BYU Synthesis band inspires future jazz artists

On Feb. 21, Brigham Young University's jazz band, Synthesis, played its final concert for the Essentially Ellington Regional Jazz Festival.

Synthesis was joined by multiple guest artists, namely world-class bassist Linda May Han Oh.

The Essentially Ellington Regional Jazz Festival is a festival for local high schools.

This year, there were 11 bands and 5 combo groups that were able to perform for judges and participate in a practice clinic with various faculty and experts.

Benjamin Nichols, ensemble director of Synthesis and a former festival director, had nothing but praise for BYU hosting the festival, which has run for more than a decade.

Its an amazing honor and responsibility, kind of like it is being able to play jazz, Nichols said.

The concert featured a wide variety of jazz music, ranging from slow-moving and calm to intense and riveting songs.

Five of the songs May Han Oh performed with the group were her own compositions, including Hatchling, which she dedicated to her five-year-old son.

Jazz is unique because soloists are frequently improvising their parts on the fly, weaving together different elements that theyve learned.

Even though mistakes occasionally happen, everything played in a solo is done intentionally as the soloist listens to what is happening in the rest of the band.

Jacob Ward is in his third year with Synthesis as a drummer.

Ward is studying commercial music and is passionate about jazz and the opportunities it offers to develop talented musicians.

I think jazz is unique in that there is a more powerful spirit of creation than in any other style, Ward said. Not only is the composer creating, but the musicians are creating in the moment. And that spirit of creation is one I think that our (Heavenly) Father wants us to develop more and more.

Ward said he came to BYU to study in a gospel-centered environment and spoke about the jazz programs potential to fulfill the prophetic vision outlined by President Spencer W. Kimball in his second century address.

I believe that these programs are the programs at BYU that will send musicians to the biggest stages in the world, Ward said.

For the students in Synthesis, a lot is expected of them to carry out their purpose, which Nichols identified as spreading joy, love and connection through music.

Jazz teaches skills beyond rhythm and technique it teaches students professionalism, respect and support for one another and their communities.

I think everybody should listen and play jazz, Ward said. Because the life lessons and the gospel lessons that it brings are more closely related to our Father in Heaven than any other style of music.

Synthesis offers the experience to deepen ones appreciation for art and the spirit of creation.

The students go all in, encouraging each other during and after solos and just grooving together on stage while playing.

Its a great group of musicians I feel really, really fortunate to be able to work with all of them, Nichols said. He described his experience with Synthesis as a dream come true.

To see Synthesis perform, visit its website. The band is performing again on April 1 and is working on releasing new music for streaming next month.