On August 3, I attended the West Philadelphia Branch’s
summer jazz camp performance at the Green Line Café. My first experience watching and, better yet,
filming a jazz ensemble performance was truly awesome. The environment was relaxed, with
well-dressed, talkative parents chatting.
The ensemble, which was divided into two smaller groups, each played
three or four tunes. The two faculty members in charge of the camp, Mark
Forchic and Dan Peterson, employed several interesting techniques within each
standard, including many memorable solos and trade-offs between instruments. Each soloist’s playing was focused and
rhythmically clean. During solos, my
eyes searched the audience until I came across one parent’s face, which
beamed with pride and excitement as she watched her child let loose on stage.
In “Song for My Father”, one musician introduced the song in
uniquely humorous fashion: “We’d like to dedicate this piece to all fathers;
you people are wonderful human beings.” Echoes of laughter filled the room, but
soon after, the kids immediately focused on the charts in front of them and
began to play a smooth, relaxing Horace Silver piece. Later, in “Beginning to
See the Light,” the soothing melody of the saxophone was played in parallel by
the trombones and bass, characteristic of the 1920’s Jazz style.
I was amazed at each ensemble’s balance and consistency. There
were times when I expected the saxophone to overpower the guitar or xylophone,
but each person played to their strengths and those of others. When you
consider the ensemble had only a week to prepare, you can’t help but be
impressed.
After the final full group set, I had been eagerly awaiting
to speak with Dave Allen, Publications and Social Media Manager, who was there
with me taking pictures of the young musicians in action. From the look on his face, I knew he’d been thrilled
with the performance. I congratulated several of the players and asked them how
they’d enjoyed the cam and performance.
Each kid sported an energetic smile and gushed about his or her positive
summer experience at Settlement. If I
had taken part in such a performance, I think I’d be gushing too.
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