my last time teaching in 2023

Friday, October 6, 2023
Jeff Wilson, Director of Bands at Rex Putnam HS in Oregon, invited our MHCC jazz faculty rhythm section to come work with his rhythm section. Myself, accompanied by Tim Gilson (bass) and Tim Rap (drums) met at the high school, excited to collaborate on a clinic with his hungry students. We worked with them on their grooves and stylings for a few of the tunes they were studying in their big band and then covered some techniques for navigating rhythm changes per Jeff's request. We ended by demonstrating a few choruses of rhythm changes for the students.

After the clinic, Jeff and I walked together to our cars, talking about our plans for the weekend. On the drive home, I spoke with fellow MHCC faculty John Hasegawa on the phone. 

I joke that I won't return to Rex Putnam in case that is where I caught my illness. Knowing that's not really true, I still, admittedly, haven't returned since that day.