Bruce Wands Comments Class 6 – July 4 – Jazz Pianists

Bruce Wands Comments Class 6 – July 2 – Jazz Pianists

Sorry I’m late. I know our deadline for everything is tomorrow. I did quickly read through the postings and agree that it was an excellent class, as well as course. Since I am new in the program, I hope that the fall course will fill in some of the gaps we didn’t have time for. I really appreciated Gretchen’s thoughts. One of the things this entire class did for me was to provide new insights into improvisation and how each person has their own voice and style. The historical emphasis that Lewis put on research was also greatly appreciated. We do tend to live in the now and often forget to look at the roots of the tree house we are living in. I also liked John and Tara’s presentations. I am very impressed that the contribution level of the students in the program is so dedicated. All in all, the course really expanded my appreciation and knowledge of improvisation, personal style and, with Lewis’s encouragement, having the courage to express our selves in our own unique way. One of things I’d like to explore more is the interaction and contribution that the band members made to this past course and jazz history in general. I am mainly a bass player and am happy being in the background, but I do know how vital a rhythm section is to the band. While we only had time to focus on the main players, music is a group interaction and I’d like to gain some further insight into how that process works and evolves. I’m very much looking forward to the fall and will email everyone my paper tomorrow and will take some time over the summer to re-read the postings and give them some more thought. Enjoy the rest of the summer!