U.S. Navy Band Commodores offer “Jazz Origins” webcast for students

U.S. Navy Band Commodores offer “Jazz Origins” webcast for students

By Kayla Turnbow

The United States Navy Band Commodores jazz ensemble presents “Jazz Origins,” episode two of the Navy Band’s “Origins” series. A jazz combo will explore Ragtime, Harlem Stride, Blues, Second Line, Dixieland and other musical styles that led to the formation of jazz, the great American art form. The live webcast will take place Jan. 22 at 1 p.m. EST and can be viewed online. The webcast will be archived at the same link for those unable to watch live.

“John Coltrane, Artie Shaw, and Clark Terry were Navy musicians who had legendary careers as some of the greatest innovators in jazz music,” said Capt. Kenneth Collins, the U.S. Navy Band’s commanding officer. “Throughout our history, Navy musicians have used music to tell stories, to inspire and to bring people together. It is our pleasure to present this educational webcast, ‘Jazz Origins.'”

Jazz is America’s music, and the U.S. Navy Band Commodores, the Navy’s premier jazz ensemble, have been performing the very best of big band jazz for the Navy and the nation for 50 years. Formed in 1969, this 18-member group continues the jazz big band legacy with some of the finest musicians in the world. The Commodores’ mission includes public concerts, national concert tours, ceremonial support honoring veterans, jazz education classes and clinics, and protocol performances for high-level military and civilian government officials.

As a versatile and relevant musical organization of the 21st century, the Commodores write and arrange much of their vast library of music. Their concerts are an eclectic mix of traditional big band music and exciting jazz vocal arrangements as well as fresh new instrumental music written specifically for the Commodores of today. This vibrant, dynamic musical group is constantly striving for musical excellence and the pursuit of new and exciting ways to communicate with their audiences.

“Jazz Origins” is an interactive performance suitable for middle and high school students. Questions from students are highly encouraged and may be emailed before or during each webcast to navymusicintheschools@gmail.com. Be sure to include what school you attend and/or where you are watching the webcast.

Kayla Turnbow works for the Navy Office of Community Outreach.

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