[Dixielandjazz] Jazz goes to College --- High School and College Music Students

[Vaxtrpts at aol.com]

Some of those answers to the jazz test had me laughing out loud, and then  
wanting to cry because of what is happening in jazz education today.   Remember, 
I am in schools across this country almost every week of the school  year.
One of the first things I do is ask the young musicians (mainly in high  
school jazz bands) to name three people who play their instrument.  In most  
cases, they can't.  Then I ask them how many listen to ANY kind of jazz on  a 
regular basis.  Usually four or five kids raise their hands, out of a  whole big 
band.
I blame this on the teachers, who are trying to learn a few tunes to "win  
competitions."  They aren't really "teaching" about jazz music. Now I know  this 
doesn't apply to all music educators.  There are some really great  ones out 
there!
However, I see this happening more and more in my travels.
I ask the teachers to take a little of the money that they fund-raise for  
marching band uniforms and put together a listening library.  Then one of  the 
things the students would need to do is turn in written reports about at  least 
three CD's per semester as part of their grade!
In every clinic I do for a jazz band, I talk about the origins of jazz and  
how important it is to learn about "OUR" uniquely American art form.
One of the things that really gets them is when I talk about "Rock Around  
the Clock" really being Joe Avery's Blues.  I then have the drummer play a  
street beat and play it for them. 
Boy, do you see some "lights" go on in the kids eyes...........
Maybe there is still hope?????????
Mike Vax