Revisit Week was filled with lively music programming by Choate musicians for prospective students and families. Greeting them at the entrance of Colony Hall bright and early was the Jazz Combo, a small group of dedicated and skilled musicians selected from the Jazz Ensemble.
While the Jazz Ensemble typically performs music from the early 1900s, the Jazz Combo delves into more contemporary jazz with a focus on improvisation. Instead of a written score, the group performs on a rhythm or standard that acts as the groundwork on which individual members can improvise and add their own layers to the music. Jazz Combo Director Mr. Matt McLean shared, “We’re largely playing without notated music … You’re not playing someone else’s music, you’re really in control of what you want to play.”
The advanced level at which the Jazz Combo plays can be compared to the caliber of professional jazz musicians. Live jazz requires students to have keen mastery over their instrument, a thorough understanding of jazz forms, and a robust music vocabulary, all of which will allow students to successfully improvise in the moment. Jazz Combo drummer, Henry Kops ’22, said, “There’s a lot less planning, it’s a lot of just ‘pick up and go.’”
Kops believes that the most crucial element of a successful jazz performance is tacit communication between musicians. Members listen carefully and coordinate with each other to create music that is cohesive and innovative. “It is all about this communication without speaking. And that is a very difficult thing, but the one thing we tried to get better at a lot,” said Kops.
Confidence is another key aspect of live jazz. Students need to perform with self-confidence and faith in their skills for their music to make an impact on the audience. Mr. McLean explained that when members improvise, they need to have a “this-is-how-I-meant-it-to-be” type of attitude.
Since Jazz Combo performs live jazz, their rehearsal process is different from a standard Jazz Ensemble rehearsal. Students come together for an hour every week to analyze the music theory behind different songs they are improvising on. Members then use their free time to practice and hone their techniques individually. Jazz Combo pianist, Hugh Holmes ’22, likes to spend his hours exploring music. “It’s really just going over standards and chords and kind of messing around on the piano, which I already like to do,” he said.
Squeezing practice into limited rehearsal time, the Jazz Combo puts together performances at school functions, art openings, admission events, and musical concerts. Mr. McLean believes the most unique aspect of improvisation, which lies at the heart of jazz, is its spontaneity and unrepeatability. “I think part of what draws listeners to jazz is that it’s something that lives in the moment. If the same jazz group was going to play the next day, it would sound different,” he explained.
Holmes maintains that Jazz Combo is a great way to experience a “different kind of jazz.” The Jazz Combo has helped him flourish as a musician and develop both his playing style and preference. “I think everyone should at least give it a shot and listen to live jazz because it’s really changed me as a person. And I think it’ll probably do the same to other people,” said Holmes.
