Wednesday, February 08, 2017

NIU/D99 Jazz Bands Swinging at the Tivoli @Dist_99 @DGS_Bands #99Learns #DGSPride









Jazz education has traditionally been delivered in an apprentice/master style, long before the art form became institutionalized.  Yesterday at the Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove, that traditional learning format continued as D99 student jazz musicians participated in clinics and master classes with the renowned NIU Jazz Orchestra and their director, Dr. Reggie Thomas.  Students performed repertoire and were given immediate formative feedback to improve their performance skills and musicianship.  Additionally, significant knowledge about jazz music was transferred aurally as it relates to the history of the music.  In addition to Dr. Thomas providing feedback to the D99 student ensembles, guest artist Geof Bradfield interacted with student musicians.

Special thanks to the Tivoli Theatre for making this experience possible for the jazz musicians in District 99.  Performing on the stage at the Tivoli is a memorable experience in and of itself!