The Sky Blue Jazz Ensemble performed and practiced with the Cook County High School Band in October introducing students to the history and fundamentals of jazz. Left: Ensemble members are (L-R) Erik Hahn, Mike Roth, Mike DeBevec, Brett Jones, Al Anderson. Their love of jazz is apparent.
Members of the Cook County High School Band had the opportunity to explore jazz in greater depth on Tuesday, October 28. The Sky Blue Jazz Ensemble offered a half-day workshop for the concert band to introduce young musicians to the history and fundamentals of jazz music and jazz improvisation.
Local musician Mike DeBevec is spearheading the effort to bring the history—and the joy—of jazz music to members of the community, students in particular. The most recent workshop is part of a greater effort, A Century of Jazz, which is a five-year project with concerts, presentations, workshops and recorded music by The Sky Blue Jazz Ensemble, which was started in 2011.
“We want to engage young people,” said DeBevec, who has been working with students in Silver Bay and Two Harbors as well.
Five musicians performed and worked with CCHS band students at the October workshop. Brett Jones, a University of Wisconsin-Superior professor of percussion, instructed the rhythm section. “He’s our ‘lead-off batter,’” said band mate Mike Roth.
Al Anderson, trombonist and former Cook County Schools band director from 1973 – 1977, worked with the horn section. He and DeBevec played in bands together for many years. “Rock bands,” said DeBevec with a smile, “Horn bands like Chicago.”
Erik Hahn, sax player and Great Expectations School teacher handled the reed section. Mike Roth, bassist, and DeBevec, pianist, provided live music backup for the tutorial.
The Sky Blue Jazz Ensemble has one more talented member, Karina Roth, who provides vocals in concert.
The objective of the workshop was to learn the Duke Ellington composition Caravan, which will be performed along with other jazz selections at the spring 2015 school band concert, with The Sky Blue Jazz Ensemble as guest musicians.
Students appreciated the break from the normal band schedule. The Cook County News-Herald caught up with some French horn players as they headed off to other classes.
Courtney Clyde said she had never heard Caravan before, but added, “It was fun learning it.”
Brenna Hay said she doesn’t really listen to jazz music, but said, “I liked learning it and playing it.”
Selien Morawitz enjoyed having a mini-concert in the band room. “I thought it was really cool,” she said.
Kerri Bilben, the school band director, has collaborated in the planning and logistics. Sectional rehearsals for horns, reeds, and percussion will be offered, followed by a rehearsal for the concert band as a whole.
She said she was delighted that DeBevec and the ensemble were willing to work with the students. She said last spring The Sky Blue Jazz Ensemble performed for the elementary school, a performance very well received.
The workshop is funded locally by the Frank DiMaio Fund for Creativity and Experimentation. Funding also came from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council to offer three jazz concerts. “Stay tuned,” said DeBevec with a grin.
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