Bobby Shew caps Jazz Weekend with trumpet performance

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The  Jazz Weekend concluded with trumpeter Bobby Shew performing alongside  Central Michigan University’s Jazz Lab One.

After Friday’s 39th annual event, attended by about 1,000 people at Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium, many said they were inspired and awed at Shew’s performance.

Middleville freshman Dominic Bierenga, who played alto saxophone in Jazz Lab One, said Shew was a great person to work and rehearse with.

“Bobby Shew was incredibly down to Earth and amazing to share the stage with,” Bierenga said. “It was great getting advice from him and learning things from him in the rehearsals and the concert.”

All of the music, including pieces such as “Daahoud” by Clifford Brown and “Always and Forever” by Pat Methany, were chosen by Shew.

“They were all incredible pieces of music,” Bierenga said. “They were all top-notch, pro arrangements. A ton of fun to play.”

Bierenga said “My Ideal” by Maria Schneider was an obstacle because the saxophone players had to play flutes as well.

“When we accomplished that, it was the most beautiful arrangement” he said.

Shew said the performance with the band was a lot of fun.

“Every piece on this program tonight was something I felt special about,” he said. “Everyone of them has a particular vibe to it.”

Shew praised the Jazz Lab One group during and after the performance.

“We want the kids to get inspired and get better at what they do,” he said.

He said anyone who wants to play music has to have a certain connection with it.

“There’s a spiritual connection with what you have to deal with in order to get yourself connected with music and connected with the instrument,” Shew said.

Assistant Professor of Music Rob Smith, who conducted the featured performance, said the night was the most important night of the year.

Smith said the night was a great source of exposure for students, especially high school students.

“It can be an eye-opening experience,” he said. “If you want to play jazz, an experience like this can be the most important thing that can happen.”

High school students from around the state were also in attendance for the events. Connor McLarrin, from Traverse City, performed with the Traverse City Central Jazz Band on alto saxophone earlier in the day.

McLarrin said watching the Central Michigan University saxophone players was motivational.

“If I could have their sound, it’d be perfect,” he said.

McLarrin said he thought Shew coming to CMU was a great experience.

“What’s really incredible is that he took the time to come here for Jazz Weekend,” he said.

Paige Pfannenstiel, trumpeter for the Traverse City Central jazz band, said she was galvanized by Shew’s performance.

“That has gotten me interested in jazz trumpet,” Pfannenstiel said. “It was cool stuff I’d never seen before.”