During my week at the Summer Jazz Workshop, I learned more than I could have ever imagined. I had a lot of great experiences. From my theory class to the evening faculty concerts. Everyday I learned all kinds of things.
When I first arrived I auditioned to be placed in a small combo and a master class group. I also took a theory test to place me in a theory class. Then I went to the first of the faculty concerts that occurred everyday during lunch and every night. Throughout the week almost all of the faculty played together. It was great to watch such experienced players play all kinds of Jazz.
The next day, I started my theory class, master class, musicianship class, and combo rehearsals. I started with theory class, I was placed in the beginner to intermediate theory with Jamey Aebersold. I had so much fun learning all about music and the theory behind it. Then I was on to the Musicianship class. This was also with Jamey. We talked about all kinds of things, from ear training to recommended listening amd I learned all kinds of things that can help me be a better Jazz musician. Later on I had my first combo rehearsal. I was fortunate to be in a combo under the direction of Mr. Frank Smith, an accomplished bassist in the Indianapolis area. I had a great time in my combo and learned a lot from Frank, as well as other members of my combo. After rehearsal we had lunch.
During lunch, different faculty members preformed, but Organist Bobby Floyd performed everyday. It was such a treat to hear how creative and original the music could get. One day we were even treated to Michael Jackson's "Billy Jean".
Then, after lunch I had a master class with one of the eight drummers on the faculty that week. Probably my favorite master class was with Steve Barnes, where Steve had us play with Pianist, Dan Haerle and, Bassist Tyrone Wheeler. Then all three of them would give suggestions as to how to improve our playing. Through this I learned how important it is to really listen to the other members of the ensemble and keep that focus the whole time. When the master class was over, I had another combo rehearsal. During these rehearsals we jammed standards and eventually picked one to work up to a performance level for the end of the week concert. My combo played the Wayne Shorter tune "Footprints".
Later on that night, after dinner, I attended a piano voicing workshop taught by University of Louisville professor, Chris Fitzgerald. I learned all about different jazz voicing and chords.
Afterwards was the faculty concerts. Every night there were three different sets of faculty combos. Later on some of the combo rooms were opened up for student jam sessions. Here anybody could jam with anybody. Here, I learned different things from other drummers my age as well as the other musicians.
Overall, I had a great experience at the Summer Jazz Workshop. I was surprised at how much I could learn in a week. I made all kinds of friends and feel like I greatly improved as a musician. Now, I am more motivated to keep on practicing and improving and have a much greater appreciation for Jazz music. I am very thankful for this great opportunity.
