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
Derrick Gardner interacted with each band.
Billy Moroney (DGS Class of 2012) performed with the renowned NIU Jazz Orchestra. It was great to hear Billy's continuing growth as a musician and fun to have him play with the NIU Jazz Orchestra as for a truly "hometown" crowd. It was also fun to see several DGS students have the opportunity to "sit-in" with the NIU Jazz Orchestra.
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!
