Jazz Articles

Ramblings...

 2011 is well along it's way and I find that I have been neglecting my editorial duties here on Texas Hot Jazz.  Several articles are in the pipeline - just have make some time to sit down and write. 

First, I have had a number of inquires from around the country about the Tons Of Fun First Thursday Jam.  It seems that there are many musicians who would like to see local dixieland jam sessions in their own hometowns.  They want to know how we were able to create such a successful jam session here in Central Texas.  So, look for an article or two that will lay out why and how the Tons Of Fun Jam came into being and some of the reasons the I believe it has become such a successful event each month.

 Second, and related to the first, there are quite a few people who really want to learn to play dixieland jazz but are not quite sure how to get started.  When I was teaching band in the public schools, it bothered me that there were so many clarinets, trumpets, etc. that were hidden away in closets.  Music educators in the USA do a fantastic job of turning out wonderfully talented students year after year.  Unfortunately, most of the talented musicians graduate, put their instrument into the closet, and have little to show for their musical education other than some great memories of being in the band.

That has never seemed right to me.  Anyone who spends four to six years in a public school music program should have the opportunt;y to continue with music throughout their lifetime.   Our area is blessed with a number of community and church bands and orchestras where amateur musicians can continue to perform. That's great, but not everyone can live in Central Texas!  Even if they do, playing in a concert band is not half the fun of playing Dixieland Jazz!!!

So look for an article or two aimed at encouraging some of these "closet" musicians to dust off their instruments and get back into the fun of making music.  I intend these articles to be practical, step by step guides that will be immediately helpful to those of you who want to play dixieland jazz.  Now I just have to make myself sit down and write....

Jim