Nash takes students from Madison to Far East
When its doors opened 15 years ago, Discovery Middle School had no musical instruments, music stands or even chairs.
Band Director Johnny Nash has been at Discovery throughout what he calls “an amazing journey” of seeing the band program transform from non-existent to what it is today.
The Concert Jazz band competes in contests on the national level and has won 11 Grand National Championships and even played with the late Maynard Ferguson.
“The students and parents have worked very hard every year to build this program,” Nash said. “We want to live up to the heritage of Discovery, and as a professional musician, it’s very gratifying to me to see them excel.”
The wind ensemble and concert band recently competed in the Music Performance Assessment in Huntsville. The wind ensemble earned superior ratings in all categories, which earned them the Superior with Distinction award. They have earned that rating at for the last 12 years in a row.
Nash credits his students with these achievements, but it’s no doubt he, too, plays a pivotal role in the band’s success.
“I pick well-written, challenging, enjoyable music to play and listen to,” he said.
Nash has been a band director for almost 34 years. The Nashville native said his original plan in life was to study law, but took a music class while at Harding University in Arkansas. He ended up majoring in music and getting his master’s in conducting from Middle Tennessee State University. He taught in Tennessee, before moving to Huntsville to teach band at Buckhorn and Madison Academy. When Discovery opened, he took the job there as band director.
Nash is also the founder of Madison Jazz, a local band compiled of Discovery alumni. The band has been chosen to perform in China as official ambassadors for the U.S. as part of a cultural exchange. Madison Jazz will depart May 31 and return June 17.
“This is an opportunity for us to bridge the cultural gap so they understand us and we understand them,” Nash said. “There’s a whole lot more than can be gained from this on the political side.”
Nash said he also plans to take the group to Tokyo and Pearl Harbor to perform for the troops during the trip.
“It’s a real honor and privilege to teach extraordinary children,” he said. “I enjoy that showing students how to perform and how to take their talents and give that to other people,” Nash said. “That’s what performance is, expressing yourself. If your audience can come away and feel good for listening to you play or sing, then you’re a success.”
