DSMS JAZZ

We had a fabulous rehearsal with the 6th, 7th & 8th graders interested in jazz at DSMS. We started by having a visit from Rich Labedz (http://richlabedz.com/live/). Rich will be working with us this year as the 6th Grade Jazz Band leader. This year is a banner year at DSMS because we have the numbers to have two complete big bands! During Rich's visit we warmed up on a Bb Major Scale and quickly turned that into the Bb Blues Scale. Once that was done, Rich took to the piano and we started jamming on the Bb Blues! I started off the solos and then a 1/2 dozen seasoned Sharp9 Big Band members let 'er rip!

When Rich left I handed out three arrangements: The Creeper by Neil Hefti, Summertime by G. Gerswin and Take The A Train by Billy Strayhorn of Duke Ellington fame. The students did a super job of reading these charts and starting the process of making some music out of them. A very successful start to the 09-10 jazz year!

Our next rehearsal is this coming Friday, October 2nd from 2:30-4:00 in the Choral Room. This will be a full 6th, 7th & 8th grade rehearsal. October 9th is off because of the long weekend, and then October 16th will mark the first rehearsal for the first ever, 6th Grade Jazz Band ! (What WILL the name be?!)

Please check my website for schedules, notices and more about jazz at DSMS.

Have a great long weekend!

Mr. D