The Lakeview Blues is a jazz band full of passionate musicians. Each who perform to impress. Now, their next hurdle is their upcoming performance at the Ohio Music Education Association, otherwise known as OMEA. But what really is OMEA? OMEA provides extensive music programs for instrumental and vocal music education. It’s a prestigious program full of hardworking students from all around Ohio. As nerve-wracking as it sounds, the Lakeview blues are determined to play well and, yet again, wow the crowd.
The Lakeview Blues would be nothing without its students. So, how do they feel about their upcoming performance? Well, the members of the jazz band express what it’s like, how they feel about it, and what they’re most excited for.
Many agree that the hard work shared between each and every student is incredible. It’s amazing to have an ensemble that works so well together. Due to their cooperation, each student has the ability to express themselves musically.
Junior drumset player Will Bullock had a similar thought when stating, “I feel as though being in the Lakeview Blues allows us to have another form of musical expression that we wouldn’t have without the ensemble.”
Everyone in the band works hard to play their very best, they put their most effort into playing. Even when falling behind the band still works their way through it to put their best out there.
Sophomore bass trombone player Jacob Terry similarly said, “It’s a lot of work, you have to put the effort in to be good enough to keep up with the rest of the band and if you fall behind you have to work harder there is no failure.”
Despite the hard work each member puts into the band, students still tend to feel anxious. Especially with the addition of judges and scores.
Junior trombone player Chelsea Dean said, “I’m A little bit nervous and intimidated by all the band directors who will be watching us but still excited nonetheless.”
Only one other Lakeview band has ever performed at OMEA. Each student understands the importance of this performance.
Terry Stated “it is a big performance, its the 3rd largest music convention in the US, there is a lot of pressure when performing at this level but it comes with a reward of accomplishing what only one other band at Lakeview has done in the past so many years.”
Clearly, this OMEA trip isn’t just any ordinary performance. It’s very prestigious and full of past performers. Which just adds to the nervousness of the students.
Junior Tenor Saxophonist Emma Mika Stated, “I’m nervous for the performance because other band directors will be listening to us and I feel like it will be a more critical audience than normal. This is also the biggest performance the jazz band has ever done, so there’s a lot of pressure.”
Although the anxiety is present, that doesn’t halt the hype the students feel for this performance. They’re privileged enough to play in this impressive group of musicians. Who wouldn’t be excited?
Terry said, “I am definitely excited for the actual performance but I am more excited for the send off concert and performing for the community is what I am most excited for, playing for the community is one of the most rewarding privileges I have had in band.”
Performing at the Ohio Music Education Association is a huge deal! It’s truly a one in a lifetime experience and we know they will knock it out of the park. So, we wish all the jazz members luck performing at OMEA. Go play your hearts out Bulldogs!
