Dozens of bands show for festival with jazz musician Clark Terr

Music students competed Saturday for a chance to share the stage with jazz legend Clark Terry.

And at Southeast Missouri State University's fourth annual Clark Terry/Phi Mu Alpha Jazz Festival, the competition was fierce.

More than 30 groups from Southeast Missouri and Illinois played in two different venues. Each played for 15 to 20 minutes.

The bands, from junior high and high schools, were judged based on their live performance and cassettes, and outstanding soloists got to play a chorus with Terry.

At lunch, students were able to ask questions of the legend, quizzing him on his major influences and listening to tales of his best and worst musical moments.

They learned early Saturday that some would get to share his spotlight that evening.

"It was C.T.'s idea," said Barry Bernhardt, director of university bands. "We may have 50 kids up there before the night is over."

Terry, 81, a native of St. Louis, was a headliner with Count Basie, Duke Ellington and the "Tonight Show" band. Miles Davis and Quincy Jones both cited Terry as an influence on their careers.

He helped design the fluegelhorn, the instrument he popularized, and has written several books on playing jazz.

But he's also considered "one of jazzdom's finest educators," said Bernhardt. "He loves to interact with the students."

No doubt Terry's involvement is a large part of the jazz festival's growing popularity.

"We had to turn some bands away this year because we only had two venues," Bernhardt said. "When you have a world-class guest artist, it makes a difference."

If the festival's popularity continues, the university may have to provide three different places to perform next year.

Bernhardt said his goal is to build a higher level of interest in public schools and help students appreciate the rich jazz history of the area.

"This is just the tip of the iceberg," Bernhardt said. "If this continues, the finest bands in Missouri and Illinois will all want to participate."

abuchanan@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 160