The first class of seven students from the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz in its home at Loyola University is about to graduate.
The group is part of a greater four-year initiative of the Institute in New Orleans.
They not only play with local musicians and learn the history of New Orleans and the surrounding region, but also teach the future generation of jazz in public schools and at Loyola.
“The vision of the Institute’s place in New Orleans was Artistic Director Terence Blanchard’s, as he saw the potential for change that the Institute would make in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina,” said Holly Wallace administrative director.
“As we rebuild the buildings and streets of the city, we also need to rebuild the culture through strong programs like the Institute,” said Jonathon Bloom education director.
Over the past two years, the Institute has hosted a group of guest professors for the students, including Steve Coleman, Terry Lynn Carrington, Nico Spatan, Bill Summers, Ellis Marsalis, Ron Carter, Donny Harris, Herlin Riley and Roger Dickerson, among others.
“The heroes who already helped me find my musical voice, Brian Blade and Kurt Rosenwinkel, inspired me beyond belief when they came to teach and play with us,” said drummer Colin Stranahan, said.
“Our trip to India with Herbie Hancock, Zakir Hussain and Shaka Khan was priceless. The legends we played with only added to the energy we received from the crowds who came to hear us. It was an energy I’ve never experienced,” said saxophonist Jake Saslow.
“Working with Terence Blanchard, who is also a trumpeter, has been an amazing experience building on my composition and instrumental technique, as well as my insight into the music business,” said trumpeter Gordon Au.
“Wayne Shorter really helped me balance life and work as a musician, while Nicolas Payton helped me remove the negative aspects that affected my music, and also showed me how to brake down the barriers between musical genres,” Au said.
“The opportunity to work with living history, these great musicians, has helped me become both a better band leader, as well as a better participant in an ensemble,” Vadim Neselovskyi, pianist, said.
Neselovskyi said of his classmates, “The band has really been a tool over the past two years, and it’s been great working with everyone in the group, all of whom are uniquely talented musicians.”
The group’s experience has brought them into teaching their craft, both in master classes to Loyola students and at Jazz Festivals around the world, but also to New Orleans public school students, including The New Orleans Center for Creative Arts.
As a graduate program, extensive practicing and a personal focus on direction and composition has been the main part of the group’s life, though many got involved in local bands, playing New Orleans jazz, and also teaching outside of the program’s initiative.
“They have written so much music over the past two year; they have really expressed themselves and that has truly been special,” Bloom said.
After two years, the group said they are open to anything, but most of them are moving to New York City to work as musicians, teach and some have been accepted to doctorate programs.
The group has two final shows. The first is at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival on Sunday May 3 at 11:20 a.m. in the Jazz Tent. The second is at Snug Harbor on Saturday May 9 at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tickets are $20.
The other graduates include vocalist Johnaye Kendrick, bassist Joe Johnson and guitarist Davy Mooney.
Garrett Cleland can be reached at [email protected].
