Kelly's Jazz Band was an awesome little group of kids. They were all talented and committed musicians. Of course they would probably have to be to get up that early every day and play music. He started the class with a 12 bar blues in Bb that went on for quite some time. After a few minutes, Kelly would solo on his trumpet for a few bars and kick of a solo domino effect. Every student went in turn and played a 12 bar improvised solo. It was great to hear each different style and to see the kids really going for it. Some of them were really good!
Kelly told me that this warm-up was one of his most effective teaching tools. He said that some of the kids couldn't play a note of a solo at the start of the year, but they all seemed like pros to me. The rhythm section was having a little bit of trouble with intonation (bass and guitar). The two drummers were very talented and not afraid to try new rhythms. The piano player seemed on top of things as well. The trumpet section was strong and needed to be remind of balance from time to time.
Kelly's style of classroom management really seems to work with high school aged kids. He always uses his sort of 'dry' humor but never hesitates to get serious quickly if he needs to. There is room for conversation in this early morning band, but he always keeps them moving to the next piece of music so that they don't waste too much time. Overall, it was a great experience, and it makes me wish that I had an opportunity in my High School to be in such a cool jazz group.
BHS jazz bands are really good. The fact that he encourages improv and then demonstrates for them is an extremely potent tool for this genre. Some students will be attracted to jazz in a way that never quite "clicks" with the concert bands--just interesting how some people are attracted to different sounds and styles.
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