Jazzing it up in Boardman
Grammy-winning saxophonist tutors, performs with students at concert
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BOARDMAN -- Boardman jazz students had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform with two-time Grammy winner and eight-time nominee Eric Marienthal, a gifted saxophonist who's played with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Elton John and Barbra Streisand.
Fresh off the plane from the 64th Grammy Awards in Las Vegas, Marienthal went to Boardman High School on Tuesday morning to begin rehearsing with the school's budding jazz musicians in preparation for the 20th annual Boardman Jazz Fest that night. Boardman prides itself on its emphasis on the arts, something Marienthal quickly took notice of upon arrival.
"There is so much going on here musically, and it's exciting. You can see it in the students' faces. They're really excited to be in a program that's so prolific and expansive," Marienthal said. "It's these kinds of unique experiences that I remember having in my high school days, and that's part of what got me excited about a career in music."
Boardman band director Tom Ruggieri connected with Marienthal nearly nine years ago when the Boardman jazz band was the opening act for Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band in April 2013. Ruggieri has recruited multiple other artists to perform with the band, and Marienthal was suggested by Gordon Goodwin himself. Marienthal has performed with several other schools across the country.
Ruggieri said the experience the students get from performing with professional musicians is "invaluable" as jazz artists do not frequent the Youngstown area. He hopes that performing shoulder-to-shoulder with artists will encourage students to stick with music after they leave school.
He said Boardman's focus on the arts allows students opportunities that other schools may not have, and he hopes the kids recognize the privilege and opportunities that are afforded to them.
"I think it's important for them to hear him play, to play with him and hear his side of the story in the industry. It's just priceless," Ruggieri said. "It will inspire so many of these kids to keep going with music, and at Boardman, we're very lucky because a lot of kids continue playing whether they major in music in college or not."
The concert began with a performance by Boardman's Eighth Grade Jazz Ensemble followed by the 2k22 Pop / RockBand and Jazz Ensemble 2. Jazz Ensemble 1 is the headliner. Marienthal's featured selections with the students include "Cherokee," "Green Bossa," "Play That Funky Music" and "Armando's Rhumba."
Marienthal is no stranger to the stage and has performed in more than 75 countries, recorded 14 solo CDs and has played on hundreds of records, films, television shows and commercial jingles. The confidence he has gained along the way in his expansive career is something he hopes the students will pick up as well.
During practice, he told the students they can't be afraid of making some noise and being a little loud. He hopes to give them hope of a professional music career that isn't as "mythical" as some people make it out to be.
"Music is not this mythical career that is impossible to actually make a living at. Just like anything else that you want to do, it's about the dedication and the work that goes into any business that you want to be successful in," Marienthal said. "If you've got a love for something, go after it in every possible way you can and with every bit of energy. Don't take no for an answer, and don't let failure be an option."
lnickel@tribtoday.com