Audiences swinging to the beat of ‘The Numbers’
When you think about a group of math professors performing some finger-twisting moves, you’d probably think a calculator is involved.
But the key-pounding these ACC math professors are doing is producing the smooth melodies of Dixieland jazz.
“The Numbers” comprises eight ACC math professors, a former staff member and a student who share a love and experience with music.
The band has performed together since last summer when the group’s founders, Associate Professor Don Lavigne and Professor Mike McCarthy, sent an email recruiting potential members.
“Since Austin is the live music capital, we wanted to get everyone together to play,” says Lavigne. He also had a gig in mind: The American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (AMATYC) Conference held in Austin in early November. The band also has performed at venues ranging from an ACC Math Department meeting to the Austin club Jovita’s.
Click here to listen to The Numbers play Basin Street Blues
“Everyone is committed to the band and loving it,” says Lavigne. “We are trying to encourage everyone from the Math Department to play.”
McCarthy says the band welcomes faculty or students who share their love for music – even the numbers-challenged. The band currently features Jeff Dietzel (saxophone); Edgar Fisher (drums, percussion, and vocal); Irie Glajar (drums and percussion); Julie Kostka (piano and vocal); Don Lavigne (trumpet); Mike McCarthy (banjo, guitar, and vocal); Wanda O’Connor (clarinet); and Ted Rachofsky (trombone.) The group also includes former ACC employee Mark Cain (tuba) and ACC student Jayson Jackoskie (trumpet).
“We’d welcome anyone who wants to join – we play big band, so it can be as big as we want to be,” says McCarthy.
Jackoskie, who is in his first semester at ACC, loved being in the band at Austin’s Lanier High School 12 years ago and jumped at the opportunity.
“I was ready to get back in to playing, and there’s a great selection of music the Numbers belt out,” says Jackoskie. “Couple of finger-twisters in there.”
It’s finger-twisters like “Do You Know How It Feels to Miss Orleans?” and “Basin Street Blues” that have captivated Lavigne since his childhood in New Orleans. He recalls going to Mardi Gras parades and falling in love with the sound.
“I’ve always wanted to play in a Dixieland band,” says Lavigne. “It took some 45 years and the help of my friends and colleagues in the ACC Math Department for me to finally realize my dream.”
Connecting music and math is another fascination for the band. Finding math professors with musical experience wasn’t a coincidence.
“In my mind, music, like everything in the world, is mathematical in nature and can be described mathematically using numbers, symbols, and equations,” says Lavigne. “I consider both mathematics and music to be art forms. Mathematics allows for the expression of logic and inference, while music is a wonderful means of emotional expression.”
Back to Top
By Gill November 9, 2011 - 9:42 am
Always knew you guys rocked, now I know you jazz too! How cool.
Gill
By Eyrene November 9, 2011 - 6:55 pm
Go Edgar!
Go Julie!
So proud of you guys!
By Paul November 10, 2011 - 12:06 pm
I stopped to read the article because I thought I knew the sax player…and I was right! Coach Dietzel was my high school basketball coach about 6 years ago. Rock on!
By John November 10, 2011 - 12:53 pm
Any way to work math instruction to the music? Could be a fun way to learn!
By Henry November 11, 2011 - 8:52 am
I’m glad you guys started this. Can’t wait to hear you guys perform.
By Bilbo November 11, 2011 - 11:03 am
That blonde guy is really handsome! He’d look really good with long hair.
By Robert Ryland November 11, 2011 - 1:10 pm
Do you have a schedule for future gigs? Homepage, facebook, etc.?
By Tom November 11, 2011 - 1:28 pm
That sax player is really twisting his fingers.
By Ronald November 11, 2011 - 3:14 pm
Math, Dietzel, and Sax go hand in hand.
By Alicia November 14, 2011 - 12:04 am
Oh my gosh, it’s Ted! It seems like this is going to be a lot of fun. I wish you all well!
By Mariam November 14, 2011 - 12:03 pm
i knew it. that is Mr. Deitzel with the sax. he was my math teacher in high school 3yrs ago. he’s awesome.
By Marshall Bennettq November 15, 2011 - 10:00 am
Love it! What a great way to build community!
By Nate November 15, 2011 - 1:20 pm
Irie was an awesome and creative teacher. It wasn’t really a surprise to find out he also plays percussion.
By Mat November 15, 2011 - 6:58 pm
Bravo everyone, special kudos Julie. I would enjoy an ACC performance any campus.
By Dahlia Anzaldua-Torres November 17, 2011 - 2:12 pm
“The Numbers” will be playing at the December 9th ACC Faculty & Staff Holiday Party. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to hear them perform.
By Matt November 17, 2011 - 8:53 pm
Ha! Mr. Lavigne! 😀 So cool!
By Joey Guajardo November 22, 2011 - 10:15 am
I’d love to play with you guys. How do I join?
By Joshua Scott November 23, 2011 - 4:29 pm
Between sets you should work on a modular developmental math curriculum!