Music Concert Report: Walt Szymanski Trumpet
Music draws many individuals for the purposes of entertainment; with the youth in Michigan State singled out as concert maniacs. Most of the students had fallen in love with the live bands, and after the first series of concerts early in the year, Walt Szymanski Trumpet had left many anxious with the concert performance dubbed “Galactic Inferno”. Fueled by well-designed conspicuous posters all over the college, Szymanski was the talk of the day and as the evening of 11 November 2016 approached, several trickled in the Cook Recital Hall. I occupied a seat in the middle of the front row, anticipating fun, entertainment, and growing my interest in the music industry.
By around 7:55pm, the stage was well set, and anyone would capture the full view of the octet band that was set to occupy alternating rhythmic sections. During such occasions, students had in the past did crazy things, due to the overwhelming joy. As the normal lights went off, the theatrical lighting system on the stage brought about selective visibility and revelation of form. As the first sound of the lead guitar penetrated the speakers, the Hall was set ablaze by the shouts of joy. The pianist projected soft keys in an ascending tone and the bassist complimented the growing harmony with a melodious touch. As the director of the Jazz Octet I sounded the trumpet, the drummer and the soloist burst forth and the hall breathed into life. Walt Szymanski anchored the band with well blown trumpet.
Such moments always rip people of momentary troubles. This was evident as we grew into the concert; the seats were deserted, and bodies were all over in uncoordinated moves. Each and everyone seemed to be in a state of ultimate joy, and the band on the other hand did justice by ensuring that there were no halts in adjustments; it was all smooth and graceful. Walt Szymanski brought about harmony with a well sounded trumpet; while at the same time coordinating every single move. I was one of those who felt that it was not enough just to participate from a far; I felt tempted to drawer closer to the band, but the rails were a sure obstruction.
The songs were designed to increase in tempo, from the first to the last Jazz octet performance. It was therefore easy to predict that with time, fatigue would settle in, at least with the band. It was all clear that the students had been waiting for this occasion, their excessive energy and humph was met with the band’s skill and determination; they were made for such occasions. And as they had promised earlier, they were determined not to disappoint.
As opposed to the high tempo and use of energy, the ‘Embraceable You’ by Jazz Octet III was an exemption. It was a soft soothing song, accompanied by coordinated sounds of the lead guitar, piano, Saxophone and trombone. As the drummer gently hit the crash, ride and the splash symbols, a refreshing rhythm swept across the entire hall. The trumpet by Walt Szymanski alternated with the soloist’s captivating voice. The lyrics of the song were known to almost everyone, and as we all sang along, we seemed a lot with a common goals, interests, and destiny; this was the power of music, and far from the reality.
This was far different from watching a concert in class, as we had done before. It was not satisfying enough to have all the activities fitting onto one screen, with viewers distant apart. The fat that we could dance, sing, breath, and jump with the band under the same roof made a bid difference. I was not sure if I would continue to enjoy watching concerts over screens, this night had set a standard that was not easy to keep, given the number of such opportunities presentable in college.
The period between 2:30am and 4:30am was simply breathless. As Jazz Octet IV did the last performance, the sound of the trumpet stood out, akin to the final in games in the world cup finals. Seemingly, the other performances had ended earlier and more number thronged the overflowing hall. Students treated such occasions with seriousness, as there were not many as such in an entire year.
In the closing stages of the concert, the audience gave a standing ovation to the excellent band. I left fulfilled, and my hopes of one day being part of a band no longer seemed farfetched. At the exit door, the departing audience heaped praises on the band, with those who had only joined in the closing stages openly bemoaning their inability to make it for the concert right from the start. It was predictable that the next concert would have a bigger pool of fans.
In conclusion, music has its own way of penetrating the heart, the mind, and the soul of an individual. As I reflected on how we had been conquered that night, I realized what difference it makes to have the whole performance live. The skill, determination and the size of the band play key role to the success of a concert. If I were to further my interest in the music industry, I would consider live band concerts. At least, I have Szymanski to look up to.