Posts Tagged ‘Jazz at Lincoln Center’
Teaching About The King of Swing
Posted on: May 21, 2009
During the lovely month of May, I had the sincere pleasure of leading a “play-shop” on Benny Goodman along with Sherman Irby lead alto saxophonist with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. This event took place after school and was designed to prepare teachers for the upcoming concerts honoring Benny Goodman. These fabulous teachers will be bringing their students to Jazz at Lincoln Center during the month of June. We had a great time exploring the Swing era and its impact on America and the rest of the world.
Sherman Irby preparing for our seminar on Benny Goodman with a print of Romare Bearden’s Jammin at the Savoy, along with a Smithsonian Institute commemorative poster, and vibrant artwork from my Holliswood School Kids for Coltrane class in the background.~ Sherman collaborating with you was an honor and a lot of fun!
New York teachers playing King Porter’s Stomp under the direction of Sherman Irby. Photos by yours truly…What a great group of teachers having a memorable time improvising…the discussion was very illuminating and thought provoking. I also must thank Samantha Samuels and Joanna Massey from the education department at JALC…~Ladies you are part of such an incredible team and so very supportive.
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Giant Steps and Kind of Blue, Jazz at Lincoln Center, New York City
Posted on: March 2, 2009
A beautiful evening honoring exquiste music and gifted musicians John Coltrane and Miles Davis…pic with board members from The Friends of the Coltrane Home…the lovely lady at the far right is Kathleen Coltrane, the wife of saxophonist Ravi Coltrane. It was thrilling to meet her. She is proud of The Kids for Coltrane and supports my work in education. Thank you Kathleen!
After the show, I was invited backstage to meet some of the incredible musicians who performed in honor of John Coltrane and Miles Davis. Please see below. You can tell by everyone’s smiles that it was a joy to be part of this special and memorable event.
Backstage with Alto Saxophonist Sherman Irby, Singer Dave Thomas, Tenor and Soprano Saxophonist Walter Blanding, and Pianist Mulgrew Miller…and my daughter. I was also hoping to talk to the legend Jimmy Cobb who treated the audience to his powerful gift on the drums, but he had already left the building. I wanted to tell him all about The Kids for Coltrane.
Check out the enlightening newsletter from JazzED. Click Here. My lesson plan was recently published in the Jazz Corner section…click on Lesson Plan 3 to view
Click on the page to the left to see lesson plan.
Kids for Coltrane 