Wednesday Iola Middle and High schools jazz band students got a taste of playing at the college level. The Bowlus Fine Arts Center and the Whitehead Trust brought in Craig Treinen, Washburn University professor of jazz studies, to work with Iola students.
Treinen was Iola band instructor Matt Kleopfer’s “former professor, mentor and all around my best friend,” Kleopfer said. “He pushed me harder than anyone ever has.”
The main reason for Treinen’s visit was to get the students geared up for the Washburn University Coleman Hawkins Jazz Festival April 12. The festival targets middle school and high school bands.
Treinen’s main goal was to teach students the fundamentals of playing music and to play musically.
“Playing musically is playing under control,” Treinen said. “Listen for the melody.”
Fundamentals are a vital key to playing music, but Treinen also encouraged students to play with “no restrictions and to use your ears.”
Iola Middle School students were enamored with Wednesday’s lesson.
Trombone player Jerrica Adams said having Treinen in the class was “super glorious.”
Alto saxophone player Braden Plumlee said he knows he needs to play louder and practice to get ready for the festival.
“He needs to come back everyday,” Plumlee said.
Adams and Plumlee both intend to continue with music going into college someday.
Trumpet player Lyssa Brooks said she plans to go into the military some day and thoroughly enjoyed Treinen’s visit.
“It always makes for a good day,” Brooks said.
Treinen hopes the students will grow to be advocates for the arts and appreciate everything music has to offer and teach.
Jazz professor teaches students to ‘play musically’
