Over 40 years ago, Alma’s former band director, Bill Simon, started a groovy night out for family and friends called, “The Big Band Dance.” Not only is the Big Band Dance a concert, but as well as a community dance to which all ages are invited.
On February 17, current band director, Joan Draxler-Ruff (also known as DR) and her 27 band students, kept this tradition alive. The dance was hosted in the Alma Area School’s high school gymnasium; the students performed on the stage looking out at their audience on the dance floor beneath them. The students had been perfecting their music for two months prior to the event. Twelve total songs were performed for the first set, which was strictly a jazz band. Draxler-Ruff had 23 students, grades freshmen through seniors in jazz band alone. The band had multiple different soloists for each song. Hailee McQuiston, Reece Soderberg, Roland Goeldner, Ashley Bartelt, Chloe Reed, Ashton Radatz, Claire Goeldner, Zoey Danzinger, Mya Stewart, Trenton Krzoska, Liam Midtovne, Madox Stewart, and Lorna Lisowski all had their own special part in one of the songs performed. The band altogether enjoys performing, “Hey Jude” a little more than the others. Director DR would rather play, “What I’d Say” instead. An oldie but a goodie that always gets everyone up is the popular “Chicken Dance.”
Once set one was finished, to give the players a little break, the “Treat Walk” occurred. The treat walk, formerly known as the cake walk, is a fun game for all ages that results in a sweat treat as a prize. After a short intermission, set two was on: the Polka Band. DR had four extra students for the polka band, giving her 27 musicians in all. The polka band is a little more upbeat, and the dance floor tends to see more people out of their seats. Along with polka music, some waltzs were also added to the selection. When asked what her favorite part of the Big Band Dance was, DR responded, “I love being able to play music that will get people out of their seats and dance.” Joan hopes to keep the tradition alive as it is a common event in the community that everyone looks forward to.