[Dixielandjazz] Developing youthful interest in OKOM

[Jim O'Briant]

Jimmy Green wrote:

> ... If you want to do something great for the school kids, teach 
> them to feel the music and understand the flow so the they can 
> fully enjoy DANCING WITH A PARTNER to real music ... You 
> want happy fans and good music, teach the appreciation 
> and DANCING.... 

Anyone who has watched Jimmy and his better half cutting a rug at Trad Jazz
Festivals can have no doubt that he believes this whole-heartedly.

But not everyone who writes or plays great music can or wants to dance. Some
just don't care for it. Some hear and perceive music differently, and
physical movement isn't part of the process for them. Some lack the physical
coordination to dance. Beethoven couldn't dance because he couldn't manage
to move his feet in time with the music.

Dancing to OKOM would certainly be a path to loving OKOM for some young
people. The swing dance & Lindy Hop resurgence is proof of that. But neither
is dancing the only path to love of this music.

Jim O'Briant
Gilroy, CA
Tuba & Leader, The Zinfandel Stompers