Week after week, members of the LHS jazz collective spend hours pouring their sweat and tears into practicing. Each member is specifically selected based on their own talents and abilities. This year, there are 19 members, 10 of whom are seniors. A handful of these seniors, with their immense talent, are going to keep pursuing their passion and continue to get even better in college.
For Levi Burkett, this is exactly the case. He has been pursuing his passion for playing the drums for eight years. Although Burkett has not always been a part of the LHS band, he has never felt like a lone wolf. He started high school in Harrisburg but decided to come to LHS to be a part of the best band in town.
“I came to Lincoln for the band program, especially jazz band. The jazz band here is so much better. It was pretty easy [transferring] because I had a lot of friends in the drumline already… so it was really easy to make friends,” said Burkett.
The jazz collective has always been a tight-knit group and worked well together. This year it feels different, though; with the impeccable talent, love for jazz and dedication, the collective has become even stronger than years past.
“It’s like a big family. We’re all good friends, and it’s just a fun community to be in,” said Burkett. “There’s a lot of talent, but we also all work very well together.”
Burkett has made many friends while being in the collective and enjoys going to practices because he gets to not only play music but also spend time with friends.
“The music’s fun, and then I just get to hang out with my friends for two hours every time we rehearse,” said Burkett.
Next year, Burkett plans on continuing his passion for music and the drums in college. He has not made a final decision on where he will be attending college but has it down to a select few.
“I don’t know [where I am going to college] yet. I have a couple of auditions coming up, and that will decide [where I go],” said Burkett. “I’m doing an audition for NIU, which is in Chicago, and then UNO, in Omaha. When I hear back from those, I will make a decision.”
Moving on will come with many new challenges and opportunities. However, it will also provide Burkett with the ability to improve and showcase his skills to other people.
“I’m honestly pretty excited [to go to college] because I’ve been playing with the same people in Sioux Falls for the last two to three years now. So, it will be fun to meet new people and make new connections,” said Burkett.
Another senior, James McCormack, is also choosing to continue his musical career in college. McCormack has been playing the trombone for eight years. After he graduates, he plans to keep pursuing his passion for music and continue to play jazz throughout his life.
“I plan to pursue a composition career, and jazz skills come in handy. I also love the style and want to continue playing all my life,” said McCormack. “I’m planning on attending Augustana. I’ve taken lessons from [their] trombone professor who has some great stuff planned for me there.”
This year, the jazz band is an impressive group with members who have years of experience and have learned to play and work together to create incredible music.
McCormack believes this year the jazz band is so impeccable due to most of the collective members having been together for four years now and have had the opportunity to grow together. They have come out of their shells and been able to better each other. Motivation has also been a big component that has contributed to their success.
“The culture of jazz has gotten exponentially better at our school in the last few years. My first year, very little people wanted to take a solo, but since then there have been cool opportunities for them to step out of their comfort zone and try it,” said McCormack. “This year we have a very motivated group that all seem to really enjoy jazz music and want to get better.”
For the last four years, McCormack has gotten the chance to spend hours with friends who all share the same love for music and live to improve and better each other. The collective has provided McCormack with a creative outlet where he can let loose and make music.
“I like trading solos with my friends. I love hearing their ideas and responding to them,” said McCormack.
Although moving on can be scary, it can also be an amazing opportunity. Not everyone is ready to move on after high school and start over, but for McCormack, it is something he is ready and excited for.
“I’m excited to see how they will play and the ideas they have. I’m ready to move on, but I’ve had a great time with the collective,” said McCormack.
