Sentinel’s Evening Groove: Jazz Café

The first part of this article by Bill will seek to emulate the feeling of attending the Sentinel Jazz Cafe. The second part by Aiden will seek to convey his relationship with jazz and the Musical Program through his experiences, as well as an interview with Mr. Virag, the band director.

Reminiscence

The Sentinel Music Program is more than just a music program; it is a community. This community of students is filled to the brim with funky jazzers, flamboyant singers, and elegant orchestrals who, despite their differences, connect base through a shared classroom, a shared teacher, but most importantly—a shared language. This is the language of music. I am fortunate to be a part of this wonderful community and hope that everyone has a chance to appreciate the Sentinel Music community and the shared language that we hold dear.

I want to invite everyone to appreciate our performances! (Specific schedules will be listed at the end)

As the pianist’s hands danced across the keys, playfully skipping and skidding across the notes, The Sentinel Jazz Cafe was started. The library darkened and the people hushed. The only light that illuminated the room was that of the stars visible through the glassy canopy and those lights which enveiled the musicians. Then came the rhythms. With a combination of light “kisses” from the snare and mellow “skedooms” from the drums, a syncopated baseline was constructed. Together, the playful dancing of the piano keys worked in conjunction with the subtle whispering of the drums. The groove was there.

As the audience began to tap with their feet and nod to the rhythms, the croon of the horns spilled across the room. Though I could not see their faces in the dimly lit library, I was sure that the audience exchanged expressions of surprise and joy at this new arrival. I’d like to think that a grin spread across their faces as I do when I reminisce on this experience. The melody of the horns were carefree and drowsy, it swayed to and fro lazily before pausing suddenly as if holding one’s breath, and then relaxing to sway on once more. All the while the keys and drums skidded on in the background in their groove. As the piece drew near its end, all of the instruments, the cheerful rhythms and the somnolent melody, came together to create a harmony. Yet just as the audience braced for some sort of climax of euphony after the rising crescendo, as though letting out a long sigh of satisfaction after a fatiguing day, the piece ends with a similar sigh of solace that highlights a sense of gratefulness for a hard but rewarding life. And just like life, it felt almost anti-climatic. “Thank you for listening to ‘Satin Doll’ by Duke Ellington!” pronounced Mr Virag, the music teacher, with a smile upon his face. The audience, still in a trance, applauded.

This was my recollection of performing within the Sentinel Jazz Cafe, which will once again be hosted on March 6 and June 19th; 7:00 pm onwards. I again invite anyone who is interested in this lively evening show to join us in our groove and to not miss performances in the future by checking the school bulletin board. There will be cookies and snacks!

A Part of The Community

As the saxophone sweetly sings and the trumpets carry the melody, people sway their bodies left and right. Spinning and twirling, glasses clicking and people laughing, the atmosphere is unmatchable. As the conductor signals the band that the song is over, the trumpets smile, and the bass and drums exchange grins. The crowd gives them a standing ovation. This is Jazz. Jazz is more than just notes written on a piece of paper, jazz is freedom. Just as Dave Brubeck, a legendary jazz piano player, said, "Jazz stands for freedom. It's supposed to be the voice of freedom: Get out there and improvise, and take chances, and don't be a perfectionist - leave that to the classical musicians." Jazz is a place of belonging, is fun, and alive.

The moments where we get to shine on stage are all because of the hours and hours of practice playing as a group, improving day by day. The extra hours we spend where our hands start to callous and where we start to sweat are the moments we get better. Where we spend hours , setting up chairs, music stands, and tables and helping clean up are some of the few things we as Jazz members do in order to play.

Though this may seem tedious, it is ultimately worth it for numerous reasons. The connection we get to feel with others gives us a sense of belonging. Just as the drums and bass keep the tempo and the horns soar we have a place in the band. To some this may just be a band but to others this is family. Playing is also very rewarding. From learning how to play a B flat to a song as complex as "So What" or being given flowers after a big performance are all very fulfilling.

What Is Jazz - An Interview with Mr V

Q: What does jazz mean to you?

A: Jazz is a genre of music that encompasses swing, blues, funk, rock, and latin music. This is music from many different eras and cultures, and what they have in common is that they’re often danceable and there are solos that are often improvised.

Q: Is Jazz a feeling?

A: Not necessarily in a feeling, but jazz can definitely be felt. It can be felt in your foot when tapping to the catchy beat or rhythm, or in your heart when a particularly soulful melody moves you.

Q: What is it about jazz that fosters a sense of connection between the musicians?

A: There is a lot of communication that happens when playing your instrument, and a lot of interaction between the horns and the rhythm section. We rely on each other to keep the groove and to support those in the spotlight.

Q: Can you describe how jazz affects your mood before, during, and after a performance?

A: I am always excited to put on any concert, regardless of whether it is Jazz, Orchestra, or Concert Band. During performances I’m grooving with the group and am always impressed by the musician’s improvised solos. After each performance there is a sense of accomplishment and pride, but also a thrill knowing that you did something difficult in front of a live audience.

Q: What's different about conducting jazz to classical?

A: This is a great question. In classical music, the conductor shapes the phrases and the many tempo changes, but in jazz you usually stay in the same tempo throughout the piece. A jazz conductor counts the band in, but may only give cues for important moments or repeats and encourages and organizes the soloists, but may step away when the band is grooving. In classical music the conductor has a more hands on approach and is showing both tempo and expression throughout the performance.

Jazz is clearly much more than just music. RnB band, Jazz A, and Jazz B have all been working hard to showcase their skills in all upcoming performances, including Jazz Café Volume 2, on March 6 and June 19th (7:00 pm library). Come and show your support and have a fun time with the people you love, all the while listening to great music.

If you are interested in other upcoming events relating to our excellent performers, we also have:

A Christmas Carol: