The place is full of happy and not so happy amateur jazz musicians. There were 26 performing groups at the big finale. A joyous noise.
Nearly everyone knocked themselves and apologized for the tiny imperfections in their performances. Too bad, 90%+ was the average when it came to playing the right notes, staying in place and blowing a solo. Just being there and participating is a triumph too. I loved it.
If I have been asked to give feedback to the group this is what I would have said.
"Master the basics of your instrument"
Given that the majority of you are wealthy retirees, you have time. So this address is for you.
- take lessons
- learn basic theory
- learn to read music more fluidity
- improve your ears through ear training
- read and watch the history of jazz
- listen to jazz from the last 100 years
- with your new teacher create a realistic practice regime
- be humble
- buy jazz education scholarships to help the next generation learn this music
- use a metronome
- play along with recordings and listen back to the recordings you make of yourself doing this
- please don't drink and eat sooo much
Love you all, it was a real honour to play with you all this past week.
best regards,
David