Maricopa Jazz Orchestra (MJO) Tries New Model for Learning
The traditional format for music education has the faculty in the role of mentor or tutor. But the MJO put Maricopa jazz faculty and students in a learning experience together, under the leadership and direction of a master clinician. For the students to learn in the same master class as their teachers was a memorable experience.
Bob Mintzer, Steve Owen, Fred Forney
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"You see the faculty in a new light when you are playing alongside them," said one student. The MJO participated in a series of clinics and rehearsals to prepare for the live performance at the Kerr Cultural Center with saxophone great Bob Mintzer and conductor Steve Owen. Dave Schmidt, jazz faculty at Glendale Community College, commented that working with clinician Dr. Steve Owens was especially rewarding since "Steve is in a class of his own in terms of jazz education."
The MJO was supported by a Learning Grant awarded to Fred Forney, music faculty at Mesa Community College. Fred's original idea was to give students a professional experience with a contemporary jazz master in a live public venue. As the project evolved, his idea expanded to include the faculty, and the unique Orchestra was created. Open auditions were held and eleven students and six faculty were selected for the Orchestra.
Saxophone Great, Bob Mintzer directs Maricopa Jazz faulty and students in a rehersal
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The Maricopa Jazz Orchestra airs on Maricopa Television (MCTV) throughout its spring schedule. Tapes of the November concert are available from Steve Meredith, MIAET (480-433-6332 or steve.meredith@sccmail.maricopa.edu).
Outstanding Music Performers Concert
Competitions were held in March to determine the Outstanding Music Students to be highlighted in the April 26th Performance at the Scottsdale Community College Performing Arts Center. The first place winners in Solo Instrumental, Piano, Guitar, Chamber Instrumental Ensemble, Solo Vocal, Chamber Vocal Ensemble, and Jazz Vocal will be featured in the live performance.
The concert is free and open to the public and includes a reception for the audience to meet the performers. The concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. with the reception to follow.
Performers as Teachers
As a continuation of our Fine Arts Day VIII discussion on the shortage of teachers in the Arts, a pilot program has emerged that will acquaint performance majors with hands-on teaching experience. Milas Yoes, Chair of the Music Department and Band Director at Phoenix College, has begun an innovative project with the jazz and concert bands. The pilot program gives music majors the opportunity to experience music as educators while they are achieving their goals as performers.
While the focus remains on concerts, recitals, and festivals, many of these events take place in middle school or high school venues where the audiences are comprised of students from the music and band programs. After a performance, the Phoenix College performers then meet with groups of students, or individuals, to conduct mini-master classes on an instrument or arrangement. The experience enriches the schools' classes and gives the college performers an introductory teaching experience as well. If this model is successful, it may be expanded to integrate music performance classes with education curriculum to help the musicians sharpen their teaching skills as well as their performance skills.
Maricopa Creative Writing Anthology
This year 24 writers received recognition in Maricopa's Creative Writing Anthology. The entrants were chosen by a panel of distinguished jurors from over 197 submissions from creative writing programs at all of the Maricopa Community Colleges. The Anthology honors writers in categories of Short Story, Creative Non Fiction, One Act Plays, and Poetry.
League for Innovation Creative Writing Contest
The League for Innovation Creative Writing Contest will feature the First Place Winners of the Maricopa Creative Writing contest:
Poetry: Denice Caldwell, Scottsdale Community College
Short Story: Diayn Day, Glendale Community College
One Act Plays: Dennis Burns, Paradise Valley Community College
Creative Nonfiction: Diayn Day, Glendale Community College
Their work will be featured in the League's national publication. The League entrants will compete for awards at the national level as well.
 Bob Galloway, mcli
the Arts
http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/arts/
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