Susquehanna University schools DV musicians
DV Jazz musicians see it done at another level WESTFALL Delaware Valley High School’s Jazz band and Director Lance Rauh traveled to Susquehanna University on Feb. 4 for a jazz invitational; a day filled with workshops, campus tours and memorable musical pursuits. The band met with Dr. Gail Levinsky, a saxophone professor at the university, who let them listen in on a workshop of a junior high band. They attended a second, that with Line Mountain High School and Dr. Joshua Davis. After lunch, the DV band witnessed a performance from the Susquehanna Jazz Ensemble; traveled to a short work shop on improvisation - one of the largest facets of jazz; then went to their own work shop to showcase their ability as a band to Davis. After an hour with pieces like “That old Black Magic” and “Blue Skies,” which were featured at their winter concert, Davis provided a critique, worked with the rhythm section, then with the entire ensemble to perfect their sound. Band members were happy about Davis’ response. “Dr. Davis found it very hard to find things that we were doing wrong, which definitely made us all feel really talented,” said senior Chelsea Polack. “He seemed to be amazed by our band, and that was really uplifting to hear from a college professor.” After the workshop with Davis, the band had the option to either take a tour with Rauh or gather at an college coffee house for a jam session. “My favorite part of the day probably lies between rehearsing with Dr. Davis or the jam session they threw in their little café,” said Junior Emily Fox. “It was great seeing a college-level jazz band and being able to compare it to some of what we do.” After their coffee house rendezvous, the DV musicians attended master classes on each of their instruments, then a concert that featured J.D. Walter, a professional, New York City musician. He was joined by Davis and a few other students. Rauh and the band hope to visit Susquehanna again next year for a second jazz filled day, they also look forward to their next events - a guest lecture at Columbia University and their spring concert.