IT'S NOT often that a musical legend comes to Howard County. But soon you will have a chance to hear a group whose name is synonymous with big band jazz.
The Count Basie Orchestra -- known for its style and electrifying performances -- will take the stage at 8 p.m. March 17 at Glenelg High School, whose own jazz ensemble is making a name for itself.
The Basie group debuted in 1935, and has been going strong ever since. It has won 17 Grammy awards, including one this year for a new compact disc, "Count Plays Duke."
Glenelg High band director Barry Enzman is responsible for bringing this world-class group to our neighborhood. Enzman says the band has a loyal following, and he expects people from all over the Baltimore area to attend.
"This band sounds exactly like it did when Basie was alive," Enzman said. "The sound is very authentic."
In the last 60 years, some band members have moved on and others have joined, but seven who performed with Count Basie are with the band -- including conductor Grover Mitchell, who also plays trombone.
The Glenelg High School Jazz Ensemble will open the concert, giving the students a chance to interact with professionals. Enzman says the concert will enhance the school's strong jazz program.
Proceeds will go toward the jazz ensemble's summer trip to Europe, where it is to perform in the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland. Included on the schedule are the North Sea and Montreaux jazz festivals
Basie tickets are $15 in advance; $20 at the door. Information and reservations: 410-313-5533.
Glenelg High School is at 14025 Burnt Woods Road, west of Route 32.
Super science
Student researchers showed their stuff Feb. 25 at Triadelphia Ridge Elementary's Science and Social Studies Expo.
More than 100 students from kindergarten through fifth grade participated by conducting experiments and researching topics of their choice and creating displays to illustrate their findings.
In their project, "Microscopic Monsters," brothers Josh Hostetler, a fifth-grader, and Luke Hostetler, a second-grader, set out to determine where bacteria live and grow.
They took cultures from their dog's nose, a kitchen doorknob, Josh's lips and Luke's unwashed finger.
Then the boys grew the bacteria in Petri dishes -- and concluded that Luke's finger had the most bacteria.
Fifth-graders Norel Hassan and Rachel Palazzolo wanted to learn how a telegraph works. They constructed a working system and created a Morse Code chart.
Visitors could tap out messages.
First-grader Bobby Blake chose a topic that was very important to him: "Why do different toys need different numbers of batteries?"
He learned about power requirements for toys and how batteries operate to satisfy them.
Four students teamed up to develop an electric cane to be used by the visually impaired to detect metal obstacles such as railroad tracks.
Fourth-grader Gregory Potember, first-grader Maxwell Potember, fourth-grader Derek Stevens and third-grader Danielle Stevens designed, built and demonstrated the cane, which contains an electrical circuit that is completed when the cane comes in contact with metal. The contact sets off a buzzer to alert the user.
In her project, "China A People Shaped by the Land," third-grader Kathryn Wong prepared a map depicting the regions of China. Her display included a discussion of each region and the influence of its geography on the lives of its residents.
Dressed in full Amish costume, kindergartner Shane Kellaher presented his research on the Amish people. Shane's project included photos and postcards from a recent family visit to Lancaster County, Pa. In a question-and-answer format, he presented interesting facets of Amish life.
The Science and Social Studies Expo was organized by teachers Carol Hahn, Sandy Ingraham, Bonnie Ritchie, Kelly Haag, Betsy Cooley and Jan McVey and parents Bobbie Leon and Dottie DeCesare.
Free tickets
Would you like two free tickets to an evening of classical piano music? Well, read on -- quickly.
In its final concert of the season, Glenelg Country School will present pianist Gabriela Mayer at 8 p.m. Saturday.
The concert will be held in the school's Gould Building, 12793 Folly Quarter Road.
Mayer is an accomplished pianist who has performed in Italy, Canada, France, Germany and Sweden. She lives in Ireland.
The program includes works by Mozart, Chopin and Schumann. The series features a cabaret setting with candlelight, flowers, wine and light refreshments.
The two free tickets will be given to the first person to call 410-531-2887 after 8 a.m. today.
Otherwise, tickets are $15, and may be reserved by calling Debra DeVoe at 410-531-2229, Ext. 2120.
Time to dance
The Lisbon Elementary School PTA invites everyone to its spring dance from 8 p.m. to midnight March 20 at the Mount Airy American Legion Hall.
The evening will include dinner, silent auction and swing dance lesson.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased from Terri Taylor at 301-854-5658.
Howard reads
Special reading activities have been going on this week at Howard County schools.
At Mount View Middle School, students have been participating in contests and programs to awaken their imaginations and encourage reading.
Principal Marion Payne explained that Tuesday was a celebration of the 95th birthday of the late children's author, Theodor Geisel -- better known as Dr. Seuss. In his memory, the day has been named "Read Across America Day."
At Mount View, parents and community leaders came to school to read to students throughout the day. Some readings were broadcast over the school's closed-circuit television system.
There were prizes for the guests, and all were invited to lunch.
What was on the lunch menu? "Green eggs and ham," of course.
School media specialist Joe Duckworth and reading specialist Suzie Sullivan coordinated the activities.
The school will conclude its festivities by participating in the Howard County Reading Celebration at the Mall in Columbia on Saturday and Sunday. Mount View, along with other county middle schools, will have a display about its reading programs.
Students are encouraged to drop by to see the exhibits and try their luck at winning movie tickets and other prizes.
Pub Date: 3/04/99