Artist Spotlight: David Matchim
Over the course of his decade-plus tenure as Director of Bands at Centennial High School (CHS), David Matchim has nurtured and inspired students, helping to lay the foundation for their future success. The jazz band, performing at our September 22nd Concert on the Commons, has consistently stood out at prestigious competitions around the country. In this interview, Mr. Matchim talks about CHS’s band program, the rewards and challenges of his position, and promoting and strengthening the connection between the Howard County Public School System’s music program and the community through the partnership with the Concert Series.
You’ve been Director of Bands at Centennial High School since 2011. How have the programs matured and expanded in the last 13 years? What’s been the highlight of your tenure?
The Centennial High School band program has garnered recognition at the local, state, and national levels. A standout achievement has been the sustained excellence of our concert and jazz bands. Our jazz band has consistently excelled, regularly placing in the top 5 at the Berklee High School Jazz Festival and Competition, as well as the National Jazz Festival—two of the most prestigious high school jazz competitions in the country. A particularly proud moment came in 2018 when the Centennial High School Wind Ensemble became the first high school concert band from Maryland to perform at The Midwest Clinic since 1973. Moreover, our musicians actively participate in the Maryland music community, and many of our alumni have continued their education at some of the nation’s top music schools.
The highlight of my tenure has been witnessing our students' growth and achievements, both within the program and in their ongoing musical pursuits. It's incredibly fulfilling to see their dedication recognized and to know that we have laid a strong foundation for their future success.
What’s the most challenging part of your job? Most rewarding?
The most challenging part of my job is balancing the diverse needs and skill levels of all the students in our program. Each student brings a unique set of talents, experiences, and goals, and it's my responsibility to ensure they all feel supported and are given opportunities to grow. This often involves finding creative ways to keep advanced students engaged while also nurturing those who are just starting their musical journeys.
The most rewarding aspect is witnessing the transformative impact music has on students' lives. Seeing them develop not only as musicians but also as confident, disciplined, and empathetic individuals is incredibly fulfilling. There's nothing quite like the moment when a student realizes their potential, and I feel privileged to play a role in that journey.
For many people, improvisation is the heart of jazz. Is that something you can teach?
Absolutely, improvisation is a fundamental aspect of jazz, and it's definitely something that can be taught. While improvisation involves creativity and spontaneity, it also relies on a solid understanding of music theory, scales, and chord progressions. By providing students with the right tools and a supportive environment, they can learn to express themselves through improvisation. Watching students gain confidence and find their unique voice through improvisation is one of the most exciting parts of teaching jazz.
We’re promoting the September 22nd concert at Clarksville Commons as the start of a collaboration between the St. Louis Church Concert Series and the Howard County Public School System. Can you elaborate on what’s envisioned? How will this partnership benefit the Centennial High School music program?
This partnership aims to create more performance opportunities for our students and strengthen the connection between school music programs and the broader community. As part of this collaboration, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to perform alongside the incomparable jazz vocalist Sara Jones. Performing with such a talented and experienced musician will be an invaluable learning experience for our students, allowing them to learn directly from a professional in the field.
For the Centennial High School music program, this collaboration offers significant benefits. It provides our students with the chance to perform in professional settings, learn from seasoned musicians, and engage with diverse audiences. Additionally, it helps raise the profile of our program within the community, attracting more support and resources. Ultimately, this partnership enhances the educational experience for our students by exposing them to new perspectives, enriching their musical journey, and inspiring them to reach new heights in their own performances.
Learn more about our upcoming Concert on the Commons concert on September 22, 2024.