Student keeps jazz alive

COUNCIL BLUFFS — Blake Deforest raised his trumpet and told Lewis Central High School music teacher Andy Walters, “I’m going to improvise.”

And he did, unleashing a portion of “G Blues” by jazz saxophonist Jamey Aebersold for the Lewis Central school board.

Deforest likes jazz. His list of favorite musicians includes the likes of jazz trumpeters Freddy Hubbard, Miles Davis and Blue Mitchell. He described the jazz style as “the true American art form” and said he hopes to do his part to “keep jazz alive.”

Walters said the 16-year-old Lewis Central High School junior could have a good chance of doing just that.

“Yeah, if he keeps working and practicing the way he does, he could play professionally, or he could teach. I know he practices all the time,” Walters said.

Principal Chuck Story agreed, “He’s a very talented student, but he works hard and puts in time to excel. It makes us proud when you see that kind of dedication.”

According to Deforest, constant practice is a requirement for any instrument.

“People think, ‘Oh, it’s not hard to play music,’ but the trumpet is a very physical instrument. I practice about two hours a day, depending on the day,” he said.

Deforest is a member of the honor jazz ensemble known as the Metro Area Youth Jazz Orchestra, or MAYJO for short. MAYJO is made up of students from Omaha and Council Bluffs area high schools.

Deforest is the first student from Lewis Central to make it into the group in its seven-year history.

“We’re high school students who are really into jazz,” Deforest said. “We’re like a miniature big band.”

Deforest and the other students auditioned for the group on instruments such as trumpet, trombone, saxophone, bass, guitar, drums and keyboards, Walters said.

“Blake is outstanding on the trumpet,” Walters added.

At Lewis Central, Deforest participates in concert band, marching band, all jazz ensemble offerings, the chamber choir and the show choir, Lewis Corporation.

His parents are Mike and Karen Deforest, and he has a sister, Brooke, in the eighth grade.

His goal, he said, is simple and straightforward: “I would like to make music.”