NEELIN VIEWS: Take a moment to appreciate jazz

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 24/04/2023 (1075 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The month of April has been named Jazz Appreciation Month.

The observance was first called Jazz Awareness Month and was created by the Louisiana Jazz Federation in 1980. Jazz Awareness Month was mainly celebrated in the home of jazz, New Orleans. Later, in 2001, Jazz Appreciation Month was created as an extension of the original observation to spread all across the United States. The observance was initially founded by the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation to spread appreciation and awareness for jazz music and performers, as well as jazz history and culture. April was deemed the time to celebrate jazz because many iconic jazz performers were born during this month, including Ella Fitzgerald, Herbie Hancock and Duke Ellington.

Jazz is a genre of music that features many different styles and sub-genres and a heavy focus on improvisation. In a typical jazz band, you would find a rhythm section, consisting of drum set and bass (standup or electric), as well as lead instruments, such as guitar and piano. The rest of the ensemble would traditionally be made up of trumpets, saxophones, and trombones. There are many variations on instrumentation for different jazz styles and each unique ensemble. Some groups may also be accompanied by vocalists.

The beginning of jazz music has been traced all the way back to the early 20th century. Jazz was heavily developed by African American musicians in New Orleans. In fact, New Orleans funeral music was actually a big inspiration for these early jazz musicians. The New Orleans jazz style eventually became known as Dixieland Jazz. Later, during the 1920s and ’30s, New York City became the place to be for jazz music. During these times, the “bebop” sub-genre of jazz music came to life. Bebop introduced a much faster tempo, and more complex chord progressions. As the years went on and the world of jazz music continued to develop, performers would blend the jazz style with other genres such as funk, rock and folk. Though the jazz music style may not be quite as popular as it once was, the genre is still growing, developing, and being performed and celebrated.

It may not be very well-known to the general public, but the jazz scene in Brandon is very alive. Vincent Massey High School has three jazz band programs: junior, intermediate and senior. In the joint Crocus Plains and Neelin high school (CPN) program, there are also three jazz bands: junior, senior and an advanced jazz combo. These high school programs host small shows throughout the school year to showcase the ensembles’ hard work. You can also find local jazz groups performing at various venues throughout the city — keep your eyes peeled for upcoming events and give jazz a try.

Here are a few ways you can celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month before it ends. Maybe this article plants a seed of interest in exploring the history of jazz music. You could read up further about the origins and development of jazz through the years. Maybe you would prefer to grab a snack and a cosy blanket and watch a movie featuring jazz music, such as “Soul,” “Princess and the Frog” or “Whiplash” (for a more mature audience).

There is also the most obvious choice, listening to some jazz music. You can start with the more popular artists like Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, then you can dive into the rabbit hole of different artists and genres. Or you could explore some of the works produced by the talented faculty members at the Brandon University School of Music.

As a jazz musician myself, I will never stop recommending jazz music to my peers. It is so full of culture, and it has such a variety of different sub-genres and styles. I truly believe that anyone can find something to love in the world of jazz — you never know until you try.

» Beth Wilson is a Grade 12 student at École secondaire Neelin High School.