jazz bands hone their craft at jazz fest
by kenneth forbeck
On November 4 the Jazz bands went to Lawrence University, the college that band director Jake Wiele attend- ed, to play, get criticized on their playing, and listen to some professional musicians.
While there the bands participated in clinics and played for different collegiate jazz professors. The clinics allow the band to get un- biased feedback from professionals to help them learn to play their songs better and build up their skills as a musician. Jazz I, the band that practices during the day as a class, played “Spain” by Chick Corea arranged by Paul Jennings and “Satin Doll” arranged by Sammy Nestico. Jazz Combo, another during the day class but with no two people playing the same instrument, played “Blue Bossa” by Kenny Dorham. And Jazz II, a group that meets after school Wednes- days, played “Give it Up” by Matt Harris and “Brush Strokes” by Fred Sturm. “It was a really great experience to learn from and listen to some super talented and knowledgeable musicians!” said Marie Jensen, a piano player in Jazz I and Combo and had an uncommon flute part in Jazz I. She added, "The concert was amazing and I'm glad I could experience it with some of my closest friends." “Lawrence [Jazz Fest] was amazing because not only did we get amazing clinicians, we got to listen to a lot of other jazzers as well.,” said Olivia Heilman, alto saxophone player in Jazz I and Combo. “That always gives me ample inspiration and is always applicable to bettering my playing. Opportunities like this remind me again and again why I love music and jazz so much!” At the end of the trip the group got to listen to Storms/Nocturnes with Tim Garland on saxophone, Geoffrey Keezer on piano, and Joe Locke on vibraphone. Storms/Nocturne played “Splatch” by Marcus Miller arranged by Fred Sturm, “Na Kohola”, meaning humpback whale, by Geoffrey Keezer, “Verrazano Moon” by Joe Locke, and “The Pink Panther Theme” by Henry Mancini arranged by Joe Locke and Geoffrey Keezer. After hearing the group play, it made a real impact on some of the students that attended. “Seeing the speed and technique amazed me. I de nitely have a high respect for jazz and jazz musicians. The music that was played was full of technique and beauty and made me want to drop everything and become a Jazz musician as a career,” said Colin Zastrow, a trumpet player. Trombone player Leah Kukman had similar opinions. “The Storms/Nocturnes definitely affected the way I look at how I play. It made me more determined than ever to get as good as I possibly can. My view on jazz is a way of expression,” she said. “It has so much emotion attached to it, it’s almost impossible not to notice. That is why I love Jazz so much, because it is real." Bethany Laatsch, an alto saxophone and baritone saxophone player that plays in Combo and Jazz I, was ecstatic to share her experience and how it helped her get a deeper appreciation of jazz. “The most important thing I got out of the trip was gaining condense in my improvisation and playing ability in general. At the beginning of this school year if someone would have asked me to improvise a sixteen bar solo, I would've panicked. But that has changed since the Lawrence Jazz Fest." |
Seeing the speed and technique amazed me,Idefinitely have a high respect for jazz and jazz musicians.-Colin Zastrow Opportunities like this remind me again and again why I love music and jazz so much!-Olivia Heilman She believes that the clinician helped improve condense in the Combo group’s playing.
“Our combo clinician pulled away our music entirely and had us play it memorized! I was not prepared for that but soon I caught on and then playing without music became liberating.” Then she wanted to share even more she learned about improvisation that could potentially be useful for others. "Improvisation is all about recognizing how the chord changes affect the notes but most importantly creativity! Playing without being buried in music better allows for that creative side to come out,” she said. Like her bandmates, she also loved the performances the groups got to hear throughout the day. “I was also greatly inspired by watching the top jazz bands from Lawrence as well as professionals perform. It’s amazing how good they are at what they do. I can’t even begin to understand it!” she said. She also shared her view and passion on jazz. "I just know that I want to strive to be like them. I may be biased, but I believe that jazz is one of the most valuable art forms that you can learn. It improves creativity, confidence, and your skills as a musician. Attending the festival confirmed that for me and made me eager to learn more." Clearly the Jazz bands got a great experience for them to see what is possible if they continue to play. Students interesting in Jazz band can contact Mr. Wiele for more information. |
meet zack russell, craig's very own it guy
by shelby Gibbs
Zack Russell has an interesting distinction.
