An afternoon of jazz with the West Philadelphia Branch

For a recap of one of Settlement's recent summer camps, we turn the blog over to Brad Davis, Communications department summer intern.

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.