Washington DC area Saxophonist, member of the Air Force's Airmen of Note; former member of the Count Basie Orchestra, Grant Langford - Grant Langford - Blog http://langfordjazz.com/blog.html Grant Langford: Blog Jannis' PHPRss class - http://www.jannis.to/ Fri, 19 Nov 2010 14:21:31 -0800 Fall Tour and More http://langfordjazz.com/blog.html/fall_tour_and_more http://langfordjazz.com/blog.html/fall_tour_and_more Fri, 19 Nov 2010 14:21:31 -0800 Washington DC area Saxophonist, member of the Air Force's Airmen of Note; former member of the Count Basie Orchestra, Grant Langford - Grant Langford - Blog More Jazz Students; Less Gigs http://langfordjazz.com/blog.html/more_jazz_students_less_gigs Now surely other fields have had to cross this bridge. There are many degree programs that are purely academic. i.e. Latin, Literature, Ancient Civilization. These fields have at some point realized that there is no active practice of this art yet it can still be valued at the Academic level. Books, lectures, and followers of lost art forms are still viable but these departments are not giving their students the illusion that there will be a Latin resurgence. They understand the practical uses, stepping stones and career fields that this skill can be used.
Would Jazz be better served if it started promoting it practical uses and place in today's society in schools? I say Yes! As painful it is to admit that the average American couldn't name five current jazz artists. It is equally painful to travel and do clinics for bright-eyed kids filling their heads with a vision of a career of playing all over the world as a performing and recording Jazz artist. Of course there are people that are fulfilling that dream but I think the Jazz world would be better served if it was presented in its current form. As a historical music that is still growing and expanding yet has commercial limitations and is important in the same way that great visual artists, and other performing medias are in preserving cultural aspects of society. Then it celebrates the Collegiate study of the music and paves the way for students to look towards a career similar to that of scholars who pursue Grants, fellowships, and publications. But what do I know? Comments...]]> http://langfordjazz.com/blog.html/more_jazz_students_less_gigs Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:26:24 -0800 Washington DC area Saxophonist, member of the Air Force's Airmen of Note; former member of the Count Basie Orchestra, Grant Langford - Grant Langford - Blog