With a jazz band, there are usually one or two factors that can intimidate or deter a director from really starting. One is improvisation. The other? Is the rhythm section. Today I will share some ideas, thoughts, and practices that have been effective in recruiting and retaining students in the rhythm section. All of the following techniques have worked in very, very affluent communities as well as campuses with over 70% economically disadvantaged students.
While it is typically easier to start your rhythm section with students who have prior rhythm section playing experience, starting a beginner in the rhythm section can be typical and can benefit the band in a big way, down the road. If you are unsure of how to start a beginner in the rhythm section I would call a local professional, colleague, student or community member who has experience playing that instrument. Oftentimes, you will find someone who is willing to help out.
It Starts On Day One
From the first day I meet a student, one of the first things I ask them is, “What other instruments do you play?” or, “Do you have prior experience with music?” At the middle school level, you will most certainly get the responses of, “I played recorder in ____ grade” or, “I was in the elementary drumline/orff ensemble, etc.” What you are listening for is two-fold. One, listen for students who play the piano. Whether it be regularly playing at church or via private lessons, piano players with experience are a great asset to your ensemble. Secondly, listen for kiddos who have had experience playing drum set (not just the snare drum), bass (electric or upright), or who have taken some guitar lessons. Young drumset players usually come in with some sort of rock experience (which is GREAT!), and they can adapt their skill set to different styles because they already have muscle control/awareness from their experience with rock. When 5th graders come in for their instrument fittings/selections, I would give parents the standard paperwork, but I started asking the above question about prior music experience, and my rhythm sections “thickened” up quickly. Once you hear a kiddo has experience, you can listen to them play (or watch a video) and then determine whether they are a good fit for your rhythm section or not.
Visit the Orchestra Program
Find your campus orchestra program and develop a great rapport with the director. Talking with your orchestra director, you all may be able to identify some students who would be great fits for the rhythm section on upright bass or piano. I would also recommend going into the orchestra classes and making a short presentation to students about joining jazz band. With these students’ prior knowledge and experience of the instrument, they are ideal jazz band members because they are simply extending their learning of their current instrument via a new style of music. Them playing jazz will actually improve their classical orchestral playing because of the challenging intervals and potentially unfamiliar key signatures they will encounter. *Ensure that their participation in Jazz Band will not negatively impact their participation in the orchestra class. The last thing you want is the orchestra director thinking you might be “poaching” players.
Get In The Hallways & Send Your Kids On A Mission
The best recruiters for your programs (not just jazz) are your students. Charge your kiddos to find students who play the instrument(s) you are looking for. Often times they are able to find some kids who fit the bill. I would also recommend you go into the hallways before/after school, during lunches, and/or during passing periods. Make conversation with non-band students and find out who plays a rhythm section instrument. You never know until you ask!
Take The Show On The Road
Perform! Performing is one of the strongest recruiting tools at your disposal. Find a way to play at school lunches, your local feeder schools, and at local PTA, school, and/or community events (orientation, welcome events, meetings, etc). These performances instantly raise the audience’s awareness of the jazz band. Parents and students are often not aware that the campus has an active jazz group. By performing at these functions, you excite, inspire, educate, and recruit future members – all in one sitting! You never know who you will inspire to join through a performance.
While not exhaustive, the above ideas are great ways to recruit your rhythm section. Jump in head first, and the results (in this case, the students) will come! At first, I was hesitant to try any of these ideas. But once I tried them, they became staples of how I recruit my rhythm sections today.
*It is imperative to note that everything shared in this article is a collection of ideas and practices that have worked for the programs and communities I have worked in. All of my thoughts and suggestions are really borrowed from dozens of educators from across the United States – to whom I owe a great deal of gratitude.
John Liner is currently the Jazz Band Director and Associate Director of Bands at Freeman High School in Katy, TX. John is an active clinician, arranger, and musician. His jazz ensembles have performed extensively, performing over 100 times in the past 5 years, including performances at TMEA, Jazz Education Network Conference, House of Blues Houston, and Jazz, TX. Feel free to email John any questions or ideas at JohnLiner@katyisd.org.
Related Reading:
Jazz Rhythm Section
Developing a Jazz Program: Strategies and Solutions
The Basics of Jazz
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