This open discussion was very good and allowed many individual members to express both their professional and personal feelings regarding the audition requirements, mechanics, and results. I usually leave meetings like this realizing that problems often arise due to logistics and limitations rather than true professional differences. All teaching environments are different and cannot be expected to fit into a single audition framework. However, for the sake of consisentency, it is important to find a good midline of agreement. Due to the various school sizes, locations, populations, access to additional educational enrichment support, and school district limitations, the 11 district system in Missouri has always seemed to have its obvious advantages and disadvantages. This will not be the point of my topic discussion, just an observation.
Rhythm sections: We all understand the challenge in getting these students motivated and "up to speed" for auditions. Auditioning these players is different from horn players. Therefore, guidelines are often "less defined" and require more " subjective guidance" due to the nature of the audition material and that patricular section. How do we motivate them to become more involved in All State auditions? How can we get rhythm students more prepared both individually and "as a section player" for auditions?
If you have rhythm section experience, live in an area where rhythm teachers are abundant, or have an adjunct rhythm section teacher available.....there is more advantage in preparation.
There are some rhythm players, due to personal preference, training, physical limitations , etc. who are more adaptable to combo sittings rather than big band. What is available for them?
Obviously, facilities at MMEA for the All State Jazz "group" is limited. However, my observation is that there are a lot of great young jazz students who may be missing out on this great opportunity due to those limitations. And I believe that the audition procedures could possibly be expanded around those limitations.
Let's ignore the limitations for a moment and look at other options. I liked an observation in the meeting..."where there is will, there is a way."
Since all of these players are coming to Columbia to audition for All-State Band, Jazz Band, etc. this is the greatest access to give opportunity to as many students as possible.
1)Pick an All-State 4 piece rhythmn section combo in addition to those already chosen for the Big Band. Illinois does this plus adds horn players. Performance opportunities would be: Clinic appearance on "working with the rhythm section, how to develop their independence." Play at intermission at the Friday night Ballroom gathering. Be the focus rhythm section for the Jam. Play with guest artist already attending the conference during the day on an improv clinic.
2)Allow rhythm players to audition as a group. Wouldn't we all like to see our rhythm sections get fired up early in the year and rehearse more on their own? These groups might not always be just from a single school. Perhaps, some would be students from different schools who know each other and enjoy playing together. If their school is not a member on MOAJE, allow them to be members. Regardless of the selection of players for Big Band and 4-piece All-State rhythm section, recognize the top 3-5 rhythm sections that audition as groups. Then find opportunities for these rhythm section groups to perform at area jazz festivals in Febriuary, March, and April. Rolling Meadows jazz festival has a great "lunch hour" jam featuring the great players in the area. And their are always those lengthy periods of time between the end of the competitive day and the announcement of the awards. I have always contended that our young players often learn more (free their minds to learn more) by listening to their peers rather than us.
3) Some Horn Players might opt to be combo members rather than Big Band members if the additional opportunities presented itself outside of the MMEA framework.
4) Of course, these rhythm section groups w/or without horn players are "ready to go" possibilities to perform at regional music conferences, upcoming JEN conferences, administrators conferences, etc.....anything that will benefit in promoting the excellence of jazz education in the eyes of those who don't always understand what we do.
5) All-State Bands - How about choosing an entire "alternate All-State Jazz Ensemble" which can assemble later in the year and perform in alternating locations in the state? You have them all in the same location auditioning in Columbia, why not take advantage of the opportunity to give more students an outlet to performing non-competitively with their own peers? For that fact, would THE All State Jazz Band like the opportunity to perform more than once a year?
YES - money, time, schedule, facilities, schedules, additional work.....all of these reasons are determining/limiting factors. HOWEVER, it shouldn't keep us from openly discussing the possibilites for the future.
