The Cohen and Doughty Jazz Band recently took center stage at the Jazz Education Symposium held at the University of Maine. The conference, aimed at music educators, provided a unique opportunity for young musicians to enhance their skills and assist music educators looking to build their skills in instructing jazz.
Under the guidance of band director Mr. Jacob Gebhart, the students were invited to perform as the guest act at the symposium. They faced an exciting challenge: to sight-read brand new music that they had never encountered before. With the assistance of multiple experienced clinicians, the students learned to navigate uncharted musical territory in front of a live audience of dedicated educators.
"The sight-reading clinic was designed to demonstrate to teachers how to introduce new music to young bands," Mr. Gebhart explained. "Our students not only got to play new and challenging pieces, but they also received top-notch instruction from a variety of talented clinicians."
The day was filled with enriching experiences, including small group masterclasses conducted by local educators. These sessions offered Bangor students personalized lessons on their instruments, allowing them to refine their skills and gain insights from professionals.
The event culminated in a vibrant reading session, where all conference attendees joined the students on stage to perform a diverse selection of jazz music. This collaborative experience provided the young musicians with the invaluable opportunity to play side by side with seasoned professionals and conductors. Mr. Gebhart even got in on the action, playing his trumpet during the reading session!
Mr. Gebhart expressed his pride in his students' dedication to the craft. "I am so proud of the students for taking time out of their weekend to participate in this event," he said. "It was amazing getting to see them interact with professionals in the field that I consider to be my mentors.”