Performance matters
As a complete novice, I was worried that I would be spending the week counting the hours until it ended. Having no experience with jazz or really any music in a similar category I feared that everyone would be speaking a different language than me. That feeling lasted about 12 hours, through the morning and into the afternoon I was experiences what others may describe as a mild case of “culture shock.” The music sounded like music but did not evoke any emotion. Until Monday night when Rahsaan Barber played “Open Sesame.” This song had all of the characteristics of a jazz tune, while being rhythmic and melodic in a way I could understand and relate to. To tie it all together, Barber and Dan Davis (drummer) put on a spectacular performance that will not been soon forgotten.
Communication matters
Jazz is unique from other music in that it contains lots of improvisation from the whole band. Each member offers their own performance at one point or another either to back up a solo from another artist or for a solo of their own. This requires a level of coordination unheard of in most contemporary pop. Everyone I talked to listed the opportunity to communicate and synchronize with other band members as a top reason for choosing jazz.
Engagement matters
At the beginning of the workshop we had the pleasure of watching Barber play original pieces of music such as “Open Sesame.” This not only earned Barber a standing ovation from the crowd at the end of the night, but made him a can’t miss artist for the rest of the week. On Tuesday I was once again sitting in my assigned seat at the back of the theater. A duo of young men sat in front of me, and I could gather from the presence of noise-cancelling headphones that they may have been attending for compulsory reasons. This lasted about 5 minutes, until once again Barber entered stage right. Headphones immediately went in the backpacks and the duo moved up about 6 rows. This music means a lot to the artists who dedicate themselves to it, and that is not lost on the workshop attendees who likely share the same passion for the art.
Having fun matters
After 5 of the shortest and longest days of my life, I am happy to say that I completed this workshop. If given the chance or need, I would do it again in a heartbeat. When you meet a group of people working hard on a skill or a craft that takes the dedication of a lifetime such as music, I find that hard not to like. To commit is to enjoy, whether you are just practicing by yourself or performing in front of 1,000 people. If you are having fun and giving yourself to the music, you can find joy from that in 5 days or less.