Special to The Star-Herald
PRESQUE ISLE – Presque Isle High School Class of 1994 alumnus Justin Wood recently returned to his hometown for a visit. Originally, the trip north from his current home in New York City was to make his annual appearance with his band, “Spoke,” at the University of Maine at Presque Isle. However, once his plans were finalized, he decided to contact PIHS Band Director Dan Schneider to schedule appearances at both the middle and high school.
“Dan is great about making time in his schedule whenever we are in town,” said Wood.
On Friday, Oct. 30, Wood and his band members: trombone player, Andy Hunter; bass player, Dan Loomis; and drummer, Danny Fischer, met with PIHS students during their usual band and chorus class time. Wood’s band was given the opportunity to play a few songs, and in between allowed students a chance to ask questions. Wood preferred this type of setting, rather than having the students just “sit and listen to us play.” He felt the students really enjoyed their time together and could sense that some are considering a career in music.
After school, Presque Isle Middle School and Presque Isle High School Jazz Band members were invited to join “Spoke” in the auditorium for some improv performing with Wood and his band members. Approximately 14 students, along with SAD 1 Music Department members Jay Nelson, Pat Bragdon and Schneider, attended the session, enjoying some time on stage with the group. The focus was to work with the students on basic techniques and improvisation skills.
“Practice good techniques while playing boring things like scales, and it will come naturally to you during a performance,” Wood told the students.
Senior Samantha Sanborn attended the after school session. When asked to share her thoughts about the time spent with “Spoke,” her face lit up, smiling, saying, “I really liked it!” Sanborn has been playing musical instruments since the fifth grade. She was given the opportunity to work with Loomis.
“He taught me forward progressions,” she said. “I haven’t had formal bass lessons and have been trying to teach myself on an electric bass. It was fun to play an upright and learn cord progressions.”
Sanborn plays seven instruments with her primary one being the oboe. It was clear she enjoyed her time with the group, noting, “They were really nice.”
Wood was raised in Presque Isle and began playing the saxophone in his elementary school band when he was in the fifth grade, under the direction of Schneider. He continued playing in the band in middle school, joining the jazz band, too. His talents continued throughout his high school career, and long after graduating in 1994.
Wood has been living in the Brooklyn, New York City area for the past 10 years. He said he has spent the last six years “playing,” scheduling most of his band’s appearances in the New York and New Jersey areas. When asked how his band got its name, he likened it to “spokes on a wheel.”
This year marked his band’s fifth year performing at UMPI, with this group of band members marking their second year returning to Maine. Wood explained that his fellow band members are from the New York City area and met his trombone player and bass player through his drummer. The group performs mostly original jazz pieces and stopped in Philadelphia to perform before arriving in Presque Isle. On the way back to New York, the group planned to stop in Portland Halloween night to perform at “Blue,” a booking that found its way on their schedule thanks to another former PIHS alum and fellow classmate.
The following Wednesday, Wood said that he and his band would be working on a live recording in New York City. Excitedly, Wood also mentioned that the group is working on an upcoming “project” that could potentially take them out of the country. He didn’t want to get into specifics, hoping not to release any information too soon.
Wood admitted that he always loves returning to The County and tries to come “home” at least three times a year, always making it home for Christmas. Justin and his younger brother, Tyler, who is a pianist and recording engineer, share a house in Brooklyn. When asked how that works out, he simply smiled and said, “It’s a big house!”
Contributed photo
JUSTIN WOOD, an alumnus of Presque Isle High School, and his band, “Spoke,” recently visited with PIHS students during their usual band and chorus class time. Wood’s band was given the opportunity to play a few songs, and in between allowed students to ask questions. After school, Presque Isle Middle School and PIHS Jazz Band members were invited to join “Spoke” in the auditorium for some improv performing. Pictured are, from left: Justin Wood, saxophone; Andy Hunter, trombone; Dan Loomis, bass; and Danny Fischer, drums.
