Troy High Jazz Band Members Attend Jazz Institute
For the past week, 27 Troy High musicians participated in their annual Jazz Camp. Under the guidance of three professional Jazz Instructors-- Marcus Elliot, Corey Kendrick, and Kris Johnson-- students explored the history, theory and influential artists and performance techniques specific to Jazz, then divided into three “combo” groups for more individualized instruction.
According to Assistant Director of Bands, Jake Greenwood, learning about the style of Jazz is much like learning another language, even for a classically trained musician. “The Jazz Institute is an excellent way for students to begin learning the specific and unique strategies to performing Jazz in a welcoming, supportive and collaborative environment.”
The students participating in this summer program will have a "running start" as the school year begins, and will continue to work throughout the year with “Artist In Residence,” professional trumpet player and educator, Kris Johnson. For the past several years, the Troy Bands have engaged the Artist in Residence program, which allows a local professional musician to work with the students during the school year, enabling them to capitalize on the lessons they learned during this week.
“Jazz requires highly specialized techniques, strategies and knowledge to perform at the high level our Troy High Band program has come to expect,” continued Greenwood. And the relationships that are formed during the camp will lead to a more unified and enjoyable experience throughout the year.
Stay tuned for excellence, and for more information about the Troy Bands, including concert dates and times, visit http://www.troycoltbands.org/Troy Colt Bands or www.troycoltbands.org
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Photos courtesy of Troy School District and Troy Colt Bands. The 27 jazz musicians in this article are as follows (in alpha order): Shrey Aggarwal, Sophia Baik, Ishan Baweja, Giovajhn Burgett, Kevin Chen, John Dannug, Shane Karas, Liam Kelly, Bennett Korotko, Benjamin Liu, Jason Loucks, Gina Moy, Hannah Richard, Luke Runke, Angelo Scarnecchia, Julia Schomer, Luke Sheppard, Mia Simone, Will Smalley, Justin Strong, Dilan Swami, Andrew Tabaka, Draven Tanafranca, Vincent Thomson, Andrew Wang, Noah Worden, Jessica You
