Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Professor Rodney Whitaker preps the South HS Jazz Ensemble



In preparation for the upcoming Swing Central Jazz Competition and Festival,
Professor Rodney Whitaker from Michigan State University and the former bassist with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, worked with the student musicians in the South High Jazz Ensemble, directed by Craig Roselieb.  The South HS Jazz Ensemble will compete against 12 other high school jazz bands from around the country in Savannah, Georgia from March 25-31, 2013.  During the festival, all twelve bands will perform the same repertoire, creating a unique platform for comparative adjudication.  Professor Whitaker listened to the work of the Jazz Ensemble and provided insight and instruction to prepare the ensemble for success at the coming festival.  The ideas exchanged were captivating and the improvement of the ensemble during the clinic time was remarkable.  The South High School Jazz Ensemble is ready to "put up their Dukes" with the finest jazz bands in the nation!