MU262: Wingin' It: The Informal Relationship Between the Colby Jazz Band and Its Conductor
R.W. Archer · Digital Commons - Colby (Colby College) · 2014
The best jazz bands are known for their improvisational skills but how does this informal musical approach influence the social hierarchy in the band? Some musicians focus heavily on improvisation, such as the drummer, while others either are unable to or do not want to improvise. This may have implications for the social hierarchy of the band as some might view improvisation as a highly skilled technique. Additionally, how might a conductor control the musicality of the band when improvisation is expected? Through observation of rehearsals and concerts and interviewing various members of the band, I will determine whether there is a social hierarchy in Colbys Jazz Band and what sort of relationship the band has with its conductor.