LBCC ensembles merge to make monstrous music at the ‘Revenge of the Jabandestra’

A band director dressed as Godzilla and inflatable dinosaur suits accompanied LBCC’s wind, big band and orchestra ensembles for an evening of cinematic music at the LAC auditorium on Oct. 10 to perform the “Revenge of the Jabandestra.”

^{Director of Instrumental Jazz Studies, Patrick Sheng and a vocalist sing to the crowd as Godzilla takes the stage during Revenge of the Jebandestra performance on Oct. 10 at the Liberal Arts Campus auditorium. The concert featured performances by the jazz, big band and orchestra ensembles. (Isaiah Ryan)}

The program included music inspired by classic films, such as “Godzilla,” along with original compositions by band professor and symphony orchestra conductor Rodger Przytulski, who wore the Godzilla costume.

Two additional inflatable dinosaur suits joined Przytulski and the performers on stage during the grand finale, while a rendition of Blue Oyster Cult’s song “Godzilla” was played.

^{Band director Roger Przytulski takes the stage as Godzilla alongside two inflatable dinosaur suits during the “Revenge of the Jabandestra” performance on Oct. 10 at LBCC’s LAC auditorium. (Isaiah Ryan)}

LBCC student and a founding member of local band Jazz Book Club Josh Shetland said one of his highlights was the middle section of “Count Bubba’s Revenge,” and described it as “one of the most diabolical soli sections there is.”

“There are soli sections for the trumpets, saxophones, and trombones. It’s definitely a fun one,” Shetland said.

The Jabandestra series started two years ago, and has become an annual fall event, each with a unique movie-inspired theme. 

Past installments included “Attack of the Killer Jabandestra,” “Beware of the Jabandestra” and “Springtime for Jabandestra,” each carefully curated to challenge musicians while keeping the performances enjoyable.

“A sense of wonderment, love, and appreciation for our craft and the music we play, that’s what we want the audience to leave with,” LBCC trumpet player Abraham Corona–Carachure said.

Many musicians participating are returning community members, not all of whom are current students.

Students highlighted the value of playing in ensembles as a way to connect with others. “It’s way more fun and fulfilling to practice with a group than at home alone with no end goal,” said Andrea Dicky.

Przytulski explained how music is chosen for the ensembles, and said they’re designed to be immersive.

“I select music based on who my personnel is. It’s challenging enough to keep us interested, but not so hard that we can’t play it. We also try to include works by multicultural and female composers. Most importantly, we choose pieces that are fun for both the musicians and the audience… I want the audience to feel it sonically, the vibrations, the room, the energy. We want them to have fun, be curious, and experience live music in a new way,” Przytulski said.