On September 10th, Fair Grove High School Jazz Combo started their new year of jazz improvisation and have been practicing to prepare for upcoming performances.
“Jazz Combo is a small group that meets during advisory that is focused on teaching students how to improvise in jazz, making up their own music,” explained Natalie Palomo, the Fair Grove Director of Jazz Combo.
Palamo elaborated on the goals for students who play in the jazz combo, “Our goal is to develop musicianship in a way that encourages a deeper understanding of music theory and their own instruments, allowing them to be stronger soloists and to learn more about jazz.”
Jazz Combo is a group of students who join in order to improve their musical skills and learn more about jazz with the other musicians.
“I’d love to improve my improvisation skills and become more confident in soloing. I also hope to collaborate with my fellow musicians to create unique arrangements that showcase our individual styles. Ultimately, my goal is to deepen my understanding of jazz while contributing to our collective sound,” said senior Collin Emery.
As part of the school club, they will regularly go on trips to watch other Jazz performances. “Sometimes that’s local, like Drury University’s Jazz Band, sometimes it’s guest musicians like the Air Force Jazz Band as guests at Branson HS. We also take an annual trip to Kansas City to see the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra perform,” stated Palomo.
Palomo loves the good ways for students to hear incredible musicianship in a professional setting. Sophomore Leigh Beller stated that she enjoyed the trips and thought they were a lot of fun.
Emery described how he loved being able to gain experience by watching different groups perform at different venues. He believed it helped them build their confidence as musicians.
Although Fair Grove High School has a competitive and casual jazz band, they are all very different experiences.
“Jazz Band typically has more members and focuses on larger ensemble pieces, while Combo is more intimate and emphasizes improvisation and individual expression. This allows us in Combo to dive deeper into the music and interact more closely with each other,” said Emery.
Jazz Combo will have multiple performances throughout the year. Palomo explained that they will be performing for the Senior Citizens Luncheon at school in November. They will also perform at the Monroe House Cafe in the spring, and they will be opening for the Jazz Band at both of the Evenings of Jazz concerts.
