Many musicians trickle through Southeastern as students, only for each to take their own path after graduation.  These alums, all from various years of schooling at Southeastern, came together Monday, April 29 in the Pottle Music Building Auditorium to create the Alumni Jazz Ensemble as the first of four concerts of the Bill Evans Jazz Festival. 

The festival honors alumnus Bill Evans, who is a seven-time Grammy Award winner.  Evans has made his mark in jazz music, making the festival an important one in the Southeastern music department.

The concert featured saxophones, trumpets, trombones, the piano, guitar, bass and drums.  All musicians were alum but for one saxophone player, Jonathan Lyons, who is currently a junior.  Lyons played to help fill needed spots, receiving the chance to play alongside his father, alum John Lyons, also on saxophone. 

“Unbelievable. It’s always a pleasure [playing with my son],” said John Lyons, who never officially graduated but was in school around 1984 to 1988.  “He got himself to play.  He decided what he wanted to do and he did it. He has really worked hard through the years to catch a few notes from his pop, but he’s definitely worked on his own and became a great musician.”

Currently, John Lyons is working with a regional lumber company, but continues to play music.

“I have a band I play with in New Orleans called the Wise guys and I play with them every week,” said Lyons. “I’ve been with the group for five years.  I play professionally as well as a day job.”

Many alum took similar paths, working various jobs, while keeping their music alive and a large part of their lives. Alum Lacy Blackledge, a trumpet player who graduated in 2006, still plays music regularly as employment.

“I’ve been playing music, mostly in the city and around town on the Northshore [since graduation],” said Blackledge. “I play with several bands and I do a lot of solo stuff also.”

The alum, in addition of Jonathan Lyons, have only rehearsed three times in preparation for the concert. Alum wishing to be a part of the ensemble came, creating a relatively voluntary ensemble.

Returning to their school, especially being able to see many musicians they don’t see often any longer, was a great experience for most.

“It’s nice.  I always love coming back and playing with however many people I know,” said Blackledge.  “I know most, I’m still meeting some new people, but a lot of these guys have been here a long time.  Some of them I went to school with.”

The alum have gone through what many students are going through today.  As a word of advice, John Lyons offers the words, “Stay in school.  Get everyting you can out of it and enjoy it while it last because it doesn’t last forever.  Trust me, I know.”

For current musicians at school, Blackledge offers his own advice.

“Practice, practice, practice,” she said.

The director of the ensemble, Richard Schwarts, is leaving the school after this semester.  Schwarts received applause for his hard work and was able to direct this group towards the end of his rein at Southeastern.

For more information about upcoming concerts or events contact the Department of Fine and Performing at 985-549-2184.