Central, Jackson students provide concert preview at River Campus

Musicians from Central and Jackson high schools came together Monday night at the River Campus to give a preview of concert pieces they have dedicated themselves to perfect.

Three groups from the schools -- a jazz ensemble and a percussion ensemble from Jackson and the symphonic band from Central -- are preparing to attend the 72nd annual Missouri Music Educators Conference, held at Tan-Tar-A Resort at Lake of the Ozarks on Jan. 29.

The free preview for family and community members was a trial run for the performers, to let them go to another venue and get used to logistics and traveling, according to one of Jackson's four band directors, Paul Fliege.

A chance to perform at the conference comes around once for most students. Schools are only permitted to submit audition tapes once every four years.

Fliege said attending the conference really pushes the students to be their best and perform at their highest level possible because the audience consists of many professional music educators. The groups must also contend with a strict 25-minute time limit for their performances.

During Monday's concert, the Jackson percussion ensemble performed three pieces and the jazz ensemble and Central symphonic band each performed four. Directors Chris Crawford and Tom Broussard direct the Jackson ensembles, while Neil Casey leads Central.

Tim Martin of Jackson attended the concert to hear his son, Brian, a sophomore, play trumpet in the jazz ensemble. Martin said he likes to see that the program is doing so well and remembers his days as a tuba player in the Jackson High School band.

"I'm glad he's getting to go because I'd like to see him continue to play after high school. I couldn't be happier he's going," Martin said.

Selections by the jazz ensemble and symphonic band featured solos within larger pieces, which drew frequent applause from the audience Monday.

Before the symphonic band's performance, Casey addressed the audience briefly to recognize the work put by the students from his school and from Jackson that will make going to the conference possible.

"Individuals in these groups put in extensive practice hours on their own," Casey said.

Casey also acknowledged the parents and thanked them for allowing him and Jackson band directors to work with the students.

"We are privileged to work with these kids, and for any veteran teachers out there, I want to say that they are as talented as they have ever been," he said.

Both Central and Jackson will likely hold one more concert each before traveling to the conference.