MEAGAN CLEMENTS | staff writer
As the fuchsia lighting faded away, a haunting voice rippled across the stage. Los Angeles radio announcer Bruce Langford kicked off the Battle of the Big Bands Friday, March 27 in the Haugh Performing Arts Center at Citrus College. The 6th annual Battle of the Big Bands featured the Citrus College Blue Note Swing Orchestra, the APU Jazz Ensemble, and the APU jazz choir Jazzusa. These groups, in the order listed, are under the direction of Bob Slack, David Beatty and Rod Cathey.
Ed and Ada Tronaas have been taking part in the fun since the event’s inception in 2004.
Ed, a retired math professor at Citrus College also taught research and statistics in the graduate program at APU. His wife Ada worked many years at the Citrus College Resource Center and is now retired.
“It was wonderful,” Ed Tronaas said. “I come out every year and I am thrilled beyond belief because [the bands] keep getting better and better.”
APU Director David Beatty felt the performance stood out in comparison with past shows.
“We made it more thematic this year, keeping it to a 30s and 40s radio broadcast,” Beatty said. “This is the first time we’ve ever tried to stay that close to a theme and I think it worked well.”
From vocalist Faith Hefty’s flirty fashion to saxophonist Joel Lopez’s stylish solos, the night proved thoroughly enjoyable.
APU Alumna Teryn Carter was excited to perform again with the Jazz Ensemble.
“It’s an adventure every time [because] jazz is so different. There isn’t one song that is exactly the same,” Carter said.
Carter, who has been singing since the sixth grade, enjoys the musical freedoms that come with performing jazz music.
“With classical and pop, there’s a certain sound you have to have whereas with jazz, you can pretty much put whatever you want into it that’s of yourself,” Carter said.
Sophomore music major Jonathan Lord, who performed for the first time with the Jazz Ensemble, was excited to experience a new genre of music.
“I think the thing I enjoyed about it the most is the fact that it is my first real experience performing jazz,” Lord said. “Before being in Jazz choir, I never really listened to any jazz, much less performed it.”
Songs performed ranged from the whimsical “Do You Kiss Your Mother with That Mouth” composed and arranged by professor Tom Hynes to “Basically Blues.”
As a composer, Hynes enjoys bringing simple ideas to the enjoyment of the listener. He complimented the Jazz Ensemble for giving an “absolutely wonderful” performance.
“The player makes or breaks the piece, matter how well or badly it’s written,” Hynes said. “Like most composers, I feel gratified and flattered when [my] work is performed very well.”
For senior music major Cameron Belsey, the most exciting thing about being a part of the Jazz Ensemble is getting to perform at the Battle of the Big Bands.
“There are a couple thousand people every night and that’s always a thrill,” Belsey said.
Belsey, who has been a part of the Jazz Ensemble for two years, feels that the Citrus College Swing Orchestra is always well-rehearsed.
“They’re awesome, ready to go and they’re a challenge,” Belsey said.
Between the spicy drum solos and sassy vocal performances, the Jazz Ensemble, Swing Orchestra and JazzUSA nearly set the stage on fire. Senior music major and lead trumpeter Allen Valladares felt the music was the most exciting part of performing at the Battle of the Big Bands.
“Music can be very emotional; I can express myself a lot with it,” Valladeres said. “You can tell when I’m feeling angry or sad in my playing.”
Valladares was humbled by the audience member’s reactions.
“It’s very complimentary,” Valladeres said. “Music is something we can all do, but to do the level of music we’re doing takes training and a lot of dedication.”
Junior music major Andrew Van Vlear is played piano for APU during the battle.
“I like being [on stage] to affect people,” Van Vlear said.
Van Vlear admits sometimes he can’t help but laugh while on stage.
“Although we all have different sounds, we all have the same goal,” Van Vlear said. “We try to swing hard and just have a good time in the process.”
Beatty’s favorite part of being a director is not being on stage.
“It’s not about me; it’s about the students,” Beatty added. “You’ll notice that I don’t stay out there very long unless I absolutely have to.”
A throwback to the 1930s and 40s, the Battle of the Big Bands took several in attendance on a trip down memory lane, and for others it was a look into the good times of a past era.
