Sure, band is fun for middle school students just learning about keeping a beat, marches and orchestral music.
But jazz is where the “cool cats” strut.
A group of Iola Middle School students are learning the world of jazz through informal jam sessions every other day, for an hour before school starts.
The sessions are done under the guidance of band instructor Matt Kloepfer, who comes in early from his home in Fredonia to assist.
The class is voluntary for all involved, including the instructor. The students do not get a school credit for attending.
“And it’s not part of my contract,” Kloepfer said. “But if it’s something that can make the entire music program stronger, whether you get paid or not, then this class needs to be done.”
A team of 17 middle-schoolers earned spots on the middle school band by auditioning in front of a panel of judges, including high school jazz band members.
The auditions were highly competitive, the students said, with scores of hopefuls left on the sidelines.
“It was a good experience,” Kloepfer said. “The students felt pressure for the first time as musicians” — an experience much like what they’ll face at various band competitions throughout middle school and high school.
Wednesday’s session featured work on the tune “Please Don’t Climb the Iguana,” by Dean Sorenson.
Kloepfer worked with the students collectively — and frequently on an individual basis — as they repeated a number of riffs from the song until they developed a powerfully harmonic tune.
The solos are the fun part, admitted Aaron Terhune (saxophone) because of the ability to improvise.
While his regular band practices are beneficial, “jazz band is even better,” added fellow saxophonist Braden Plumlee. “It’s a lot of fun.”
Kloepfer said the students have shown steady improvement since practices began shortly after the start of the school year.
The improvements are noticeable, even on a daily basis.
One such instance stands out, from the introduction of “Please Don’t Climb The Iguana.”
