GETTING STUDENTS IN THE BIG BAND MOOD

JACKSON -- Growing up, an important part of Pat Schwent's musical education came from playing with professional musicians. The Jackson High School music teacher organized Saturday's Big Band Gala Dance so her students could have a similar experience.

The Jackson High School Jazz Band will perform a set, professional musicians will play a set, and the students will sit alongside the professionals during Saturday's third set.

All ages are invited and are asked to dress nice for the dance to be held from 7:30-10:30 p.m. at the high school's old gymnasium. It will be decorated like a big band dance from yesteryear, mirrored ball and all.

Schwent says she learned more about playing music from being around professionals regularly than she did in a classroom.

"Today's kids don't get to hear professionals play live," Schwent said. "I thought, how great would it be to have kids play with professional musicians playing some of the music they are being exposed to."

She hopes to expose others to the music as well.

In recent weeks, about 25 Jackson High School students have been staying after school to learn the dances -- waltz, fox trot, polka and cha-cha -- that go with tunes like "Woodchoppers Ball," "In the Mood" and "Satin Doll."

Teachers Ellen Lukens and Mary Pensel stayed after school to show them how.

Julie Gerecke, a sophomore at Jackson High School, will be dancing with her boyfriend Bryan Schmid. Gerecke said her background in ballet, tap and jazz helped her learn quickly.

"But I haven't done partner dancing," she said. "... It takes teamwork."

Gerecke prefers swing dancing and the cha-cha. "I like the music more," she said.

She expects a good turnout for the gala.

"A lot of people are coming. I don't know how many will be dancing," she said.

Students Joe Meyers and Jennifer Nelson and middle school teacher Natalie McGinnis will sing with the Jackson High School Jazz Band.

Senior Matt Martin, the band's lead trumpet and an all-state player, enjoys playing jazz. "I like the freedom it gives while improv," he said.

And he's looking forward to the dance. "It's never been done, and you don't see it around here anymore," he said.

But Martin won't be dancing when he isn't playing.

"I'm not a dancer," he said firmly.

Schwent hopes three things happen Saturday:

-- That her high school students learn from playing with professional musicians.

-- That the students see the context -- a dance -- Big Band music was created for.

-- And that adults and high school students discover they can have a good time being at the same party together.

"I see kids going off their own direction this day and age," she said. "If there's an adult around they think they can't have fun.

"...I want the kids to experience that background, I want them to hear professionals play (the music) and I want them to join in with the other generation," she said.