Band's jazzed over invitation

HIGHLAND — The beat of "Dance, You Monster, to My Soft Song" is so fast and catchy that when pianist Nathan Merrill's right foot isn't on the pedal, it's tapping on the ground.

All the student musicians in the advanced jazz band at Lone Peak High School, in fact, look as if they're dancing in their seats.

The Maria Schneider piece ends on a staccato note, and teacher Curtis McKendrick starts a critique. "Trumpets — at the end, you know the last four bars? Some of those come in early."

McKendrick has about two weeks to prepare the band's 20 students for the educational component of the Monterey Jazz Festival, the longest running in the world. Lone Peak is one of 12 high school bands accepted to perform in northern California on March 24.

For the audition, McKendrick submitted a CD to festival organizers.

"We're going to be competing against several magnet schools," McKendrick said. "One of the teachers is a Grammy-winning composer."

The three schools that win the educational component of the festival will return for the festival's main event Sept. 21-23.

This year is the Monterey Jazz Festival's 50th. It draws the best vocalists and musicians in the business, plus thousands of fans.

A 2006 JazzTimes readers' poll named the Monterey Jazz Festival the top jazz festival in the world.

In addition to "Dance, You Monster," the Lone Peak band will play the Ella Fitzgerald standard, "Time After Time," and "Los Brujos de Cisano," by Matt Harris.

"We've still got a lot of work to do," McKendrick said. "We've got two weeks to fine-tune (the set). They'll be fine."

Trombone player Kevin Carter says he practices "one to two hours a day, seven days a week.

"If I had more time," he said, "I'd do it eight hours a day."

You've heard the band if you've attended Lone Peak basketball games. Many of the students also perform in the marching band, drumline or the symphonic band.

Music instruction for many students is more than an hour a day.

In addition, McKendrick estimates 80 percent of his students take private lessons.

McKendrick estimates the trip will cost $8,000-$9,000 for the cost of airfare, a van, hotel and food for the band.

The band is scurrying to raise funds. The festival only announced the bands that qualified in early February. Lone Peak has so far raised $2,000 through a benefit concert and donations from businesses.

"I'm pretty excited," said Anneli Hoggard, who also plays trombone. "I think we need a lot of practice, but I think we can do it. I think I'll be more nervous as it comes close."

How you can help

Lone Peak High School's Advanced Jazz Band has been invited to compete at the Monterey Jazz Festival, the longest running in the world.

The band needs $8,000-$9,000 to go. To contribute, call band teacher Curtis McKendrick at 763-7050.

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E-mail: lhancock@desnews.com