Big band jazz swings into KAHS

It will be a big band, swinging weekend for 35 middle and high school students from across Europe attending the Department of Defense Dependent Schools-Europe 2006 Jazz Seminar at Kaiserslautern American High School.

The annual event, from Saturday to Jan. 11, highlights DODDS music and arts curriculum. The Jazz Seminar is for students interested in learning more about jazz and performing the big band sounds of such classic American composers as Duke Ellington and Count Basie.

Students, chosen by audtion, will study, read, perform and improvise jazz music. This year’s seminar features performances by a Jazz Vocal Ensemble of eight students, also selected by audition.

Professor Jiggs Whigham, noted jazz trombonist, composer, conductor, and educator will lead the Jazz Seminar ensembles in three performances.
Mr. Whigham is artistic director of the Berlin Jazz Orchestra and conductor of the BBC Big Band Jazz Orchestra.

Jazz Seminar students will work with the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band, which will conduct sectional training and perform for the students and parents Saturday.

The Jazz Seminar ends Wednesday with a concert by the students.
Parents who wish to attend the free concerts should call KAHS at 480-7300 or 0631-536-7300 for a schedule and location.
(Courtesy of DODDS-Europe Public Affairs Office)