The second annual Simpson College Honor Jazz Band will occur on Tuesday, November 6th, 2007. This new event will allow talented high school musicians between grades 10-12 to work with jazz professionals in an advanced setting. Interested students between Grades 10-12 should be nominated by their music director no later than October 15th, 2007. The cost is $20 per student. Students may be nominated online. Simpson College Professor of Saxophone and Jazz Studies, Dave Camwell, will notify the chosen students by October 20th, 2007.
View or download the Jazz Honor Band Poster: Jazz Honor Band.
This year’s guest director is Dr. Gene Aitken, Downbeat's 2007 Jazz Educator of the year. Dr. Aitken, who retired in October 2006 as Director of the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, National University of Singapore, now resides in Singapore, Thailand, and the United States of America. He continues to be active in Southeast Asia, China, and the United States working with students, teachers, ensembles, and administrators in both the classical and jazz areas.
Click here to visit his web site.
The day will consist of rehearsals, sectionals, and Master Classes from 10am-5pm. The concert, shared with the Simpson College Jazz Ensemble, will begin at 7pm in Lekberg Hall. Formal attire (suits for men, dark clothing for women) is required for performers in the concert.
Schedule9:30 AM Registration and warm ups.
10:00 AM-12:00 PM Big Band rehearsal
12:00 PM-1:00 PM Lunch at Pfieffer Hall
1:00 PM-2:15 PM Sectionals/Master Classes
2:15 PM-2:30 PM Break
2:30P M-5:00 PM Big Band rehearsal
5:00 PM-6:30 PM Supper Break
7:00 PM-8:30 PM Concert
2007 Simpson College Jazz Honor Band Members
Director: Dr. Gene Aitken
Saxophones:
Alto 1: Chris Oatts, Johnston High School
Alto 2: Nick Kempton, Lewis Central High School
Tenor 1: Reggie Netz, Manson NW Webster
Tenor 2: Justin Adam, Mid-Prairie Community Schools
Baritone: Emily Barrett, Keokuk High School
Trumpets:
Trumpet 1: Stephen Bond, Lewis Central High School
Trumpet 2: Jason Stuhrenberg, Manson NW Webster
Trumpet 3: Chrystal Belz, Van Meter High School
Trumpet 4: Brian Staut, Mid-Prairie High School
Trombones:
Trombone 1: John Jenkins, Manson NW Webster
Trombone 2: Barbara Staudt, Rockford Senior High
Trombone 3: Leah Thomas, Keokuk High School
Trombone 4: Lizzy Bertelson, Winterset High School
Bass Trombone: Nate Black, Lewis Central High School
Rhythm Section:
Guitar: Cameron Steinbach, Ottumwa High School
Piano: Daniel Sutter, Manson NW Webster
Vibes/Auxiliary Percussion: Erin Pauly, Winterset High School
Bass: Courtney Glienke, Aurelia Community School
Drums: Jeff Oatts, Johnston High School
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do my students have to be good improvisers to make the band?
A: Students do not have to be great improvisers, but those wanting to be selected to typical solo chairs (Lead tenor, lead alto, Trumpet 2, Trombone 2), a certain amount of comfort and experience would help in that student being selected.
Q: When do I have to pay the $20? Do I pay it for each student nominated?
A: I ask that payment be sent only when your student is selected. Students and directors will be notified no later than October 20th. Payment is not required for those students who are not selected.
Q: How do you choose the students who make the band?
A: I put a lot of value in your (directors’) opinion and written statements of your students. Please realize that this is a state wide honor band, and that you should evaluate your students in that manner. Also know that I will try and select students from as wide a geographic range as possible, so ideally, we will have 15-20 schools represented for this great educational day!
Q: Does my drummer have to bring his/her own drum set?
A: No. The selected drummers will use the Simpson College drum set.
Q: Does my bass player have to bring his/her own bass?
A: Yes. Please bring both electric and/or acoustic basses. A bass amp (and guitar amp) will be provided by Simpson College. Vibes will also be provided.
Sponsors
For more information, please contact Dave Camwell at dave.camwell@simpson.edu or 515-961-1575.