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Despite losing their leader, Larry McIntosh, the bands played on as the Kaua‘i Community College Instrumental Wind Symphony and Jazz Ensemble put on part one of their spring concert May 7.
Part two of the concert series, featuring the orchestra, was May 14.
McIntosh, founder of the KCC instrumental-music program in 1985 and the only community ensembles for Kaua‘i musicians, died of cancer April 15.
This year’s concert series was dedicated to his memory and helped serve to honor that memory with the futures of others in mind: donations from the event help fund the Larry L. McIntosh Scholarship Association. The nonprofit was created to pay for graduating high-school seniors on Kaua‘i to further their interest and study of music.
Playing with the excitement of a big band, the Jazz Ensemble played high-energy throwbacks to swing, channeling the verve of Glen Miller or the likes of Count Basie.
Soloists took the stage in each piece, receiving laudable applause from the audience for their talents. Had there been a dance floor, people would have been dancing.
Similarly, the Wind Symphony brought a high level of execution and passion to their classical and jazz pieces, including an encore of what Director Karen Kirchner described as a “Salute to Bob Hope,” five pieces woven together into a medley McIntosh had chosen back in January.
The “salute” included the signature song “Thanks for the Memories,” as well as “The Road to Morocco,” “Moonlight Becomes You,” “Buttons and Bows,” and “Two Sleepy People,” arranged by Warren Barker.
Taking of the helm of the Jazz Ensemble was Barry Toy, trumpeter; the Wind Symphony was led by Kirchner and Director Sarah Tochiki.
Referring to what it was like to be among those to step into the director’s spotlight, Tochiki said it was “a little intimidating but an honor,” adding, “no one will be able to replace McIntosh.”
Though the event could have been somber in tone, it was joyous in spirit. And while obviously a director has much to do with how the ensemble performs, it seemed the encouragement of the former leader was in the ambient air.
Kirchner said that McIntosh was always encouraging and “could pull a little more out of you.”
Kirchner also said the concert was somewhat emotional, as “we were conducting the pieces (McIntosh) had chosen.”
That said, percussionist Scott Hartman said that the Jazz Ensemble “played extra well” on this evening, in which they played the pieces they had been rehearsing with McIntosh.
Each ensemble was far more polished than the practice time that getting together once a week for credit at KCC would seem to allow. But as Hartman explained, the performers “do their homework,” practicing on their own and practicing together where the director adds nuances, “play(ing) the band like an instrument.”
Looking ahead, Tochiki said it is key for the community to continue to support music by attending high-school and middle-school performances, adding that it is her hope that these students will someday be in the KCC ensembles. Some already are, she added, as part of the Running Start program for which they earn college credit.
For others who just want to continue playing and can read music and are willing to work hard, the course is $25, once a week in the evening at KCC, she said.
See www.kccmusic.org for more information.
