Webster Groves HS band visits NYC, part 2

Editor's note: As mentioned here earlier, the jazz band from Webster Groves High School is in New York City this week to perform, take part in workshops and master classes, and hear some live music. WGHS jazz band director Kevin Cole is reporting in from the road via email; you can read part one of his report here, and here's part two:

"Good morning from rainy New York. We've had a truly amazing 48-hour span, during which we have not only walked around lower Manhattan and toured Central Park, Riverside, and Harlem, but also witnessed some of the most soulful, proficient playing on the planet.

Saturday night's itinerary took us to the Blue Note, where Kenny Werner, Randy Brecker, David Sanchez, Scott Colley, and Antonio Sanchez were performing songs from Werner's fabulous new album Balloons. Trombonist Michael Dease and saxophonist Sharel Cassity joined our bands in clinic and concert yesterday afternoon, and we were treated again to Dease's astounding work last night at Dizzy's as he joined the legendary Heath Brothers' Quintet. I actually heard multiple students call it "the best night of our lives."

This morning, Jazz at Lincoln Center bassist Carlos Henriquez is conducting a clinic with our younger bands, after which we'll tour Lincoln Center and then the UN. Tonight's gig takes us across the Hudson as we perform at Cecil's in West Orange, NJ with Mike Lee and the Cecil's Big Band. Don't be surprised if we stay in New York for a few more...weeks!"

Webster Groves HS jazz band visits NYC

As noted here earlier this month, the jazz band from Webster Groves High School is traveling to New York City this week to perform, take part in workshops and master classes, and hear some live music. WGHS jazz band director Kevin Cole is reporting in from the road via email, and here's what he had to say about their first day in NYC:

"Our first day in NYC was just outstanding. After a day-long bus ride, we arrived in Manhattan at about midnight on Thursday night. A 9:30AM call time at Lincoln Center didn't afford the kids (and adults) much sleep, but trumpeter/composer Michael Philip Mossman predictably managed to grab their attention during a two-hour clinic (pictured). While Michael is beyond knowledgable in all jazz styles, we chose to focus on our tunes that played to his specialty, latin jazz.

After the clinic students and parents teamed up to roam about the Times Square/Hell's Kitchen areas, eating at distinctly-New York restaurants and shopping and some of the stores for which Times Square is known.

Our first evening in the city found us at The Garage, a Greenwich Village jazz club, where we saw Harlem gospel pianist Enoch Smith and his trio. Tomorrow is the day during which we have the most freedom, spending a good portion of the day walking in lower Manhattan. We're all looking forward to the students' first visit to the famed Blue Note Jazz Club tomorrow night, where we'll see Kenny Werner, Randy Brecker, David Sanchez, Scott Colley, and Antonio Sanchez. What a great city!"

Photo courtesy of Kevin Cole.

Webster Groves HS jazz band traveling to NYC this month for clinics, concerts

Students in the Webster Groves High School jazz band program will get a taste of the Big Apple this month as they travel to New York from March 17 through March 23 to take part in series of clinics and concerts. WGHS jazz band director Kevin Cole emailed StLJN with more about the trip:

"Students will enjoy clinics at Lincoln Center with trumpeter/composer Michael Philip Mossman and bassist Carlos Henriquez of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra.

WGHS Jazz I will be featured in performance at St. Peter's Church 'Jazz Vespers' alongside trombonist Michael Dease and saxophonist Sharel Cassity before attending a concert that evening with legendary saxophonist Jimmy Heath.

Other trip highlights will include a performance at Cecil's Jazz Club in Montclair, New Jersey with Mike Lee and the Cecil's Big Band as well as concerts by Charlie Haden at Birdland and Randy Brecker, Antonio Sanchez, David Sanchez, and John Patitucci at the Blue Note."

Cole says he also hopes to send updates while the band is on the road, so we'll have those for you here as they are received.

Kevin Cole of Webster Groves HS featured in JazzEd Magazine

Trombonist and educator Kevin Cole, who directs the high school jazz band program in the St. Louis suburb of Webster Groves, is the subject of the cover story in the current issue of JazzEd magazine.

The piece covers Cole's background, teaching philosophy, and more, and was written by local freelance writer, pianist and bandleader Kevin Mitchell. You can read it online here.