Playing their way to the top

While most Louis Pizitz Middle School students are dreaming of the weekend at 2:45 p.m. on a Friday, 13-year-old Jake Arnold is jamming out in the band room to the Commodores’ “Brick House.”

Arnold, along with 26 other students, is a member of the school’s jazz band — an audition-only group that has acquired somewhat of an elite status in the middle school jazz community. 

Just last year, the school’s symphonic band was invited to perform at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, making them the first Alabama middle school band to play at the event. 

Band Director Kim Bain, who has been leading the program for 10 years, said the invitation was the highest honor a middle school band could receive. 

“We were selected from all these applicants from all across the nation, and we were one of three bands that performed at the clinic this year,” Bain said. “It was a huge honor.” 

Bain said the accolade was well deserved. The students, she said, work diligently yearlong to perfect their skills — and it’s paying off. 

“We have enthusiastic students here who are willing to jump into any challenge I throw their way,” she said. 

This year, 13 jazz band students received Alabama All-State Band status. To have that many students receive all-state recognition, Bain said, was a notable accomplishment for the program. 

“This is definitely my favorite age group to teach,” admits Bain, who has also taught at the elementary and high school levels. “I really enjoy teaching middle schoolers because you’re able to mold them, but at the same time see the young women and men they’re about to become.”  

Arnold, who plays trumpet in the band, said participating in the jazz program has been the highlight of his eighth-grade year. 

“In October we played at the opening of the new [Vestavia] City Hall,” said Arnold, who was one of the 13 students to receive all-state status. 

William DeFreese, who plays alto saxophone and was also named to all-state jazz band, said it’s rewarding to see all the hours of practice pay off in such a big way. 

“I went to [Vestavia Hills Elementary] Central and when [the jazz band] came and played for us, I was instantly blown away by the saxophone and knew I wanted to join,” he said. 

Both Arnold’s and DeFreese’s skills shine when they demonstrate their improvisation skills during class — rising from their seats as Bain gives them the cue to let their creativity flow from their instrument. 

The band’s curriculum focuses on learning the fundamentals of playing jazz literature including swing, Latin and rock styles. 

While most teenagers prefer top-40 radio, Arnold said he would rather jam out to some classic rock and, of course, jazz. 

“I love Led Zeppelin,” the 13-year-old said. “I think music is something I will always keep as a hobby.” 

Bain said some students who complete the band program pursue jazz as much more than a hobby, though. 

Some Pizitz Middle School alumni, Bain points out, have gone on to study music at the likes of the University of North Texas, which has a prestigious jazz program, and The Juilliard School in New York City. 

“These kids have a lot of talent,” she said. “We offer them these opportunities and if they go for it and get after it, they really have a chance to excel at the next level.”

Leah Seng, assistant director for the school’s band program, said seeing students progress throughout the curriculum is her favorite part of teaching. 

“Pushing themselves to be better than they ever thought they could be and seeing these middle schoolers achieve things they never thought they could — that’s just amazing,” said Seng, who has been teaching at Pizitz for five years. 

In the spring, the band will hit the road and travel to New Orleans to participate in a festival at Loyola University, where they’ll learn improvisation skills from university teachers. 

William McGinnis, who plays trombone in the band, said it’s opportunities like playing in New Orleans — and simply learning under great leadership — that make participating in the Pizitz jazz program great. 

And when asked if he plans on continuing his jazz education, McGinnis said the answer is a no-brainer. 

“I love listening to jazz music and I love playing jazz music,” he said. 

Bain said like all of her students, McGinnis’ talent holds a promising future. 

“He better stick with it throughout high school,” she says with a laugh. “He’s too good not to.”