Jazz Band

Auditions for Jazz Bands, Symphonic Band, and String Orchestra!

Greetings talented music people. Our growing music program wants you! If you have an interest in participating in jazz bands, symphonic band, or string orchestra please contact Mr. Randolph or stop by the band room asap for an audition...we can't wait to hear you play!

Jazz Band Archive

To see the previous accomplishments and awards of Bishop O'Dowd's prestigious jazz band, view the archive.

Beginning Jazz Band Schedule

Advanced Jazz Band Schedule

Famous Musician and O’Dowd Alumnus Frank Martin ’67 Gives a
Clinic to the Jazz Band

The jazz band was treated to a very rare and special visit on Nov. 3 by a famous alumnus of Bishop O’Dowd High School, pianist, arranger, and producer Frank Martin’67.

Martin has performed and/or recorded with a variety of artists that include Andrea Bocelli, Sting, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Steve Winwood, Whitney Houston, Ray Charles, Diana Ross, Chris Isaak, Tevin Campbell, Cheryl Crow, Philip Bailey, James Taylor, Joe Cocker, Billy Joel, and Madonna.

In the jazz world of music, his performance credits include Flora Purim & Airto Moriera, Herbie Hancock, John McLaughlin, Narada Michael Walden, Stanley Jordan, Dizzy Gilespie, Mel Torme, Bobby McFerrin, John Handy, Ramsey Lewis, Joe Farrell, and the Slide Hampton Big Band.

Jazz band instructor and professional bassist Fred Randolph happened to be working with Martin recently. During a break, Randolph mentioned to Martin that he had heard that the musician had attended O’Dowd. When Randolph invited Martin to come and work with the jazz band students, Martin enthusiastically accepted.

Martin is well known and much in demand as a clinician, as was evidenced by the wonderful time he spent with the students.

Martin specializes in teaching people how to “feel” the groove of the rhythm. He explained that while much study and practice are necessary to become a professional musician, the most important thing is to “groove” well.

He illustrated this point by having the students sway from one foot to the other while reciting animal names such as “alligator” and “hippopotamus,” which corresponded with various rhythms -- not your typical music class!

This method, however, is very effective, and many of the students were able to “feel” complex rhythms which previously had been too difficult for them.

Martin explained that good rhythm is really a dance and that musicians need to learn to dance together.

Finally, the jazz band played two tunes with the new concepts in mind, and the music came alive.

“This was really a revelation to the students, and after the clinic the most frequent comment heard from them was ‘awesome!’” Randolph said. “Many thanks are due to Frank Martin for spending such inspiring time with us.”

Master class with saxophonist Dan Zinn

Clinic with Cal Band director Bob Calonico who really inspired the band!

Trumpeter Erik Jekabson played with the Bishop O'Dowd Jazz Band

• Meet the Director
• Message from the Director 
• Jazz Band Blog
• Perdido Spring Concert (mp3)
• Respect Spring Concert (mp3)
  
• Mambo Hot Spring Concert (mp3)