Jazz Concert Success

Last night was our "Fall Jazz Festival." Our school had conspired with two other schools to have a Fall Jazz Festival. Unfortunately, the other schools couldn't participate. But, we still had a fabulous time. Sonny Carreno, dear friend and awesome jazzer, was our guest director. We had three master classes (saxes, brass and rhythm section) as part of our day. The students were marvelous. They never complained about anything and they played very well. One of the joys of having this day together was how the students interacted when we weren't rehearsing. You'd think they'd be tired of making music, but as soon as we took a break, they'd get a drink, use the restroom and then start messing around. It was awesome -- it was music all day! This made me think about how too much structure in the classroom might actually be a detriment to learning. Sure, I learned a lot in my music classes, but there is something essential to that "messing around" time. In fact, I don't think a musician can ever become a jazz musician without that chance to mess around. I believe I need to build this into my program. Thanks, students, for teaching me something new... again!

Post-concert week

This week is post-concert week. We had our fall concert on Friday evening, and it was a success. It seems concerts are the most difficult thing for me. I feel anxious and troubled about how it is going to go. Then, there is the euphoria of the event and the happiness at the appreciation from parents and audience.

And, THEN, there is the next week. Concert reflections, turn in old music, hand out new music, and begin all over again... only now our routines seem stale, the struggle with the new music is not nearly as exciting now, students are antsy and frustrated with each other, and I'm shocked at how unaccomplished they seem all of a sudden.

This year, it does seem that the flow of things is a little better. They did have most of the Christmas music ahead of the fall concert and we have been working on it. Not everything is disastrous! But, oh, the joy of actually making the music! And, therein lies my challenge. We need to MAKE MUSIC every day. We can't wait until the "polishing" weeks. We need to make music every, single day.

So, tomorrow... back to high standards! Back to insistence on the small things. They have let down because I have let down. No more will my weariness pull them down! I vow to try to Teach Like a Champion!