Schools
MHS' Jazz Fest: A New Type of Learning Experience
MHS created the school's jazz festival as a fun way to give students constructive criticism and learning incentives.
Instead of giving concert band students gold stars for their achievements, chose a different kind of learning incentive: a judged performance. For the fifth year in a row, the will bring students together to perform music and gain helpful criticism.
The festival was created based on a similar format used by national competitions. Like a regular festival, each performance will be critiqued by a panel of two judges. However, the MHS Jazz Fest has its own unique twist on the judging: instead of waiting a week for the feedback to be delivered to them, students hear from the judges immediately.
"I wanted to design a jazz festival that I'd want to take my own students to," says Keith Berry, head of the Music and Performing Arts Department at the high school. "I wanted some immediate feedback."
Find out what's happening in Manchesterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
What's really unique about the event is that even though there is judging, no ensemble actually "wins". The idea of the festival is for teachers to provide a fun goal for students to look towards each year.
"Kids will really push hard to get ready for something like this," says Berry. "It's a good incentive."
Find out what's happening in Manchesterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Additionally, the non-competitive event allows students to practice for other jazz festivals they might be attending, and adjust their performance according to the judges suggestions.
This year, the MHS Jazz Fest will feature 18 ensembles. The jazz ensembles are all student-organized groups from MHS and surrounding schools, with a special mid-day performance from a jazz band from the University of Connecticut. The bands will play a range of songs, from original pieces to Ray Charles, and even covers of old rock favorites. Students will also be playing jazz music staples, like the song Spain.
Berry explains that the Music and Performing Arts department at MHS is "really well supported" because of how much the students, teachers and the greater Manchester community values these types of innovative learning techniques. And with around 600 students involved in some sort of music program at the high school, the department needs all the support it can get.
The event is Wednesday, Feb. 16 and lasts all day. Out of respect for students and because of heightened security measures, the public is encouraged to come after 2:30 p.m. when school lets out. Admission is free.
