[Dixielandjazz] Jazz Goes To College (at Loch Haven University)

[Steve barbone]

Not all kids are enthralled by rap and crap. Perhaps quite a bit of what is
described below, by a University student is happening around the USA these
days. 

Cheers,
Steve barbone


Students jazz up spring concert - Lock Haven University Upstate Pennsylvania

Stephanie LaSota Posted: 4/26/06 - "Eagle Eye" (Loch Haven On Line Paper)

Conductor and composer John Philip Sousa once said that jazz would endure
just as long as people hear it through their feet instead of their brains.
Feet were surely tapping to the beat in the Jazz/Rock Ensemble and Combo's
Spring Concert Sunday, April 23.

The ensemble, a full 21-piece 1930's type big band group, and the combo, a
10-piece group playing older jazz and newer jazz, join together at the end
of each semester to do a tour of local high schools and elementary schools
and perform an on-campus concert.

The songs for Sunday's serenade in Price Auditorium featured big band swing
dance selections, slow ballads and fast jitterbugs. Dixieland tunes, bop
classics, jazz ditties, rock tunes and two funk tunes were also highlights
of the concert. 

Dr. Glenn L. Hosterman, Professor of Music in the Department of Performing
Arts, hosted and conducted the spring recital. Dr. Hosterman said the
recital music is chosen at the start of each semester so that there is
plenty of time to practice. He buys a variety of newly written full ensemble
and combo charts that represent the various styles of jazz. He chooses
selections that will highlight the talents of the student soloists.

This small ensemble of jazz musicians also contributes much of its time to
other on-campus activities such as dances and ceremonies. The Jazz/Rock
Combo previously contributed its melodious capabilities to playing the
ceremonial music in the Spring Honors Convocation on April 9. The group will
play a concert at Lock Haven Hospital Extended Care Facility for the
hospital's Volunteer Appreciation Day, Wednesday at 1 p.m.

Many of the jazz solos that were performed were highly improvised, as jazz
is a passionate art form that requires human emotions and soul-driven beats.
Dr. Hosterman says it takes a great deal of self-confidence for students to
compose melodies on the spur of the moment. In fact, one of the best rewards
of Dr. Hosterman's job, he says, is giving the very gifted students a chance
to exhibit their talents.

"The students did an excellent job, the soloists excelled, the ensemble
played very well, and the audience gave us a standing ovation," said Dr.
Hosterman. "It doesn't get any better than this."

Dr. Hosterman encourages students to pursue music if it is an interest.
Currently, private voice and instrumental lessons are available for those
who wish to study. Most of the students in the ensembles have played their
instruments for 8-13 years to get to their high level of playing
proficiency. However, anyone who is interested in learning to play a new
instrument has that opportunity at LHUP.

Dr. Hosterman suggests that anyone interested in jazz music specifically
should audition for one of the ensembles or take one of his courses
involving jazz music, such as MUSI315 Jazz Studies or MUSI105 Contemporary
Trends in Jazz, Rock, and Musical Theatre.

This dedicated professor and musician says that his rewards from music are
found in the pride and joy of creating a unique jazz solo, playing a part in
a section and blending with others and the excitement of recreating music
that has been professionally recorded. Audience feedback is also 'music to
the ears' of any performer.

"I received e-mails from faculty colleagues that attended the concert and
even community members that thanked us for a well-performed, varied,
enjoyable program," said Dr. Hosterman.