He is the only Craig student who is also a paid staff member.
The 16-year-old junior re- placed Travis Duffy, who was the past IT intern and who now attends college.
In April 2017, he was officially hired by the school district and joined the tech squad thanks to Christine Pumilia and Travis Duffy, who
encouraged him to join. Since that time he has done a lot for the school district.
He recorded a promotional video for the new superintendent, Mr. Steve Pophal.
He set up a Skype call with a Scottish Parliament leader, helped deploy the 1:1 devices to Craig and Parker staffs, taught a robotics class at the Janesville summer academy to Chinese exchange students, and produced the honor wall ceremony.
His day to day job is to update computers, train teachers in Google applications, x Chromebooks, and use the 3-D printer for displays.
“I’ve always wanted this job,” he said.
“If Travis was still working here I would thank him for this opportunity, I love working here and I hope I can continue to work with the School District.”
When high school is over for Zack he intends to go to college for information technology and hopes he will continue to work with the school district.
Zack is an only child who lives with his mother, Tina, and father, Mark.
His interests includes sports, robotics, and playing instruments such as guitar, drums, bass, uke, and many more.
Zack’s love for music started when he was 4 and started playing guitar.
He is also in the Spotlighters and Illuminations bands, and Craig Jazz 1 band.
If anything has helped him out with achieving this he says it would be Knapton Musik Knotes.
He likes to hang around with his friends in his ‘99 Cavalier, play music, and write music.
While his strengths include music and helping with electronics, he also admits to some weaknesses.
“I wish I could be good at singing and playing more instruments,” he said.
He balances school and work well, and he is ready to help anyone who has computer problems.
When asked what he recommend to anyone who wants this job in the future, he said, “Join tech squad first and get a feel for it.”
He is the only Craig student who is also a paid staff member.
The 16-year-old junior re- placed Travis Duffy, who was the past IT intern and who now attends college.
In April 2017, he was officially hired by the school district and joined the tech squad thanks to Christine Pumilia and Travis Duffy, who
encouraged him to join. Since that time he has done a lot for the school district.
He recorded a promotional video for the new superintendent, Mr. Steve Pophal.
He set up a Skype call with a Scottish Parliament leader, helped deploy the 1:1 devices to Craig and Parker staffs, taught a robotics class at the Janesville summer academy to Chinese exchange students, and produced the honor wall ceremony.
His day to day job is to update computers, train teachers in Google applications, x Chromebooks, and use the 3-D printer for displays.
“I’ve always wanted this job,” he said.
“If Travis was still working here I would thank him for this opportunity, I love working here and I hope I can continue to work with the School District.”
When high school is over for Zack he intends to go to college for information technology and hopes he will continue to work with the school district.
Zack is an only child who lives with his mother, Tina, and father, Mark.
His interests includes sports, robotics, and playing instruments such as guitar, drums, bass, uke, and many more.
Zack’s love for music started when he was 4 and started playing guitar.
He is also in the Spotlighters and Illuminations bands, and Craig Jazz 1 band.
If anything has helped him out with achieving this he says it would be Knapton Musik Knotes.
He likes to hang around with his friends in his ‘99 Cavalier, play music, and write music.
While his strengths include music and helping with electronics, he also admits to some weaknesses.
“I wish I could be good at singing and playing more instruments,” he said.
He balances school and work well, and he is ready to help anyone who has computer problems.
When asked what he recommend to anyone who wants this job in the future, he said, “Join tech squad first and get a feel for it.”