Jazz band entertains students

Last Thursday, Fort High students were treated to a performance by the “Bemidji State University Jazz Band.”
Having been on tour for three days, the band already had played in Grand Rapids and Hibbing before stopping here in Fort Frances.
They played several songs together, and a few duets and trios also were featured. And with four trumpets, four trombones, five saxophones, a bass, piano, guitar, and percussion, the sound was incredible.
“They were extremely good,” enthused Alyson Rob. “I really enjoyed their performance.”
Band director Steve Konecne noted the importance of spending a lot of time working in small groups.
“This is our [number-one] jazz band,” he noted. “We also have a second jazz band which practices at a separate time, as well as other duets, trios, and quartets.”
The band took the audience through a brief history of jazz music while also mentioning aspects of the music program at Bemidji State University.
“For anyone looking at being a music teacher, it has an exceptional music program,” said FFHS music teacher John Dutton, who organized the band’s visit here.
Dutton also noted the band had some very talented musicians. “Several of the musicians are only a few years older than some of the students here,” he added.
“Their performance made our music students aware of what they could be capable of in the future,” he continued.
“I think it was an excellent learning experience for everyone who attended,” agreed Angela Barron.