MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – On Thursday morning, the annual NMU Jazz Festival welcomed middle and high school jazz bands from across the Upper Peninsula. Each band was given time to perform and receive feedback from festival clinicians.
Along with the school performances, jazz drummer Matt Wilson is this years guest presenter. Over the two day festival, he provided sessions explaining his experience, as well as many ways to improvise in the world of jazz.
Students had the chance to eat at the dining hall and participate in a jam session during the evenings of the festival. NMU Jazz Director Mark Flaherty says that the annual event is a great way for young students to experience the music department at the university.
“Most of the bands will stay for the evening concert,” said Flaherty. “They get to see the guest artist, but also the NMU band and the combo to see the college kids doing that. Hopefully through that, they can see themselves maybe being a part of it in the future.”
More information can be found at nmu.edu/music/jazz-festival.
