Future of Jazz Show a Hit
Future of Jazz Show a HitOn Tuesday night, April 5th 2022 , the Jackson Creek Auditorium was filled with the sounds of some 50 middle and high school jazz musicians. Appearing as a guest artist/coach with each combo was Indiana University’s jazz saxophone professor Greg Ward, who added a thrilling touch to the evening. Near the end, Ward’s trio performed two selections which showcased their exceptional talents: Ward on alto sax, Professor Sean Dobbins on drums, and freshman phenom Jake Lee on bass. Afterwards, everyone was invited up on stage for a massive blues jam to end the concert!
Leading up to the finale concert, students had the opportunity to be coached in jazz improvisation during six Thursday workshops held at Bloomington High School North. Jazz educators Tom Walsh (IU), Matt Pivec (Butler), Jamey Aebersold (twice), Steve Snyder (DePauw), and Mark Buselli (Ball State) served as guest clinicians. Several IU Jazz majors supplied a semi-professional rhythm section. In addition to hosting these workshops, Bloomington North jazz director, John Sorsen, led the always popular jam session at Crazy Horse on March 27th.
All in all, the 2022 Future of Jazz experience was an educational and inspiring experience for all who participated.
A huge thank you to Chris Parker and Kyle Brooks for putting together the music and recordings, to Jackson Creek music teacher, Joe Donnelly, for hosting the concert, and to Janis Cooper Parker for creating the program and doing all of the other important “behind-the-scenes” work.