Band plays music for all generations

Diverse Jazz Central players share a love of music.

Adam Alonzo/Contributed photo The Generations Big Band performs on the third Thursday of every month at Jazz Central.

ENLARGE PHOTO

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By Adam Alonzo, Contributing Writer 1:49 PM Saturday, February 11, 2012

Every third Thursday of the month, the Generations Big Band performs at Jazz Central, filling the stage with 20 instrumentalists and vocalists. Drawn together by a common interest in music, the performers represent a wide spectrum of backgrounds and ages.

“We have a handful of music majors, some music teachers and several who have played for the Air Force and other bands in the area,” said Pam Wall, who serves as the group’s general manager (and second tenor saxophone).

This diversity inspired the name of the ensemble, since its members range from college students to senior citizens. “We have three different generations of people all loving the same music,” Wall said.

The band’s repertoire includes traditional jazz tunes, such as Glenn Miller and Count Basie favorites, but their large songbook also ventures into more contemporary pieces and film scores. “We aren’t locked into swing music,” Wall said.

Besides the monthly performance at Jazz Central, the group has had several other local appearances. Wall hopes to announce additional shows soon.

“More gigs should be coming this summer,” she said. “We’re very close to having our demo CD ready.”

Formed about 18 months ago, the ensemble is directed by Gary Martin, who played alongside Wall in another community band.

“We weren’t able to do very challenging numbers (in that group),” Wall said. “After several years of being in it, we just needed to grow someplace else.”

Rehearsals began in late 2010 with only six musicians, and Wall aggressively recruited more players to fill the open positions.

“Wherever I went, I was constantly networking,” she said. “I actually got desperate for a trombone player and went to Craigslist.”

Now that the band’s personnel is established, the players are dedicated to their weekly rehearsals and regular performances. Wall mentioned that a trumpet player recently thanked her for forming the band and including him in it.

“When he walks in (to rehearsal), he’s just grinning,” Wall said. “He’s excited because he knows he’s going to play his trumpet and have a good time. We’re all there because we absolutely live for this music.”

Adam Alonzo is a contributing writer for the Dayton Daily News. Contact him at music@adamalonzo.com.

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