2008 Woodie Awards
Local jazz band showcases style, creativity
Amanda Woods
Issue date: 10/12/06 Section: Culture
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By Amanda woods
Staff Reporter
The Chattanooga Monday night jazz band entertains jazz lovers of any age at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre.
Thought to be "the best kept secret in Chattanooga," this jazz band is a mix of musicians from all walks of life. Though not affiliated with the university, there are as many as 11 UTC alumni in the band.
The band plays eight weeks in a row, through November. Each performance begins at 8 p.m. on Monday nights. The cost of admission is $3, but UTC students receive a free soft drink with paid admission and student ID.
According to jazz band member Tony Deandrea, the band, consisting of 16 members, plays jazz from the 1950s to the present. Deandrea, former UTC band director, joined the jazz band in 2005 on saxophone.
Though he wished the crowds were larger, Deandrea said: "We are just doing it for us. If we did it for the crowds, we'd have to play something they'd dance to."
According to Deandrea, all members of the jazz band have full-time jobs and perform each Monday night for the love of jazz.
"I do this to be with the guys and play music of my generation," Deandrea said.
Phil Davison, former trombonist and audience member, calls the jazz band a "rehearsal band" because they do not practice before the performance.
The impromptu solos may seem chaotic, but according to Davison, the musicians use the chorus line as a foundation and build from there.
Because the songs are randomly selected, audience members may suggest a song for the band to play.
Terry Pope, trumpet player for the jazz band, said the band began in the mid-60s with three members. The band currently has 16 members.
Band members commented that they are very exclusive when selecting people to play with them. Because they do not hold auditions, a musician must be invited to play.
The band is not sponsored by any organization, therefore publicity is limited to word of mouth. The band depends on teachers, students and audience members to promote the performances.
Davison said the atmosphere of the venue is casual.
Nashville junior Rebecca Polatsek went to see the jazz band for a class with a friend. Polatsek said: "I was very surprised how casual the environment is. I'm ecstatic about the jazz band!"
Band members invite anyone who has a love for jazz to share in this classic jazz experience.
Staff Reporter
The Chattanooga Monday night jazz band entertains jazz lovers of any age at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre.
Thought to be "the best kept secret in Chattanooga," this jazz band is a mix of musicians from all walks of life. Though not affiliated with the university, there are as many as 11 UTC alumni in the band.
The band plays eight weeks in a row, through November. Each performance begins at 8 p.m. on Monday nights. The cost of admission is $3, but UTC students receive a free soft drink with paid admission and student ID.
According to jazz band member Tony Deandrea, the band, consisting of 16 members, plays jazz from the 1950s to the present. Deandrea, former UTC band director, joined the jazz band in 2005 on saxophone.
Though he wished the crowds were larger, Deandrea said: "We are just doing it for us. If we did it for the crowds, we'd have to play something they'd dance to."
According to Deandrea, all members of the jazz band have full-time jobs and perform each Monday night for the love of jazz.
"I do this to be with the guys and play music of my generation," Deandrea said.
Phil Davison, former trombonist and audience member, calls the jazz band a "rehearsal band" because they do not practice before the performance.
The impromptu solos may seem chaotic, but according to Davison, the musicians use the chorus line as a foundation and build from there.
Because the songs are randomly selected, audience members may suggest a song for the band to play.
Terry Pope, trumpet player for the jazz band, said the band began in the mid-60s with three members. The band currently has 16 members.
Band members commented that they are very exclusive when selecting people to play with them. Because they do not hold auditions, a musician must be invited to play.
The band is not sponsored by any organization, therefore publicity is limited to word of mouth. The band depends on teachers, students and audience members to promote the performances.
Davison said the atmosphere of the venue is casual.
Nashville junior Rebecca Polatsek went to see the jazz band for a class with a friend. Polatsek said: "I was very surprised how casual the environment is. I'm ecstatic about the jazz band!"
Band members invite anyone who has a love for jazz to share in this classic jazz experience.
