Townsite Jazz Festival will not only be a chance for Powell River music lovers to see professional jazz talent, its inaugural event will also provide performance and learning opportunities for students, according to festival director Paul Cummings.
“I’m a high school music teacher, so I’m pretty passionate about educational experiences for my students,” said Cummings. “When I designed this festival I wanted to have some great professionals come in, but also saw an excellent opportunity for my Brooks and VIU students.”
The festival is set up with three jazz ensembles from Brooks as well as groups from Oak Bay High School in Victoria and Kwalikum Secondary School in Qualicum Beach taking part; both out-of-town schools are known for their music education programs, said Cummings.
“Those are excellent jazz programs,” he added. “They’ve been handpicked by me personally.”
In total, eight high school groups will participate in the festival, performing for each other and the general public in free concerts. Student groups will also be observed by professional musicians, however, Cummings said it will differ from traditional music festivals as groups will not have to wait for an adjudicator to ring a bell before proceeding to their next song.
“They’ll go up there and do a set like you’re at a jazz club, “he said. “I want it to be celebrated like that.”
Students will also experience performing live with the professionals, as many of the ensembles will be the opening acts at performances during the festival, something students have been rehearsing for and anticipating for months.
“It’s a real thrill for them,” said Cummings. “It gives them a chance to rub shoulders with some world-class musicians and be in a setting that is a little different than a high school gym.”
One of the performers, Rachel Peckford, is a grade 12 student at Brooks who plays alto saxophone and trumpet in jazz bands. She is also part of Cummings’ vocal jazz ensemble.
Peckford said the prospect of performing with the professionals is daunting and inspiring.
“I’ve never opened for a professional band before,” said Peckford. “It’s kind of nerve-wracking, but also really exciting.”
Former students will also have opportunities to participate in the upcoming festival in an alumni jazz band that will unite Brooks and Max Cameron Secondary School graduates. When word went out about the band forming, the response was fantastic, said Cummings.
“A normal big band is about 18 people, and I believe we’re at 24 for this group, so we’re bursting at the seams,” he added.
Graduates from between 1967 and 2017 will perform together, with varying levels of experience, he added.
“Some people have kept their chops up, like Walter Martella,” said Cummings. “Other people, like [City of Powell River] councillor CaroleAnn Leishman hadn’t touched her alto sax since 1986, but she sounds great." April 5 to 7
Townsite Jazz Festival runs from April 5 to 7. For information, go to townsitejazz.com.
