Advertisement “It is just a blast to play with instrumentalists with so much talent,” Appold said.
“We have great music to play, and we’re at a jazz festival.”
Appold, a recent Onalaska Luther High School graduate who plans to study instrumental music at Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minn., has played tenor saxophone with the Coulee Region High School Jazz All-Stars since the group was formed two years ago for the Great River Jazz Fest.
The 20-member ensemble will open this year’s jazz fest with a concert at 5 p.m. Friday in the La Crosse Center Ballroom.
Jim Knutson, a jazz band teacher at Onalaska High School, had the idea for the all-star high school jazz band. Knutson said he formed the ensemble because it gave talented musicians from area high schools a chance to perform with each other at a great jazz venue.
“It’s really nice for kids to get together with other kids with a similar interest.” he said. “These are the 20 best jazzers in the Coulee Region. It’s a very cool thing.”
The band will rehearse Wednesday and Thursday to prepare for the concert. It is made up of musicians from Onalaska, Luther, Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau, West Salem, Logan, Central, Aquinas, Holmen and La Crescent high schools.
This year’s vocalist is Katy Hoppens, a recent Onalaska High School graduate.
In June, the ensemble played at the Festival Foods Salute to the Fourth event in Onalaska prior to the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra pops concert.
“It was great playing on a big stage like that in front of a huge crowd,” Appold said.
Colin Johnson, a senior double bass player at Central, said he has enjoyed being part of the all-star band. “It’s always fun to get another time out to play jazz, especially with really good musicians from the area,” Johnson said. “It’s fun to be with a group of experienced students.”
He said he likes everything about jazz.
“You don’t have to know exactly what you’re jumping into,” Johnson said.
“You can do your own thing, and take an old song and do something different with it — and it still works.”
Dustin Hackworth, a recent Onalaska High School graduate, is playing drums for the first time with the group.
“I really wanted to be part of this group,” Hackworth said. “I wanted to expand myself musically, and I like playing with the best from the area.”
Hackworth, who will have a music industry major at Minnesota State University-Mankato, said he enjoys the free style of jazz music.
“You can throw anything you feel like into the music as long as it fits,” he said.
“As a drummer, I have to take a back seat to the music, but there’s a lot more room for expansion.”
Knutson said he is always looking for more opportunities for student musicians.
“This group is a great way to showcase the high school talent, and this summer we’ve had a great gig at the symphony. And it’s nice to be the opening act at jazz fest,” he said.
IF YOU GO
The Great River Jazz Fest will be held Friday through Sunday at the La Crosse Center Ballroom and the Riverside Center South. The Coulee Region High School Jazz All-Stars, under the direction of Jim Knutson, open the Jazz Fest with a concert at 5 p.m. Friday in the La Crosse Center Ballroom.
For more information, check out www.lacrossejazz.com or call (608) 791-1190.
Terry Rindfleisch can be reached at trindfleisch@lacrossetribune.com or (608) 791-8227.
