Art Chowder September | October 2016, Issue 5 | Page 34

The

MasterClass

Big Band

IN A CLASS OF ITS OWN , MUSICALLY AND MASTERFULLY

As William Shakespeare once sagely wrote:

“if music be the food of love, play on;” and
within Spokane, North Idaho and the
Inland Northwest region, we have been richly served with a veritable banquet of live and recorded artists, bands and orchestras
covering a full range of musical styles, genres and varieties. We most definitely have a ravenous appetite for this cornucopia of
first class talent, while always leaving sufficient room for ‘dessert’! It’s that very ‘sweet spot’ that I’m highlighting in this article.
I’ll be focusing on an originative community led music program that brings together enthusiastic local music students with seasoned professional musicians and guest artists. The students are mentored and perform together to form a collective big band
swing combination.
34 ART CHOWDER MAGAZINE