Jazz and Chili to feature professional trombone player

Members of Keokuk High School's 17-member Jazz Band I were the first students in town to hear and rehearse with professional jazz trombonist Reggie Watkins.

Tuesday night, the band and Watkins, newly arrived from Monday's gig in Wisconsin, ripped through a ballad, “Nancy,” upbeat “Blue Cellophane” and several other songs, playing together for the first time in anticipation of Thursday's annual Jazz and Chili.

Jazz I will have another two-hour workshop with Watkins on Thursday. Jazz Band II plays with Watkins today and selected outstanding jazz students have one-on-one lessons with the West Virginia native this afternoon. All KHS band students had a masterclass with him today on “Being a professional musician.”

Watkins, invited to Keokuk by KHS band teacher Scott Thompson, played in Keokuk two years ago when Maynard Ferguson came at Thompson's invitation to play with his students and perform at the annual Jazz and Chili.

“I remember Keokuk when I came here with Maynard,” said Watkins. “Dr. and Mrs. Crenshaw put us up and the whole town was so hospitable. We played a little at the KC Hall and had a nice buffet spread one night. I remember Scott (Thompson).

“Whenever friends and I are in Chicago or St. Louis, we like to come to Keokuk and just relax. Scott's got a good program going on here. I get to settle in for the rest of the week now. I enjoy seeing the development of student musicians and programs.'

Watkins visits schools around the country about 10 to 12 times a year in between playing on the road and around Pittsburgh where he lives.

“I like to bring in professional musicians for the students to hear,” said Thompson. “We don't have jazz clubs around our area, so bringing musicians here helps. It's also nice for the students to get to play with a professional musician in a non-competitive setting. We go to contests all season and that's good, too. But sometimes it's nice to play for the joy of music. It's why we all took up an instrument in the first place.”

Thompson is quick to point out he can't pull off visiting professionals on his own.

Watkins' visit is sponsored by the Keokuk Music Boosters, Dr. Neville and Becky Crenshaw of Keokuk, Keokuk Fine Arts Council and the Keokuk Community School Foundation. Thompson credits Noel Brown and Gene Knapp for working the lights and sound for Jazz and Chili, Denise Estrada for the chili and Lea Hendricks for coordinating events on site.

This year there is a change of venue. KHS Jazz and Chili, from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, is at First Christian Church (old Wal-Mart), 3476 Main St., Keokuk.

“It will be better logistics,” said Thompson. “There's more room so people can stay seated at their tables throughout the evening to listen to the music even after they are finished eating. There's more parking. People need to enter through the main church entrance.”

Students began gathering Tuesday evening in the band room a half hour before practice. Trombone players Ryals Parker and Luke Kuckelman were on today's schedule to have one-on-one lessons with Watkins.

“I feel really privileged to have this experience,” said Parker. “To get to play with a professional musician is awesome. This community is very supportive and I want people to know band students are very appreciative of its efforts to provide this opportunity.”

Kuckelman agrees, saying there probably aren't many schools the size of Keokuk that get to have visiting professional musicians work with students.

“I'm getting more opportunities in band here than others in small schools,” he said. “I thank Mr. Thompson for bringing in guest artists. I really appreciate this opportunity.”

Both Kuckelman and Parker plan to pursue music in college along with a double major in business.

Cody Cunningham, alto saxophone player, will have a one-on-one improvisation lesson with Watkins.

“I want to go into music myself, be a professional musician,” said Cunningham, who was named outstanding soloist in Class 3A competition at Ottumwa Feb. 25. (See page 7 today). “It's outstanding to get to talk and play with someone who has this lifestyle.”

Senior Katie Wilhelm, drum major of the marching band for two years and playing baritone sax in jazz band, said it's great to listen in person to visiting musicians over the past few years.

“The band always looks forward to Jazz and Chili,” she said.

The band warmed up with a tune while Watkins listened, then Thompson invited him to jump in.

“Don't be shy, I don't have any ego about this,” said Thompson. “This is a strong band and they can take your criticism. You don't need to rehearse them, just jump in and get it.”

Watkins did, playing his trombone along with the students, telling them, “We're going to have fun.”

At one point Watkins told the trumpet section to “Come at me like a truck, loud and scary sounding.” At another point, he asked the band to “lay back, let's not rush. Let her be in my tempo,” then he clapped out a slower tempo than the band had been playing.

Keokuk band teachers Woodie Brassil, middle school jazz director, and Craig Bullis, elementary instructor and professional clarinet player, watched and enjoyed Tuesday's rehearsal.

“We want everyone to come out and hear this music,” said Thompson.

By Diane Vance of Daily Gate City.