Boardman ensemble shines in opening for Buddy Rich

By WILLIAM K. ALCORN

alcorn@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

If a band can shine, then that is what the Boardman High School Jazz Ensemble 1 did in opening for the Buddy Rich Big Band on Saturday at Edward W. Powers Auditorium.

And appropriately, given that Buddy Rich was one of the greatest drummers of the “big band” era, great drummers abounded.

The Buddy Rich Big Band features Emmy Award-winning drummer Gregg Potters and a couple of BHS Ensemble drummers – senior Nico Ruggieri and junior Jamie Vitullo – set the tone for the group.

Also featured was singer Cathy Rich, Buddy Rich’s daughter, who opened the show with “The Beat Goes On” – which she performed with her father when she was 12, with renowned actress and singer Judy Garland in the audience.

Nico Ruggieri, son of Boardman schools band Director Thomas M. Ruggieri, had several rousing drum solos and sang in front of the band for two or three tunes, including “Ain’t that a Kick in the Head.”

Jamie played percussion and took over on the drums when Nico was on vocal.

Nearly all of the 23 Ensemble members were featured at some point during their 45-minute set opening for the Buddy Rich band.

Ruggieri said before the performance that the students were “very excited,” and ensemble members agreed.

“It’s incredible. Everybody has heard Buddy Rich’s name,” said Jamie.

“This is a chance to share the stage with the Buddy Rich Big Band. These guys are pros, and we get to feel like pros tonight,” Nico said.

“It will be an incredible experience,” said James Harker, who has been named to the All-State Jazz Ensemble on alto saxophone for three years running.

“It’ll be a lot of fun to express ourselves and open for The Buddy Rich Big Band,” said Anthony Bruno, named this year to the All-State Jazz Ensemble.

Also named to the All-State Jazz Ensemble was trumpeter Mike Mitchum, who said he was “really honored” to open for the Rich band and for one night get to feel like he is part of a professional band.

Before the performance, Director Ruggieri, who was a drummer for the Boardman Jazz Ensemble, praised the members for their dedication and passion and hard work.

“I’m proud of you. This didn’t come because of who you know. We’re not entitled. When you work hard, good things come your way,” he said.

“Remember things like this, and pass it on when you become a teacher or a mentor. Pay it forward,” he said.

Following his own advice, Ruggieri introduced his mentor and first drum teacher, Carmen White, who was in the audience.

The Boardman Jazz Ensemble 1 ended its set with its theme song, “The Chicken,” a Buddy Rich Band tune, during which Ruggieri introduced all of the ensemble members individually.

Area residents will get another chance to hear the Boardman Jazz Ensemble at 7 p.m. Monday at the 16th annual Boardman High School Jazz Fest. The event features BHS Jazz Ensembles 1, 2 and 3 and guest artist Mike Tomaro. Jazz Ensemble 1 will premiere a composition by Tomaro titled “Touch the Sun.”