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Growing Pains
lthough the Jazz Band is experiencing growing pains, the group has become "the most diversified I've ever directed. We have students ranging from beginners to the highly experienced/' said Don Bailey, Director. "It was the hardest year we ever had getting started, but it turned out to be the best yet," said Tom Watts, bassist. Throughout the year, the Jazz Band performed public relations concerts in the Ft. Smith area. From recruiting high school students to preparing for annual concerts, the Jazz Band promoted "a positive feeling about Westark," said Bailey. The appearance of Dizzy Gillespie added excitement to this year's program. According to Bailey, "Dizzy Gillespie is a walking jazz history that drew crowds from as far as Tulsa and Oklahoma City."
'We have students ranging from beginnners to highly experienced "
Don Bailey
The Jazz Band hopes to make additions in its program by adding a second band. The second band would be a lab and a prerequisite for jazz band. Problems such as scheduling, practice areas, and rehearsal time remain, but "It's only a matter of time," said Bailey. With continued growth and support, Bailey plans to make the band's growing pains a visible reality. Bonnie steuart
50 Ja:z Band
JVlembers were (Back) Eddie Zirmamon, Scott Shoemaker, Ward Eagleton, Davi Brooks, DeWayne Walden, Brad Rotert, David Moss. (Middle) Tommy Watt! Mokki Matlock, Grant Camden, David Holland. (Front) Russell Wordlow, Oil Karl, Shannon Brown fie Id, Terri Bailey, Kristina Lindstrom, Batles Mauley (Curtis Hot*
I. he Jazz Band noon shows were a great source of entertainment.
(Curtis HanÂŤ