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Schools

From Garage Band to All-State Jazz Band

Three best friends at Maplewood Richmond Heights High School auditioned for the state jazz band. Their music history began when the trio created a punk rock garage band in third grade.

When students Zach Arias, Tom Barron and John O’Keefe first performed music, it was literally child’s play. They were a group of third-grade boys with no music training, playing on borrowed instruments and kid-sized tambourines in a garage band with no name. 

“They made a lot of noise back then,” said Ann Arias, Zach’s mom, recalling the jam sessions of punk rock music in the family’s garage. “As parents, we thought it was cool, a good outlet. We never thought about where it would lead.” 

But those weekends of pretend performances changed the boys. It ultimately led them to a passion for music (especially jazz), the desire to learn an instrument, and a talent for performance. 

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Recently the trio—they’re best friends, neighbors and MRH sophomores—was honored for music ability. 

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Each won a place in the St. Louis All-Suburban Jazz Band in October. Arias and Barron also won slots on the coveted All-State Jazz Band on Saturday.  

All three teens auditioned; it was their first attempt at the state title. Arias won the only guitar chair; Barron received the third trumpet chair. O’Keefe, a bass player, did not place in the state competition but is intent on trying again next year — and in succeeding.

His friends and fellow musicians, Arias and Barron agree.

“John is outstanding,” Arias said. “I have no doubt that he will make it to state next year.”

“It’s a huge deal to win,” said Jason Harris, MRH music instrumental director. “Usually these positions go to older, more experienced students."

Winning is the equivalent of achieving an all-state status in football or basketball.

Approximately 1,300 students from throughout Missouri traveled to Columbia to audition. More than 300 of those students auditioned for the jazz band, which has only 19 seats. There is also an All-State Concert Band, but students can't be named to both.

“After my audition, I didn’t think I made either (district or state),” Barron said. “It all happened so fast. It’s hard to tell.”

The audition process is not a consistent one, he said. You can have a great audition followed by a terrible one.

Like other contestants, MRH students began preparing for their audition in early September. And practice they did, at least an hour every day at school, and then an extra two to three hours at home. 

All three boys also take private lessons.

“Winning state means a lot,” Arias said. “It means that all of our work paid off. It took a lot of extra work, but it’s the same with anything else, like with sports."

Practice pays off, and this group of teen musicians pushes each other.

“Next year, I’ll know every song inside, outside, backwards and forwards,” O’Keefe said.

And although the group no longer practices in the Arias’ garage, they now assemble in Zach’s bedroom to jam and record. He’s turned it into a recording studio.  

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