DePauw University's School of Music jazzed it up, literally, on Saturday, March 12.
The School of Music, along with DePauw music students, hosted a Jazz Festival for the Greencastle community. All area middle school and high school jazz ensembles were welcome to attend with a basic registration application. Everyone who participated in the event was eager to hear new music, share their talent and enjoy a lively experience.
Early check-in began at 8:00 a.m., followed by groupings into musical activities with performances and classes run by clinicians and visiting guest artists. The morning activities lasted until 11:00 a.m.
A group clinic assembly was led by visiting guest artist Pharez Whitted. Whitted, born in Indianapolis, is a 1982 DePauw graduate and earned his master's at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. He currently holds the position of Director of Jazz studies at Chicago State University and continues to play with his heart and soul in the city of Chicago.
Lunch was provided by the university, the second wave of musical activities began at 1:00 p.m. lasting until 3:45 p.m. An afternoon group clinic assembly was again led by Pharez Whitted from 3:45-4:30 pm; a thirty minute sound check took place before the evening concert.
The Saturday evening concert featured guest artist/jazz trumpeter Pharez Whitted.
“The day went by too fast” sophomore Ines Hayouna said. “Our music department on campus continues to change my life and I am beyond grateful to witness, explore, and learn through my fellow peers, visiting guest artists, and alumni the beauty of all things involving music.”
Not a music student himself, junior John Daseke was quick to say, “I thought the Jazz Festival was very good for bridging the [gap between the] Greencastle and the DePauw community. I think we should do more events like it; I had a great time.”
Dr. Mark McCoy, Dean of DePauw’s School of Music and newly appointed President of DePauw University, assisted in the organization and fluidity of the festival.
“It was very good, it varied throughout the day. The final concert featuring Pharez Whitted '82 had the highest attendance,” McCoy said of the event in a recent exchange.
Since the event involved high school and middle school students, rather than just DePauw participants, it was also a success from an admissions standpoint.
“It was a great recruiting opportunity for DePauw and each high school band received recordings of their performance with comments," McCoy said. "Participants had access to a clinic with our jazz ensemble Director Dr. Steve Snyder and the opportunity to hear other groups, including DePauw's jazz ensemble with special guest performers.”
Yet as well as the inaugural event went, changes are already being taken into consideration, according to McCoy.
“This was our first one and was very successful. I hope to see it grow in size and stature as our honor band has in its four years of existence.”