Latin Jazz Music

Latin jazz is jazz with Latin American rhythms. Although musicians continually expand its parameters, the term Latin jazz is generally understood to have a more specific meaning than simply jazz from Latin America. Some Latin Jazz typically employs rhythms that either have a direct analog in Africa, or exhibit an African influence. The two main categories of Latin jazz are:

Afro-Cuban jazz—jazz rhythmically based on clave, often with a rhythm section employing ostinato patterns from Cuban popular dance music.

Afro-Brazilian jazz—includes bossa nova and jazz samba.

The Van Buren concert band used an example of Afro- Cuban jazz in their selection Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer in their winter concert. 

Barber Shop Quartets

Most of you may or may not know what a barber shop quartet is. They became to be in the revival era (1930's), in the United State, United Kingdom, Scandinavia, New Zealand, and Australia. They sing A Capella music, or music that in unaccompanied by a piano, characterized by consonant four-part chords for every melody note in a predominantly homophonic texture. Each of the four parts has its own role: generally, the lead sings the melody, the tenor harmonizes above the melody, the bass sings the lowest harmonizing notes, and the baritone completes the chord, usually below the lead. The melody is not usually sung by the tenor or baritone, except for an infrequent note or two to avoid awkward voice leading, in tags or codas, or when some appropriate embellishment can be created. Occasional passages may be sung by fewer than four voice parts.Source

Music in Schools: Peer Point of View

Most students in school are most interested in academics, athletics, or both at the same time. If there are any of you out there like me, you're more into music programs. Music in schools is a great thing to have. They say that kids who take music classes in school have an easier time with multitasking. I also talked to a few teachers (some of them are sports coaches, some are music teachers, some are just regular teachers) to get their input of music in schools.



Mr. Vaughn: Music is a important part to the "whole' person. There are outlets by which we need to express ourselves and music is a big one just like visual art, speech, theater/ drama. and music tends to accompany a lot of element that the arts provide.




Mr. Procyk: Teaches important life skills. Ex. hard work, persistence, getting along with others. We all seem to connect with music in a way that some people can't even explain, and that is an awesome thing. Seeing music in schools makes me feel honored as a director.







Mr. Vennekotter: It's incredibly important. It makes students well rounded and gives them opportunities to express themselves, whether it's instrumentally, vocally, or just being in an art class.






Mr. Rader: I think it is important because some people might not realize its something they like until they're in it. Another reason is you have to practice and that shows hard work, and they also say there is a relationship between music and math, counting and such. Because of that study it shows that music can help with your studies.





Miss Edinger (student choir teacher): I don't think it's just important,  It's essential for all ages because when you study music you practice critical thinking ongoing assessment and emoting. Plus it's really fun. It's learning and understanding a whole other language. It serves as an outlet. By studying music you can make better connections in class. I also believe that everyone wants to learn how to sing or play an instrument. Deep down music connects to everyone.

Solo and Ensemble

It's almost that time of year again. Time for young musicians to show what they can do, and get judged on their performance. Solo and Ensemble is upon us. Students who participate can perform a vocal solo, instrumental solo, vocal ensemble, and/or instrumental ensemble. I, along with more Van Buren students, will be participating in this, both vocally and instrumentally. I will be doing a vocal solo, percussion solo, and percussion ensemble. It takes a lot preparation for this if you want to perfect it. When you are judged, you receive a rating as to how well you performed, I (superior) being the highest and V (poor) being the lowest. Solo and Ensemble is a great way to challenge yourself as a musician. It's also very fun.