For the love of music
Musical legend Wynton Marsalis provides two days of training to HBCU students before his Norfolk concert
Jazz legend Wynton Marsalis is no stranger to the classroom.
The winner of nine Grammys, a Pulitzer Prize and the National Medal of the Arts estimates that he’s taught at more than 1,000 schools over his career. In his time, he says, he’s interacted with more than 300,000 students across the country.
This week, he’s done it again in Hampton Roads.
Student jazz ensembles from 10 historically Black colleges and universities are participating in a Virginia Arts Festival symposium in the lead-up to this weekend’s performance by Marsalis’ big band.
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Chrysler Hall in Norfolk after two days coaching and teaching young HCBU musicians. Participating schools include: Hampton University
Norfolk State University
Elizabeth City State University Benedict College
Central State University
Gadsden State Community College Grambling State University
Jackson State University
Morehouse College
North Carolina A&T
The 10 bands were to attend a reception in Norfolk Thursday evening.
“Wynton is amazing in how he relates to students and on whatever level they’re at and just lets them pick his brain,” said Rob Cross, executive and artistic director of the arts festival.
This morning, each ensemble will receive a coaching session with a member of Marsalis’ band.
Marsalis said he’d be teaching several topics including music theory, how to play grooves, solo performances and the role of music to society.
Young people need to make those connections, Marsalis said during a phone interview.
“This is its significance today, this is its vision of the country and its vision of Afro-American life,” he said.
This afternoon, the students will receive more coaching from a professional who plays the same instrument.
An open jam session will be held tonight, and on Saturday morning, the schools’ bands will reconvene and each perform before a panel of judges.
Two bands will be selected to be the opening act for Marsalis’ Saturday night show.
“We’ll be swinging,” he said.