Gavyne Plays "Oye Como Va" with 200 Others

What: Second Annual Ashland Schools Combined Band Concert
Who: Ashland Middle School, Ashland High School, Southern Oregon University bands
When: 7:30 PM 12 February 2009
Where: SOU Music Hall

Gayvne joined a literal 200 other musicians to play this HUGE band version of Tito Puente's "Oye Como Va." Most of you probably know the Santana's version better.

At the concert, each band took there turns playing solo and with each other. The concert was fun, but the spectator Stichs had chosen to sit in the not ideal lower middle. When we first arrived, we had considered moving up to the upper level for the improved acoustics.

The acoustic weren't that bad in our seats, not as potent as they could be, but not bad. As the concert progressed and the different bands joined, then separated in all sorts of combinations, we wondered how all of the schools were going to fit up on the stage for the encore performance. Then we saw!

All the trombones, French horns, and trumpets lined the center aisle behind the lower seating area. Our choice of seating had paid off in a special way - the notes of wind, brass and percussion clashing and lacing themselves right over our heads. It was a one-of-a-kind experience.

Three notes of trivia:

• The Ashland High School band teacher said that they were pretty sure "Oye Como Va" has never been performed by this big of a band before.
  
• Two fellows in there early 60's joined the bands, especially spiffed up in their tuxes. Both stood next to Gavyne, and one told him that he was at the concert where Santana first performed "Oye Como Va."
• Somewhat related, the trombone player in Santana's "Smooth" (feat. Rob Thomas) is an Ashland High School graduate.

You can listen to the full song here.