One of CHS’ Jazz sextets arrived at the Big House, a stadium ranked number one for size in the US, to play in front of a wealthy, but friendly audience. Upon arrival on Oct. 4 at 5.15pm, the usual band-setup occurred as it always did: Students arrived 45 minutes early, carried in their own equipment near the stage, set it up and did a sound check. Although the set up is routine-based for the students, performing for the American Heart Association Fundraiser was “exciting,” Desmond Lorenz said, one of CHS’ bassists.
Pianist, William Militzer has been a part of the CHS’ jazz program for over two years and has played many gigs. From Militzer’s years of play experience, teacher and program leader Jack Wagner rewards him with aspiring opportunities to play.
“Well, the years of practice that we’ve all put into our instruments is what got us the gig, our dedication to the music and preparing for the gig itself like knowing the location, getting there early, and having a nice, clean suit and tie to wear to look official.” Militzer said.
CHS’s jazz sextet titled “Ice” has a “typical” arrangement of players for a jazz band. It’s composed of a drummer (Elijah Lawler), a bassist (Desmond Lorenz), a guitarist (Camillo Ojeda), an alto saxist (John McWilliams) and a tenor saxist (Nick Villamore). These experienced musicians often don’t have a set list, hence most of their music is improvised. CHS Jazz classics such as Cantaloupe Island or songs based on the chord changes of a Blues or Rhythm Changes do exist, but even if repeated, they will be unique from each other.
“When somebody is trying to build their solo, I can provide a harmony for them to base their melodies on,” Militzer said. “I have a couple tricks that I like to pull out, and I think the band members like them because it builds energy.”
During their Jazz class at school, CHS’ musicians learn to improvise and play with each other, so that they’re able to utilize their skills at any given time.
“We want the kids to be very independent, in case I can’t be there, or, more importantly, just so that they get the experience of being a professional,” Wagner said. “Through that they know how to do gigs themselves someday, when they are the ones that are getting hired.”
After their set of playing music, CHS’ musicians got to partake in exclusive perks that were available to patrons attending the fundraiser. Food was available that ranged from bread and steak to salmon, and from sugar to chocolate cookies. When thirsty, a waiter would serve them drinks upon request. Later, CHS’s musicians received access to a tour across the entire stadium. They went into the Wolverine’s locker rooms and experienced its vibe: “There’s a lot of: The Wolverines are the number one champs,” according to Militzer. After visiting the locker room, the musicians went onto the highly coveted football field, at which they were able to take their own shot at the field goal and attempt to score touchdowns.
“It was fun to enter what almost feels like a religious space for so many fans,” Wagner said. “All of these places we got to go, we’ve seen on TV a million times, while watching games, press conferences and post game interviews. So it feels like hallowed ground for a football fan, which I am, and a lot of the kids are.”
“I’m not a huge fan of football, but when I was walking out onto the football field and I saw the Friday Night Lights, it hit me. As I was running on the field I could understand immediately why people love the sport and why people play it.” said Militzer
Later, The CHS Jazz Band received another call in which it was said that they were liked so much that they were asked to play at the American Heart Association’s Fundraiser in the Henry Ford Museum Of American Innovation.
