The Benjamin Logan High School Jazz Band traveled to Chicago this past weekend to perform at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry as well as the Field Museum of Natural History. The Jazz Band, as well as members of Benjamin Logan's jazz combos, took in the sights and sounds of the "Windy City" by touring Willis Tower, seeing the Chicago Symphony, attending Andy's Jazz Club, and spending an evening at Joe Segal's Jazz Showcase.
Chicago's jazz scene saw much growth in the early 1900's when New Orlean's musicians such as Joe "King" Oliver, Jelly Roll Morton, and even Louis Armstrong moved their music north. The Chicago style of jazz helped pave the way for future generations of jazz musicians. Director Myles Bowers says, "Chicago's rich jazz traditions allowed for a wonderful learning experience for our students. These students work hard and definitely entertained crowds in Chicago. I'm proud of their hard work and their ability to shine even on the big stage! A supportive administration, community, and a hard working group of students have given Benjamin Logan's Music Department, once again, reason to be proud."
The jazz band performed a variety of music including: Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy with female vocal trio which is a direct transcription of the Andrews Sisters classic as well as When the Saints Go Marching In where students explored creating the chart by ear (collective improvisation) using traditional New Orleans instruments in the Second Line style.