Digressions from the Director

Notes from Speak Low

Throughout my 20 years of teaching music at Roosevelt High School, one of the greatest thrills for me has always been the way individual students and their respective ensembles “step up” to carry on our tradition of outstanding jazz music. This recording is a perfect example. Not only can you hear the passing of the torch in the performances of the Jazz Band and Vocal Jazz, but you also get an ear on the future through listening to the offerings from the Jazz Lab, our “second” band. As far as I’m concerned, the future looks pretty bright! Check out the mature tone and laid-back swing of the Lab on That Warm Feeling. Basie would’ve dug this one. Speaking of carrying on the tradition. I’m extremely proud of my former student, Kelly Clingan, for her superb work directing the Jazz Lab. She’s going to make one excellent teacher!

Flyin’ Home is our Vocal Jazz salute to the recently passed jazz great, Lionel Hampton. Roosevelt alum Dave Barduhn did a killin’ job with the arrangement. Lionel’s infectious swing and gracious personality have touched literally thousands of students through his connection with and performances at the University of Idaho’s Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival. He was one of the last of the “old guard” of jazz. Have a smooth flight Hamp!

In terms of leadership, musicianship, attitude and growth, I cannot speak highly enough about the students in this year’s Roosevelt Jazz Band. With an almost entirely new rhythm section, new lead players in the Brass and Reeds, and quite a few “rookies” to boot, this group had a long way to go when they began rehearsing in September. But with a determined effort by everyone, they evolved into a band that wails in the finest tradition of the big bands from Roosevelt High School. Let your ears be the judge – I thin you’ll agree with me that this is a wonderful band.

Music programs in the public schools cling to a fragile existence. Without the incredible efforts of parents, friends, businesses, community members, teachers, and, of course, students, we would soon find ourselves literally “without a song”. I am so lucky to teach at a school at which the arts have always been valued. I cannot adequately express my profound thanks for the amazing support given by so many to the music program at Roosevelt High School. You know who you are and you ARE the best!

By the way, didn’t Teddy Roosevelt say: “Speak Low and swing a big band”?

Enjoy!
Scott Brown