The world is but a stage as music mirrors life. A rhythm born from a collage of melodies. A bright light illuminating each instrument when the night was silent, expressing what couldn’t have been spoken with words.
Crescendos of past recollections. Reminiscing on the memories music leaves behind.
A night with harmonies and melodies filled the Black Box Theater on March 6 as the Las Positas College Music Department held a concert showcasing the collaboration between two music ensembles. The Improvisation Lab was directed by Julie Homie and the jazz ensemble by Mario Silva. Musicians from both ensembles took the stage with world-class saxophonist Dayna Stephens. Stephens has been long-time friends with Silva and had flown back from New York specifically to work with the students and share the stage.
The hours of rehearsal that went into the performance were evident through all the students’ pieces. Kathryn Taylor, a student from the jazz ensemble, showcased her vocals when the ensemble performed “Skyfall,” a piece by Adele. Taylor’s vocals layered with the ensemble to bring out the emotions and captured the essence of the song.
“I always feel really lucky to get to sing with the big band,” Taylor said. “Obviously, not every vocalist gets to do that. I’ve sang in different kinds of bands, different vocal groups, you know, choirs, all sorts of things. But there is something really special about having a whole big band to back you up. It is really special and I am very grateful for the opportunity.”
IN THE RIGHT KEY: LPC student Kathryn Taylor showcases her vocals while performing at the ensemble concert at the Black Box Theatre on March 6. Taylor’s vocals were backed up by the ensemble as they performed ‘Skyfall,’ by Adele. (Photo by Angelina An/ The Express)
One of the pieces performed by The Improvisation Lab ensemble was arranged for the band by student Zachary Smithson. Smithson was elected director of a section and was able to work with them to tweak and change the material that was provided to him by Homie, the director. As rehearsals continued, the piece was finalized and the finished arrangement was performed at the concert.
“I think today’s showcase was absolutely amazing. That was probably one of the best runs we’ve had in the couple of months we’ve been practicing these pieces,” Smithson said. “We’ve been practicing these for a while and I think this showcase is a good way to show people that they should really come out to the next performance that’s happening at the end of the semester.”
Silva performed the pieces with the students in the band and expressed his joy that the performance went well. Silva shared with the audience a little about what goes on behind the scenes to share how hard the students of the ensembles work to put together the performance.
“I think today was our top performance,” Silva said. “I think we peaked right at the right time, and Dayna was able to bring the performance to another level. He really let everybody hear the unlimited possibilities of performance. Playing with the students is great; it’s like being the quarterback, and it’s fun to throw them the ball.”
The night’s highlight was Stephens, who was featured on the Grammy-winning record “Plot Armor” by Taylor Eigsti. Stephens has more records of his own to come this year. He is globally recognized as a saxophonist and composer. He brought some of his compositions for the jazz ensemble to play in the performance. The jazz ensemble’s set featured a piece titled “Dr. Wong’s Bird Songs” composed by Stephens.
“Even though a lot of them are brand new to improv,” Stephens said, “they’re a lot more talented than I think they realize at this point…I started playing in Dublin when I was in seventh grade, and it’s great to come back here and have all the family members of the students, but also the children of some of the students, and it’s great. It’s been a great vibe all day, and it’s been inspiring.”
The night ended with applause as the Las Positas jazz ensemble closed out the concert. Cheers and applause echoed through the Black Box theater, and audience members got to take pictures with the ensemble members — ending the evening with family and friends who came to support the ensembles.
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TOP PHOTO: Dayna Stephens, an accomplished jazz musician, was a surprise guest highlighting The Improvisation Lab on March 6 in the Black Box Theater. (Photo by Angelina An/ The Express)
Angelina An is a staff writer for The Express. Follow her on X, formally Twitter, @angiebee_919
