YA LIKE JAZZZZ?

If you’re in band here, you’ll understand that sometimes you’re stuck playing the same style of music for longer than you’d like. It’s not that your music is boring, you just need to try something new. If you relate to this, consider joining one of CCA’s jazz bands!

JAZZ BAND IS A COLLAGE OF PEOPLE; GRAPHIC BY CALLISTA WEST

Jazz will give you an opportunity to try a new style of music. Some examples of the new styles you’ll learn are swinging and laying back. In jazz, eighth notes are swung to create a more smooth effect, and you’ll sometimes be encouraged to play slower than the beat (when do you get to do that in concert band?) This technique is called “laying back,” and it creates a more emotional or honest sound instead of a perfect, robotic sound. You’ll get to use this technique in solos, where you have freedom to play what you want with your own style. Usually in concert band, solos are already written out for you. In jazz, your solo is completely yours. You’re free to improvise on stage to create your own effect or feeling. The best thing about this is, if you’re not interested in soloing, you don’t have to! You’re strongly encouraged to solo, but it’s not required. You’ll also get lots of feedback on your playing during jazz band. At performances, clinicians will work with you to improve your band’s sound. These clinicians might also help you with your solo. Senior, Jayce Norpel, also wants people that are interested in the different jazz bands to know that when people join the excitement goes beyond playing. Norpel explained: “[the music] makes me feel groovy. It makes me want to dance!”

CCA high school has 2 jazz bands for students to join. There is an auditioned group and a group available for all band students. If you don’t like auditions or just aren’t interested in jazz ensemble, the jazz band is perfect for you! Rehearsals are twice a week, starting in December. Anyone interested in playing guitar or piano is able to audition for jazz band, but all other students have to already be enrolled in concert band. Jazz ensemble is the auditioned group. By the time this edition of The Anchor is released, it will be too late to audition, but you will know more about Jazz Ensemble for next year. This band begins in November and rehearses on Tuesday from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM and Fridays from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM. Jazz ensemble participates in many festivals throughout the year and hosts one concert. At the end of the season, the jazz ensemble gets to perform at the Iowa City ped mall! Jazz ensemble is a great opportunity to learn more advanced jazz and to enjoy performing more than you normally would. If you’re interested in joining either jazz band or jazz ensemble, talk to Mr. Bills or Mr. Copeland!