UTB/TSC jazz band performs at Notre Dame

By AMY D. LYNCH

Special to the Star

SOUTH BEND, IND. — If what legendary jazz musician Stan Getz said is true and the saxophone is actually a translation of the human voice, then Joe Chapa is a smooth talker.

Chapa, solo tenor saxophone player, was one of the 25 members of The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College One O’Clock Jazz Band that performed at the 50th Annual Collegiate Jazz Festival at the University of Notre Dame, who received praise and tips from judges Friday evening.

“There were some issues with phrasing and timing but overall I really enjoyed it,” said Jamey Aebersold, an internationally known saxophonist and festival judge. “The saxophone solos were really good. When I hear (Chapa) play, my ears just relax and I can hear the maturity in your playing.”

UTB/TSC was one of just 13 bands, including Louisiana State University, Texas State University, Michigan State University and Pennsylvania State University, that were invited to play at the nation’s oldest collegiate jazz festival out of more than 300 that applied this year.

“I feel really good about how we did, but it can be a little overwhelming,” Chapa, of Mercedes, said. “I have been listening to (the judges) for years and someday hope to play like them. To have them judge us is a little intimidating but fun at the same time.”

Although the festival is one tough competition, the judges focus more on learning than rankings.

“The judges are the best in the business and you expect them to be effusive,” Director Terry Tomlin said. “It is a subjective competition and they will tell you not only what you are doing right but also where you need improvements, which is good.”

Members felt the band played very well despite coming off a 27 hour bus ride, which included a two-stop tour at Flour Bluff High School in Corpus Christi.

“It felt really good (to be on that stage),” said Rodger Medrano, a 23-year-old baritone sax player from San Benito. “It takes time to get used to the new acoustics and we’ve had a long day, but we relaxed by the second song and to hear the final applause is just great. The audience seemed to enjoy it and that counts for a lot too.”

This is UTB/TSC’s third time attending the Notre Dame Festival. In 2001, the band received the highest possible rating and near-perfect scores, as well as seven outstanding solo recognitions.

In 2003, the band again received superior ratings and four students won outstanding soloists awards.

“We won’t receive our overall scores in the mail for a few more weeks,” Tomlin said. “But I was pleased with how we played. It takes time becoming accustomed to a new set and I think they did very well despite those challenges.”

Medrano, who made his second trip to the festival, said the best part is hearing other bands play on a stage that has hosted some of the best jazz musicians in the country.

“For me, the best part is being backstage in the practice room,” he said. “You get to hear some of the best college jazz bands in America practice and see the other bands up close and hear them live, and I really enjoy that.”

Amy D. Lynch is the assistant director for the UTB/TSC Office of News and Information.