Nash Blais: Joy in Jazz

LCA HIGHLIGHTS

NASH BLAIS: Joy in Jazz

By Lauren Burns ’22

Nash Blais, a sophomore at LCA, was awarded Trumpet 5th Chair for the Association of Texas Small-School Bands (ATSSB) All-State Jazz Band. Nash competed against the top 58 trumpets from all over the state, from both public and private schools.

Almost five years into playing, Nash loves the trumpet because of the camaraderie of the band and of other musicians. He appreciates their goal — to grow in their musical abilities — and how they help one another reach that goal. Nash’s favorite part of playing, he says, are those moments, whether in the high school band or in the state band, “when all the music just seems to click perfectly” and the artistry of a song comes to life.

Nash decided to compete for the ATSSB All-State Jazz Band as it was something he’d never done before and, he says, “it’s more enjoyable for me to practice jazz than concert. I find the feel of the songs is more jovial.”

To prepare for this competition, he said, “Every week, I would meet with my trumpet instructor, Jeff Smiley, and then go home and practice thirty to forty-five minutes every day. I just kind of play and see what happens.”

Before learning that he placed, Nash had been a little apprehensive, and then, after hearing the results, it felt like a “wave of relief crashed over me,” he recalls. Now he looks forward to the jazz concerts in the years to come.

Band has been a major part of Nash’s life since Middle School. He especially remembers Legacy winning the State Marching Championship when he was in eighth grade. That was the first year he participated in Marching Band, and although it was stressful, he says, it will be a happy memory long after he leaves Legacy.

Lauren Burns (’22) has been a student at LCA for 14 years. She is a member of National Honor Society, the LEAD Legacy Special Events team, and the Communications intern team, and she enjoys taking pictures at school events.