. I was very happy how we sounded.”
The Instrumental Extravaganza was a big impressive hit. The DSC student musicians for sure held their own and most certainly deserved the lengthy standing ovation from the joyous crowd. The Instrumental Extravaganza lived up to its billing and was just that, an extravaganza of talent, sounds, joy and happiness.