2nd Annual Freddie Hubbard Memorial Jazz Festival
This is the second year The Indianapolis Jazz Foundation was a partner to present the Freddie Hubbard Memorial Jazz Fest at Arsenal Tech. This program honors Indianapolis jazz legacy while supporting music education for IPS high school students.
The festival was held on February 10th at Arsenal Tech High School.
A total of four IPS high school bands participated.
Crispus Attucks High School directed by John Hague
George Washington High School directed by Alex Warren
Arsenal Tech High School directed by Josh Goodman
Herron High School directed by Eric Burgesen
An Educational Music Festival
Indianapolis Jazz Foundation Education Director, Rob Dixon got together a panel of professional local musicians to evaluate the high school band performances. The evaluators included drummer Richard “Sleepy” Floyd, pianist Pavel Polanco-Safadit, and guitarist Charlie Ballantine. These seasoned Indianapolis musicians made up the perfect panel to give feedback and help IPS music students progress with jazz music.
Categories that were being evaluated during student performances were tone quality, rhythmic accuracy, note accuracy, dynamics/expression, and soloing. After each Indianapolis high school band performed there was a critique session. The evaluators joined the students on stage for a constructive discussion about their performance. Explaining in detail how to improve and giving examples allowed students to gain new insights.
Guest Artist On-Stage Concert
After all high school bands had performed, the IPS All City Jazz Band played. The Butler University Jazz Ensemble then followed with an exhibition performance.
The festival concluded with a performance by several professional jazz performers, including Indianapolis’ Rob Dixon on tenor sax and Louisville’s Kendall “Keys” Carter on keyboards. Listening to jazz is so important for young people as they are learning to play their instruments and grow technically. This final concert was a highlight for both students who participated and the parents who attended.
Students left the experience with more music knowledge, suggestions for what to work on, and encouragement from some role models.
Jazz Improv Clinic
Dr. Shawn Royer, Chair of the Music Department and an Assistant Professor of Music at Marian University, gave a clinic on Jazz Improvisation. Her presentation had a tutorial that she walked students through. She would play an example, explain it, and then prompt the students to play along. This real-time trial and error allowed students to try the jazz improvisation strategies with a professional playing along to guide them. Students were encouraged to practice the techniques that she shared.
Afterward, there was a question and answer session. Many students had questions about how Shawn got into music and turned it into her career. She did a great job answering and relating with the music students. She even joked about how when she was learning to play music it was easier to find time to practice because it was before mobile phones! Shawn encouraged students to not only practice daily but also to listen to jazz music.
The festival is about nurturing young musicians and creating a culture of collaboration and improvement.
Having supportive role modals at school is as important now as ever. Young people need to be uplifted in their talents and abilities. Music education can be a light in the world for IPS students and our local jazz educators enjoy giving back to the community by sharing their expertise. Educational opportunities like the Freddie Hubbard Memorial Festival give students momentum. It uplifts the power of music and the impact it can make on young lives.
Jazz History is Black History
February is Black History Month and The Freddie Hubbard Memorial Festival honors an important musician, Freddie Hubbard, who contributed to our rich jazz legacy.
This annual educational festival is about both honoring the past and supporting the future of jazz. A table was set up for students and parents to engage with the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation programming and events including our Wes at 100 celebrations and annual Indy Jazz Fest.
During an interview with WRTV who was covering the festival, Richard “Sleepy” Floyd said “Jazz history is black history.” You can see interviews with both students and educators and view their story featuring the festival here.
Honoring Freddie Hubbard
Jazz & bebop trumpeter and flugelhornist Freddie Hubbard was born in Indianapolis on April 7, 1938. He began playing at Arsenal Tech High School and went on to become a Grammy Award-winning jazz musician. This festival takes place at his high school alma mater in his honor.
The Indianapolis Jazz Foundation offers several growing resources to learn about jazz history, including the recently launched Indianapolis Jazz Hall of Fame virtual museum.
Freddie Hubbard was inducted into the Indianapolis Jazz Hall of fame in 2007. For a full biography, photos, videos, playlists, and more, visit the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation, Indianapolis Jazz Hall of Fame website. Freddie Hubbard can be found on the Inductees page along with many other Indianapolis jazz musicians and influencers.
