The Rockin’ Dolphins perform a diversity of live music at WCB School.
By: David Pescatore
The students attending this year’s Dolphin Pride Dance at the Walter C. Black school might have been shocked when they walked through the double-doors into the gymnasium. Rather than a 20-something DJ spinning Brittany’s Greatest Hits, they experienced a live parent-teacher jazz octet.
They might have been shocked, that is, if elementary-school kids thought about such things. The students ran and chased one another without much initial attention to the band.
They would soon be won over.
The room filled as the band jammed on Ella Fitzgerald’s "Autumn Leaves," and "The Flintstones" theme song.
"The Flintstones song is really a great jazz arrangement," said pianist Charlie Ernst.
By the time the lights were dimmed and the band played the island-infused rhythms of "St. Thomas," the floor in front of the stage was illuminated by flashing foot wear moving to the beat.
The band started one year ago when Lisa Ernst and former Walter C. Black music teacher, Sharon SilverStine, wanted to introduce kids to live music and genres that they may not be familiar with, like jazz and old-time rock and roll.
The group’s two 40-minute sets covered the musical spectrum. Everything from disco (I Feel the Earth Move) to jazz (Charlie Brown) to Latin (La Vida Loca) was covered. There was even a Monkees sighting (I’m A Believer).
The musical planning duties fall on the shoulders of Ms. Ernst’s husband Charlie, who works as a professional musician.
"This is a lot more fun than work," said Mr. Ernst. "There are no professionals, no egos. We are all here to help each other out; a group of friends."
Mr. Ernst has written and arranged music for Chaka Kahn, Najee, and Nancy Wilson. He wrote "Dancin’ Shoes" for "Sesame Street Live," and has penned jingles for Denny’s and written music for several public service announcements.
He decides on the set list for the show and distributes a compact disc with the selections to each of his mates about a month before the concert.
"Everyone is good here. They don’t need a lot of practice," Mr. Ernst said.
The band membership has turned over from last year, as teachers find new jobs and parents’ children graduate.
New this year saxophonist, Veerish Popat, and bassist, Bob Homoky.
Mr. Popat is serving his first year as the Black School’s music teacher. In addition to the sax, which he’s been playing for 13 years, he plays the clarinet and flute. When not teaching or playing the Dolphin Dance, Mr. Popat freelances with the Olim Jazz Trio.
"It is important for the kids to see parents and teachers doing this," Mr. Popat said. "They need to see that we practice what we preach."
He said also that it is important for children to be exposed to live music.
"The power of live music can’t be matched. It’s an organic power. The kids will feel it."
Fellow newcomer, Bob Homoky is a father of three, and a private music instructor. He plays in a cover band called "Two Days Notice" a few times per month.
"This is great," he said. "It is always good when the people are dancing and laughing."
Grace N. Rogers music teacher Jacques Chancy rounds out the brass section of the group. Mr. Chancy has a master’s degree in music and played professionally before answering the call of teaching.
Mr. Chancy said of teaching, "if you don’t love it, don’t do it."
He said, "a good teacher is not determined by the knowledge you have. It is how much you have the ability to transmit."
Mr. Chancy has played the sax for 23 years and recently released "Cry for Love," a disc of soulful, melodic jazz.
The vocal duties are handled by the team of Ms. Ernst, Walter C. Black kindergarten teacher, Deb Turner, and Kerrie Peterson-Bussone.
Ms. Ernst takes on the jazzy, deliberate songs, like Ruth Etting’s "All of Me."
Ms. Turner shined in Santana’s "Smooth," and Ms. Bussone, a Texas native, cut loose on Elvis Presley’s "Jailhouse Rock."
Ms. Bussone said that she sang professionally in Texas, but now her five children take up her time.
"I’ve been singing since I was 12, but this is just fantastic. There is a lot of talent here."
The three sirens teamed up for an enthusiastic rendition of "Dancin in the Streets."
Instrument teacher, Bob Ridge fills out the ensemble. The drummer splits his time between the Drew and McKnight schools.
Students at the dance submitted ballots to name the band, which has been anonymous since its inception.
After deep deliberation, "The Rockin’ Dolphins" will be playing next year’s dance.
The Rockin’ Dolphins so enjoyed playing the Dolphin Dance, that they are considering expanding their tour schedule to include stops at the district’s other elementary schools and maybe even a summer show.
"We’ll be doing this again at Rogers soon, hopefully, said Mr. Chancy. "The response has passed all of our expectations. I love it."
"It’s a bit of a logistical nightmare arranging this," said Mr. Ernst. "But, I would love to get together more often."