The Bruin Jazz Band is comprised of two units – Jazz Band I and Jazz Band II – and boasts approximately 50 members in all, from freshmen through seniors. The group practices once a week and is led by co-directors Mike Dodson and Mark Villines.

“We have a lot of kids who are interested in jazz,” says Dodson. “We like to have fun and be competitive.”

The Bruin Jazz Band typically plays at the annual Muskogee Jazz Festival. The group scored a “superior” rating at last year’s event. This year, the band plans to perform in a state competition for the first time.

“We play several community events, including our own concert and with the Madison Middle School Jazz Band,” notes Dodson. “This year, we’re looking forward to trying to incorporate a state contest into our plans.”

Jazz I is the more experienced of the two groups while Jazz II is something of a training ground, allowing the students to learn more about the music. The band plans to put out a CD this year.

“The Bruin Jazz Band is not considered a class,” says Dodson. “So, it’s something extra for the kids so they can learn the style of music and have fun with it.”