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Musician plays heart out for jazz ensemble We are also glad you decided to take on the nitty-gritty of running a band. We are especially glad that you have demanded and gotten high-quality music from the more than 100 musicians associated with the Altamonte Jazz Ensemble through the years. Their passion for the big-band sound, an American original, has given Seminole County plenty of reason to whoop it up. So, Mike Arena, put that tenor sax down a minute, step out and take a bow. Sunday night will mark the 25th anniversary of the Altamonte Jazz Ensemble, a remarkable achievement. Arena, diminutive in build, has been the engine that keeps the band running. He has never been able to put down his tenor sax, though he made his living as a designer for Stromberg Carlson. But he did more than hone his own musical skills. Whether living here or in Rochester, NY, Arena created a stage for himself and others who shared his passion for the music. Writing of the ensemble, Richard J. Fote noted Arena's commitment: "He literally works on the management and details of this group every day - not only writing and copying musical arrangements for the band, but also attending to all of the other details, such as rehearsing the band, contacting artists to perform with the band, making arrangements for the artist's travel and lodging, scheduling rehearsals, concerts and performance halls. |
"Mike also handles the details of transporting and setting up the band's library, sound system, risers and music stands for rehearsals and their public performances. He and his wife, Kathy, even do the catering to feed the band between dress rehearsals and concerts." And, for all of this, we pay just $5 at the door. Some ensemble members have professional music backgrounds. Others, like Arena, have nourished their passion for music despite the distractions of other jobs. Some have been with the band since the early days. Those include Bruce Johnson, Don Lohr, Martin Sensiper, Will Rogers and Dave Sheffield. Later, singer Linda Cole brought a new dimension to the group. When Arena came to Seminole County in 1978, he hooked up with some other musicians. Soon, he was running the band. Early venues include the Why Not Lounge at the Holiday Inn on Wymore Road. Then, Arena bumped into Eddie Rose, the recently deceased Altamonte Springs city commissioner who was in charge of the city's civic center at the time. The band had its first permanent home. The city always has supported the band, as has the Seminole Cultural Arts Council. Lately, the ensemble has been giving concerts in the Lake Brantley and Winter Springs High auditoriums and dances at the Altamonte Hilton. Sunday's will be at Winter Springs High at 7 p.m. As usual, Jack Simpson, host of 89.9 FM WUCF's popular "Jazz on the Beach," will emcee. When Bill James took over Altamonte Springs Leisure Services, Arena asked him what about the band. "Just continue doing what you're doing," James responded. Good answer.
Orlando Sentinel |
