Residents excited to play music in community jazz ensemble

Sunday, May 17, 2015 10:18 am | Updated: 1:00 pm, Sun May 17, 2015.
Associated Press

NORFOLK, Neb. (AP) — During the day, they teach and attend school, treat patients and perform a variety of other important tasks.

But once a week, they put down their dental drills and stethoscopes, leave their classrooms and instead pick up their trombones, trumpets and saxophones to make music, the Norfolk Daily News (http://bit.ly/1RJtD3v ) reported.

"We're so fortunate to have a group like this. It gives everyone the opportunity to still play," said Dr. Brad Krivohlavek.

The local dentist is one of four musicians who have been performing with the Northeast Area Jazz Ensemble since its inception 35 years ago.

The others are Randy Neuharth and Dr. Tom Surber, both of Norfolk, and Bob Johnson of Howells.

Once a week, those four and a number of other musicians practice their craft. And when the opportunity presents itself, they take their show to a concert hall, dance hall or some other venue.

The musicians came together in 1980 at the urging of the late Jim Boullion, who was Northeast Community College's director of music at the time.

In a Daily News article in 1986, Boullion said he promoted the idea of the ensemble to provide community members with the opportunity to continue playing jazz music after leaving school.


Initially, Boullion appealed to area music teachers. While they continue to form the basis for the group, others are involved, including doctors and engineers, Neuharth said.

read more: http://www.yankton.net/news/state_ap_ne/article_08ca1835-f709-59df-bedd-0377bf2b39e7.html