DCHS Jazz Band Ensemble
03.23.2023 - I heard the local high school band playing during the Smithville Christmas Parade back in December, and as they rounded the corner onto West Main Street, I stepped into the path of this rolling music machine and introduced myself to Mr. Don Whitt, band director, and quickly mentioned that I had an idea and would be in touch. Soon thereafter, we hatched a plan to feature the DCHS Jazz Ensemble inside The Harvester in the Spring of 2023. That day arrived and this group of classy and talented students put on an unforgettable show. Decked out in all black, this 10-piece local jazz band filled the Flatwoods stage to capacity and delivered a stellar performance that was both entertaining and inspiring. Members of last night’s ensemble include:
Cadence Orcutt - Alto Sax
B.J. Mosely - Tenor Sax
Ayden Jones - Trumpet
Jayden Wildes - Trumpet
Alexis Stanley - Trumpet
Nate Hall - Trombone
Owen Warren - Trombone
Karson Smallwood - Guitar/Drums
Gavin Conger - Drums
Don Whitt, Band Director - Keyboard
The DeKalb County High School marching band has an illustrious history and Mr. Don Whitt has re-energized what was formerly a powerhouse marching band that has state championships on its resume. I recall the days of over 100 members cruising the football fields and city streets all over middle Tennessee. Names like Fowler Stanton and Randy Rhody come to mind when I think back to the days when the halftime show was not to be missed. Good NEWS!!! There is a music scene in this town and it starts with our young people whether that be on the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree stage, the high school football field or in this case, The Harvester Performance and Event Center, we have a lot to be proud of in this community and last night's performance was no exception!
The DCHS Jazz Ensemble powered through songs that covered many decades of music including: The Peter Gunn Theme, Burritos To Go, Fever, Feeling Good, Old Time Rock N Roll, and a rousing Glenn Miller number that gave way to a standing ovation. Each student was introduced and accolades were deservedly given for this a tight knit bunch: they all showed poise, class, talent, and showmanship, which is something that not everyone has. Energetic solos were accentuated by the soulful softness and that playful vibe that only true jazz can bring, these cats can play. Way ahead of the game on the road to something that can be enjoyed their entire lives. We cannot wait to have them back and until then, you can still make a donation because this band needs your love and financial support (Mr. Whitt mentioned they are trying to acquire a tuba). This entire weekend at the Harvester is a benefit for The DeKalb County Fighting Tiger Band. Both the Thursday night performance and the upcoming Spring Formal on Saturday featuring The Beasley Coury Big Band, cocktails, flapper girls, Great Gatsby, speakeasy vibe. Part of your admission will go to benefit the DCSH Band. Keep music alive and support the arts in DeKalb County!
Shoutout to our partners/sponsors of the DCHS Jazz Band Ensemble performance and the upcoming Spring Formal this Saturday, 3/25: Swallows Insurance Agency, Janney & Associates CPA, and (our next door neighbors) FirstBank of Smithville.
Don’t miss out on next week as we go back 100 years to the Roaring 20s with a speakeasy vibe and a hot seven-piece jazz orchestra to benefit the DCHS Band: 1920's Spring Formal with Beasley Court Big Band on Saturday, 3/25. Lots more on the calendar as we finish March and keep rolling towards the spring season ahead: Finally Fridays at the Harvester, 3/31, Realty Firm of Smithville presents Harper Grace and Hazi (with opener Jimmy Wayne Garrett), Bert’s on Thursdays at the Harvester, 4/6, with the Joey Fletcher Band, Comedy Night with JJ Barrows, Amber Autry, and Doug Sanders on 4/13, Earth Day X on Saturday, 4/22, with Bee Taylor, Zion Stovall and “The Mojo Kingz”, an authentic taste of NOLA prepared by the Boil Bros. at the Burlap Room, Finally Fridays at the Harvester, 4/28, with Tom Tippin, and Bert’s on Thursdays at the Harvester, 5/4, with Cam Pierce and Craig Anderson. And be on the lookout for our first theater performance as the Nashville Shakespeare Festival makes its way to Downtown Smithville - details coming soon!
All the details for upcoming events at burlaproom.eventbrite.com. Stay up-to-date with all the events in the Bert Driver Network (Nursery, Burlap Room, and the Harvester) by signing up for our Burlapper Newsletter - released every other Tuesday morning straight to your inbox!
