If you’ve gone to get dinner at the Yacht Club at Tellico Village on any recent Tuesday evening, your meal has probably been soundtracked in part by The Top Notes Big Band.

On the top floor of the Club, the group has been tirelessly toiling away at dozens of numbers old and new, in preparation for the next show — the melodies of which can already be heard echoing down four flights of stairs and into the parking lot.

Top Notes has been entertaining and employing musically gifted Villagers for almost 20 years now. Originally started by trumpet player Larry Dickerson, the crew was set playing originally crafted arrangements of universally popular tunes, with some of Dickerson’s original adaptations still in band rotation.


Today, they’re led by David Adkins, clarinetist and conductor who’s bridging gaps between age groups, experience levels and communities all with the wave of his wand.

OLD-TIMERS & YOUNG GUNS

A few years back, when the Top Notes had an empty hole to fill where their trumpet section usually sits, Lenoir City High School Band Director Zach Slimp lent a helping hand to provide the group with instruments … and what came just after changed the dynamic of the group in a refreshing way.

Since then, the Top Notes usually employ around half a dozen high school band students in its performances, the kids rushing from school practice over to Tellico Village to further dive into their instrument of choice.

Adkins says the dynamic is refreshing — and one that benefits both old-timers and young guns alike.

“Its really fun,” Adkins said. “And it’s good because the older players can kind of mentor the younger players.

The Director continued by emphasizing the skill gap that comes with what he referred to as “big band” music, mostly pop standards from the ‘30s through the ‘70s as opposed to the traditional marching band numbers these students are typically exposed to on campus.

“I would say it’s slightly more difficult, in that there’s a lot of syncopation in it.” Adkins said. “So it’s quite an adjustment to play this kind of swing music.”

FAMILIAR TO THE EAR

But the setlist at a Top Notes performance, however varied, is always immediately familiar to the ear.

The group prides itself on a jukebox repertoire that spans decades — playing the hits from greats like Frank Sinatra, Benny Goodman, Glen Miller and Tommy Dorsey. While the tone is consistent, the details are constantly changing — keeping both musician and audience member alike on their toes for what will come next.

Their upcoming performance will feature two sets of a dozen tunes, complete with vocal assistance of both the male and female variety to pepper some soul into songs like Patsy Cline’s “I Fall To Pieces” and Sinatra’s eternal “Fly Me to the Moon.”

While sonically diverse, the dimensions of this performance don’t start and stop purely on the stage itself.

“We have dancers that come in from Maryville,” Adkins said. “They have a dance class, and they love coming here.

“They do synchronized dancing, a waltz … and some people come just to watch the dancers.”

Now, with the band sporting a healthy population of students from around the County, what was once an act of necessity to keep the wheels spinning has become a constant charity and way to say thanks to the educational aspect of the art form.

The price of admission, as well as any donations made whilst at the show, will all go to benefit local high school band programs. The money received will then go to procure new music arrangements and any other equipment as needed for a more well-rounded experience for the young people willing to lend a helping hand.

The next Top Notes performance will take place on Thursday, Oct. 16, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and music set to begin around 7 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door, with guest tables of eight also available for reservations in advance.

A cash bar will also be available throughout the evening.

To reserve a table, call (417)-257-4439 or email tvtopnotes@gmail.com.