By Cassity Bracken

Cassity Bracken/Chinoook
Shown above is the jazz ensemble’s rehearsal under Director Zachary Tolman

Musical instruments fill the rehearsal room as young and old musicians play through a difficult piece, stopping and starting as they refine their sound. Around them, years of tradition meet a new semester for the Casper College Jazz Ensemble.  

The jazz ensemble offers students a different kind of musical experience. Tre Weant, a Casper College Musician, described it as “very different from a concert band.” With fewer players than a concert band, every musician plays a larger role. This can mean taking solos, experimenting with a different style, or even trying out a different instrument.  

For some students, being a part of the jazz ensemble means stepping out of their comfort zone and embracing something entirely new.  

The Casper College Jazz Ensemble is continuing its long history, while adapting to new leadership this year. Zachary Tolman is directing the ensemble while Dr. Joshua Mietz is away on sabbatical. Although the leadership changed temporarily, the ensemble continues to build on traditions developed throughout the program’s history.  

Tolman, only working with the college for a year, is already familiar with the college’s jazz program. He played saxophone in the ensemble for a semester before taking over as the director. A Wyoming Native, Tolman had previously taught around the state and knew Mietz through Wyoming’s small music education community and from the Kinzer Jazz Festival, of which Mietz is the Executive Director. 

Taking over an established program is no easy task, but Tolman stated he is not nervous about directing the ensemble this year. He said Mietz built a very strong program.  

“Programs are dynamic. They change,” said Mietz. “A really good instructor leaves a legacy and future instructors can maintain some of that energy but in their own unique way.” 

Tolman is capitalizing on the foundation already established while introducing a theme for the semester – swing music. He said he wanted to add his own ideas to the program while allowing the group to play great swing music.  

For Weant, a change in directors has been a good experience. 

 “Tolman’s music choices are different from Mietz, but I enjoy the opportunity to experience different directors,” Weant stated. 

Weant added that the change in leadership will be good for him in his future music career as he will work with many different creatives. 

In the jazz program, one of the traditions Mietz emphasized within the ensemble is the motto that “Band is Family.” 

Mietz wants members of the ensemble to support each other, both musically and personally.  

Tolman agreed with that motto.  

He said, “Some of my closest friends from high school and college are people I made music with.”  

Music groups can connect students with other people who deeply understand what it’s like to be a college student and a musician.  

Weant said he experiences that same sense of community. Especially with fewer musicians than a concert band, members take on more individual responsibility.   

Creativity is another important part of Mietz’s philosophy for the jazz program.  

“We are not in the business of recreating recordings, but rather we come together as an ensemble to share our art in a way that is genuine to us,”  Mietz said. 

The approach allows students to find their own style while still learning how to work and flow together in an ensemble. 

“There are many ways to make music and jazz specifically and, as long as it’s genuine to the artists, there is no wrong way.” Mietz stated. 

For Weant, playing bass guitar is one way to experiment and try something new. He said he normally plays the clarinet in the concert band, but being able to try bass gives him a chance to learn something completely different. Although the instrument and solos can be challenging, he enjoys the opportunity to try something new.  

When asked what Weant was most excited for this year he replied, “this year I am really looking forward to the jazz festival they hold every year.” 

The Kinser Jazz Festival began in 1967 under Dr. Thomas Kinser. What started as an afternoon event featuring high school and college bands turned into a larger three-day festival that brings students, musicians and professional performers together. Groups can receive feedback from judges who have never heard them play before. 

Mietz said,“This will be our 60th year. We have survived blizzards, pandemics, losses of funding, bomb-threats, temporary shut downs and many other close-calls but we have had a festival every year since 1967.” 

Weant said he enjoys playing for the high school students and believes the festival is important because it gives younger musicians an opportunity to see what they can continue doing with music.  

For the jazz ensemble, the semester is about more than just preparing for concerts and festivals. Even though directors may change, students are learning new music, trying different instruments, working with new people and supporting each other along the way.