Jackson Middle School 8th grader Jake Mamolella was selected to participate in the All-Illinois Junior Band (AIJB). This is the first time a Jackson band student has auditioned or been chosen.
In January, Mamolella will join other talented peers in a weekend of music-making under expert leadership in a world-class concert hall at the University of Illinois.
Jackson Area Bands Director Mr. Joe Koppel was delighted to learn about Mamolella’s selection.
“The All-Illinois Junior Band has only existed for eight years but has a reputation for accepting only the most advanced middle school band students,” said Koppel. “The audition music is far beyond what I would qualify as ‘middle school level’ material.”
Koppel said Mamolla earned the 11th spot out of 12 chosen in the trumpet section of the All-Illinois Junior Band ensemble.
“This group is open to all Illinois middle school band students, so it is reasonable to say that Jake is the state’s 11th strongest middle school trumpet player,” said Koppel.
The All-Illinois Junior Band (AIJB) was founded to create a premier musical experience for the state’s finest middle school band students. Membership is determined solely through competitive blind auditions.
AIJB allows middle school students to perform excellent literature with a mature ensemble and distinguished conductor and interact with similarly dedicated student musicians from Illinois. They also strive to encourage and inspire outstanding young musicians to continue their musical studies.
A MINUTE WITH JAKE
What was the audition for AIJB like?
JM: I had an audition in the band room during the period when nobody else was present, so I wouldn’t get interrupted. We just recorded the audition, which was a 2-octave chromatic scale and two etudes, and then we sent it to them and waited for a response.
How long have you been playing the trumpet?
JM: For about three years now.
Is the trumpet hard to play?
JM: It can be. Even though there are only three buttons, since the trumpet is a brass instrument and the music is mostly fast, it takes a lot of work to get the fingerings properly because of how fast you’re going.
What’s the hardest part about playing the trumpet?
JM: It can be hard to read rhythms properly. If you mess up a little bit, and it becomes a habit, then it’s hard to break that habit and play correctly.
Do you come from a musical family?
JM: My sister plays the saxophone, and I have a parent who plays the piano.
Did you always want to play the trumpet?
JM: Not really. The trumpet just stood out, and I think the main reason was that one day, I heard Mr. Koppel playing the “Star Wars” theme with the trumpet.
Why are you so good at this?
JM: I enjoy music, and it’s easy to utilize in daily scenarios. If you use pattern recognition while learning something, it becomes easier, and music has a lot of patterns. It’s just really easy to enjoy.
How often do you practice?
JM: I practice about three times a week for about 30 minutes.
Outside of what you play at school, do you like playing other music?
JM: Yes, one thing I learned was a song called “Gourmet Race,” which is a fast song. But then another one is called “It’s Been a Long, Long Time,” and it’s a slow jazz song.
Are there any other music genres that interest you?
JM: Yes, rap.
Do you plan to continue with music in high school?
JM: Yes, I’m going to try out for the Wind Ensemble, which is the highest band in Willowbrook. I will also try to get one of my electives to be like a jazz band or something. And I will probably do some choir stuff as well. So, yeah, I will try to better myself every time.
