Last Friday (2.25.22) we attended the “All That Jazz” concert at our new high school auditorium concluding an all-day clinic with jazz choir programs from nine high schools from around Iowa. They spent the day working with two very fine jazz artist clinicians. Dr. Justin Binek from Olathe, KS, and Jennifer Parker from St Paul, MN, were recruited by local choir director David Heupel to inspire about 100 vocal jazz participants at what we hope was the First Annual Vocal Jazz Festival.
“All That Jazz” opened with three tight vocal numbers from the dozen member Greene County jazz choir, Ram Jive, under the direction of Heupel. Then the two very talented clinicians concluded the concert with a stunning jazz performance and discussion.
Both of the clinicians came with an amazing array of talent as singers with monster keyboard and vocal skills. They each shared original compositions and improvisations of some old standards. Natural teachers, they both patiently explained what they were about to do holding the students and the adults on the edge of their seats. They ignited a fire in all the young vocalists in attendance and set the bar high for them. They encouraged the students all day, challenging them to practice, take vocal risks and listen well.
This concert reminded us of the jazz festivals organized in Jefferson by the legendary band director Jack Oatts a few decades back. Those events attracted hundreds of participants, nationally known jazz artists and promoted jazz band formation around Iowa. That program encouraged lasting student participation in music arts. Greene county produced dozens of people who went on to become successful teachers and professional musicians. Supporting the arts in our schools is worth the investment.
Kudos to David Heupel and all the parents and students who worked so hard to bring this experience to life. They will need continued community support to build this program. More seats need to be filled in the stunning new auditorium. What a wonderful night and inspiring event for our young Iowa vocal musicians.
Kathy (Helms) Cuddy and Steve Cuddy, Jefferson High School class of 1971
