 |
| The set list for the Hurricane Jazz Orchestra |
Over the summer, I attended a musical performance on campus
by the Hurricane Jazz Orchestra. Now,
folks are lucky to get a handful of attendees for summer events – on any
college campus – and it was exciting to see so many people in attendance for
this event. And the musicians? Well, they brought it.
The ensemble performed a number of songs, ranging from the theme to the television show Family Guy, to Dave Brubeck’s “Blue Rondo a la Turk.” My favorite, though, had to be when the group shared their version of “Hurricane Season,” a composition by Troy Andrews. Those of you in the know will recognize that Andrews performs as Trombone Shorty.
Now, Trombone Shorty played a pivotal role in my attendance at the ensemble’s performance. My student, Jomi Calhoun, regularly talks about music and his influences as he is a percussionist and jazz enthusiast. In one of our conversational jam sessions after class, we talked about Trombone Shorty. Jomi mentioned that the ensemble, of which he is a part, would perform “Hurricane Season” at their event.
It’s so fun and rewarding to see students in their own spaces outside of the classroom, so I try to take advantage of these situations – but knowing that they would perform this song sealed the deal. And, Jomi would be on the drum set for “Hurricane Season” as part of the great rhythm section in the ensemble. When the song came, he let loose a flurry of syncopated and crushing notes, which moved the attendees to clap and cheer. They were jamming!
Students come to campus, attend their courses, then many go home. There are a number of students at each school who get involved and pursue their passions. When those moments present themselves, faculty and staff shouldn’t miss opportunities to be a part of the communities created by involved, creative young scholars. What a treat!
The ensemble performed a number of songs, ranging from the theme to the television show Family Guy, to Dave Brubeck’s “Blue Rondo a la Turk.” My favorite, though, had to be when the group shared their version of “Hurricane Season,” a composition by Troy Andrews. Those of you in the know will recognize that Andrews performs as Trombone Shorty.
Now, Trombone Shorty played a pivotal role in my attendance at the ensemble’s performance. My student, Jomi Calhoun, regularly talks about music and his influences as he is a percussionist and jazz enthusiast. In one of our conversational jam sessions after class, we talked about Trombone Shorty. Jomi mentioned that the ensemble, of which he is a part, would perform “Hurricane Season” at their event.
It’s so fun and rewarding to see students in their own spaces outside of the classroom, so I try to take advantage of these situations – but knowing that they would perform this song sealed the deal. And, Jomi would be on the drum set for “Hurricane Season” as part of the great rhythm section in the ensemble. When the song came, he let loose a flurry of syncopated and crushing notes, which moved the attendees to clap and cheer. They were jamming!
Students come to campus, attend their courses, then many go home. There are a number of students at each school who get involved and pursue their passions. When those moments present themselves, faculty and staff shouldn’t miss opportunities to be a part of the communities created by involved, creative young scholars. What a treat!
No comments:
Post a Comment