About 150 students are in attendance this year for UNC’s 14th annual Jazz Summer Workshop. This workshop welcomes students of all ages, from middle school and high school students to college students and adults, who are deeply involved in this year’s jazz program. Students are either covering this workshop as journalists or preparing to perform in the final student concert this Friday, June 28, 2024.
Today I had the pleasure of speaking with Samuel Kucera, (preferred name: Sam), a high school student who attends Westcuttert High School from Morehead City, Newport, North Carolina.
Sam is a bass player who has played the the instrument since 7th grade. Originally a guitarist since the age of seven, Sam switched to the bass after discovering his love for the instrument during jazz tryouts in middle school.
“I chose to play the bass, and I’ve loved it ever since,” Sam said. Being at the UNC Jazz Workshop has been a great opportunity for Sam to learn more new techniques while playing, exploring musical theory, and improving his solo’s and chord progression.
Sam’s passion for music is rooted in his family, who encouraged him to start playing an instrument. He has overcome his performance anxiety by being a part of his father’s band, the Big Tree Band. He enjoys playing with them as he finds it has helped his confidence.
He primarily plays jazz and classic rock, as these genres are “complex and pleasing to the ear.” His favorite musicians, specific to bass, are Jaco Pastorius and John Paul Jones, whose style and solo articulation inspire Sam’s solos. He is driven to make “all his solos sound like his.”
Throughout the workshop, Sam has focused on improving his “walking” bass lines and soloing methods, and understanding chord construction — areas he identified as weaknesses. “The instructors here are great. They explain everything well and make it easy to learn,” Sam said.
Sam’s participation in the workshop is motivated by his goal to improve his bass skills, gain a professional learning experience, and connect with his friends who are also a part of the program. However, he expressed his wish for a more in-depth explanation of music theory, wishing that teachers would discuss this topic more rather than just covering the basics.
Sam has also made new friends in the dorms and hallways, and in bass lessons. The supportive environment and the chance to perform with others have contributed to his growth as a musician. “Yeah, I definitely would,” Sam said about whether he would come back to this workshop, as it’s “easy to learn” and the teachers are extremely helpful.
He is excited about his upcoming performance on Friday with his new friends.