H I P   H A P P E N I N G S          North Scott High School Jazz Department Newsletter, 1st Ed.                                                                May 2003 Introduction Welcome to the first edition of the NSHS Jazz Department Newsletter!  We have some new things happening this year, so we thought we'd fill you in on what has been going on lately.  Hope you enjoy! Summer Jazz Band Last summer, many loyal students dedicated their time to participate in the first summer jazz program.  This voluntary group performed at Vanderveer Park and in the West Music Wednesday Night Concert Series.   Metro Arts Summer Apprentice Program Three NS Students participated in the Quad City Metro Arts Summer Apprentice Program, studying improvisation and composition. Corey Kendrick, Katie Leiting, and Lee Burress spent the summer not only playing and learning, but earning a little "gig" money on the side! Fall Concert with NIU Last fall, the Northern Illinois University Jazz Ensemble graced our presence with guest saxophonist Hamiet Blueitt. The day was filled with mini-concerts, clinics, sectional rehearsals, and a Q & A session with Mr Bluiett. In the evening, both NSHS Jazz Bands shared the stage with NIU, who once again "brought the house down". This will be a yearly event, so make sure to check it out! This coming Fall, the concert will be on Friday, November 7th. Hope to see you there! World Premier of Student Arrangement At last Fall's jazz concert with NIU, Jazz 1 premiered a jazz piece transcribed and arranged by Nick Mixdorf ('02), Corey Kendrick ('03), and Katie Leiting ('03), Lee Burress ('04). For Student Arrangement (cont'd) the final project in Jazz Theory/Improvisation Class, the four studied a recording of Duke Ellington's "Happy Go Lucky Local", and wrote out all of the parts for big band based on what they heard on the recording. They have put all of the necessary paperwork through and now own the copyright for their arrangement, which Jazz 1 will perform once more in the Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World. Jazz Combo Program Last fall, jazz band students auditioned for spots in one of three jazz combos. These are smaller groups consisting of a rhythm section and a few horns. In this format, the students really get a chance to polish their improvisational skills, as 90% of the music is made up on the spot. While they receive some instruction in rehearsals, they are completely student-run at the performances, giving them a chance to communicate and address the audience, as well as kick off the tunes. They have been very well received, and have been asked to continue playing at Border's Bookstore, Fireworks Coffee Shop in Moline, and Happy Joe's in Bettendorf. This semester, they will be performing original compositions by NS jazz students Corey Kendrick, Ryan Arp, Katie Leiting, Jaime Eldridge, and Lee Burress. The students involved in the combo program are:      Lee Burress, Katie Leiting, Ryan Arp, Corey Kendrick, Andy Kuhl, Jessica Viner, Luke Carlstrom, Shawn Spencer, Jaime Eldridge, Kristena Easter, Lindsay Eickstaedt, Karah Underwood, Mark Petersma, Courtney Beade,l Emily Green, Dan Netwal, Zan Preston, Rachel Talbot, David Stockbauer, Kevin Gentz, Ben Harvey, Ross Jallo, Melissa McKenna, Tyler Russell, Marcie VanEe, and Bernie Haas. Students Selected to Perform in Augustana Honors Jazz Band Six students were chosen to perform in the first Augustana Honors Jazz Band Festival last Fall, under the direction of NIU Professor Ron Carter. Participating in the event were Katie Leiting, Ryan Arp, Lee Burress, Corey Kendrick, Luke Carlstrom, and Bernie Haas. Corey also received special recognition on piano, being named "Outstanding Soloist" for the festival. Students Selected to Participate in the Southeast District Honors Jazz Band Five North Scott Students were chosen (by audition) to perform in the SEIBA Honors jazz Band on January 25, 2003. This included Katie Leiting, Corey Kendrick, Lee Burress, Jessica Viner, and Ryan Arp. This ensemble performed at the SEIBA concert under the direction of Dick Redman from Pella. Jazzers Perform in Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Youth Jazz Ensemble The Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Youth Jazz Ensemble features the finest high school jazz musicians from the Quad Cities Area. This year, six NS students are performing with the group. They are: Corey Kendrick, Lee Burress, Shawn Spencer, Katie Leiting, Ryan Arp, and Kristena Easter. They perform at numerous community events and cap off their year with numerous performances at the Bix Jazz Festival in July. Students Recognized at SEIBA Jazz Festival Numerous students were recognized at the Southeast Iowa District Jazz Festival last Saturday (March 8) at Iowa City West High School. For each performing ensemble, the judges have the option of awarding "Outstanding Musicianship" awards to any individual they feel deserves recognition. From Jazz 2, Rachel Talbot, David Stockbauer, and Courtney Beadel were honored. From Jazz 1, Emily Green, Luke Carlstrom, Jessica Viner, Shawn Spencer, Lee Burress, Katie Leiting, and Corey Kendrick received the award. Corey was also named Honorable Mention for the overall outstanding soloist in Class 4A. Corey Kendrick Chosen to Perform in Iowa All-State Jazz Band For the second year in a row, Corey Kendrick has been recognized as the top high school jazz pianist in the state by being selected to play in the Iowa All-State Jazz Band. To be considered, students were asked to submit a tape or CD recording of themselves improvising, playing contrasting musical selections, and scales. From the hundreds of tapes submitted, only 19 musicians were selected. This group will be performing at the Iowa Bandmasters Convention in Des Moines on May 17. Iowans Swing in Florida The Band Department will be heading south next week (March 19, to be exact) en route to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando. The Symphonic and Concert Bands will both be performing at the Universal Studios Hard Rock Café and Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Jazz 1 and Jazz 2 will get the unique experience of performing at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café, also at the Magic Kingdom. This restaurant features a hexagon-shaped stage that rises up from the lower level. This means the students, directors, and a handful of chaperones get to experience the "tunnel system" beneath the Magic Kingdom. They will venture down below the streets into the tunnels, where they will load the stage, waiting to begin their ascent into the restaurant. This will truly be an unforgettable experience for all. Note from the "editor": We would like to thank the Music Boosters for all of their help-many of the events mentioned in this newsletter would not have been possible without their time and support. Thanks also to the parents for the support you give your children and our program. It is obvious why this program continues to be successful. We have many students that go above and beyond the call of duty to further their experiences and enhance others'. Thanks for all that you (the students) do!!!