Updated as of 8:27 p.m. on Feb. 29 to include video.
Elon’s Jazz Festival launched a new program for middle and high school students to explore the history of Jazz. Musicians gave students an opportunity to enhance their skills in the jazz field.
Director of Jazz Studies Alex Heitlinger is head of the recruiting Jazz program at Elon. He said the program allows students to gain new perspectives about Jazz education. Heitlinger hopes these experiences will inspire students to pursue a jazz profession.
“I want to provide that spark that pushes them to pursue this genre of music,” Heitlinger said. “It was about improving their talents and getting deeper into the jazz tradition. This gives the students an opportunity to interact with world-class jazz artists on the stage.”
Heitlinger said 11 Jazz bands performed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 23 in McCrary Theater. He said the goal was to allow students to practice their skills for future careers.
“I understand that Jazz has a mysterious feeling because of the improvisational aspect of it.” Heitlinger said. “I’m hoping the students dive into the complexities of Jazz music and explore the beauty it holds within.”
For the Jazz Festival, Heitlinger collaborated with award-winning artist Kris Johnson. Johnson is a professional trumpeter, educator, film scorer, composer and arranger from Detroit. He is also the Director of Michigan State University’s College of Music.
“I saw how the students reacted to Kris playing the trumpet. It was quite incredible,” Heitlinger said. “Just the sound of his horn, phrasing and the passion that he plays with that can often turn a light on in students’ mind and inspire them to dig deeper in their own educational and musical journeys. So the impact of that really can't be understated.”
Johnson said he has been playing the trumpet since he was 10 years old. He found his passion for Jazz in high school when he attended a Jazz Festival. He also said music helped him embrace his identity and inspired him to share this journey with students.
“Playing the trumpet allows me to pursue my passion, expression, and freedom,” Johnson said. “I like having a good time, connecting with people, and helping students find their inspiration.”
Johnson also mentored Elon students for their Jazz Performance on Feb. 24 in McCrary Theatre. He said it was a great experience to guide young artists throughout the performance and collaborate with talented students.
Junior Mason Cappelletty is a saxophonist in the Jazz Ensemble. He said growing up with Jazz music and playing the piano initially sparked his interest in the saxophone.
“At 10 years old I picked up a saxophone and fell in love with Jazz,” Cappelletty said. “Through the sounds, I found different perspectives that helped me express myself whether in a classical or stoic setting.”
Cappelletty said he enjoyed performing with Johnson and hopes to work with him in the future.
“He was absolutely phenomenal in the classroom and the stage,” Cappelletty said. “He introduced me to some interesting techniques to create a diverse range of music. This was one of the best experiences I have had at Elon that will definitely stay with me.”
For upcoming events, visit their website at Elon Music Department or follow them on Instagram @elonmusic.