Southeast Missouri State University student publication

Clark Terry/Phi Mu Alpha Jazz Festival returns to SEMO for the first time in 3 years

Thursday, February 2, 2023

SEMO is presenting the 23rd Annual Clark Terry/Phi Mu Alpha Jazz Festival on Feb. 3-4, 2023. Jazz studies director Joseph Jefferson chose the theme of the festival, Women in Jazz, to allow musicians to see themselves represented in a way they might not have before.

Jefferson describes the event as a developmental festival where directors receive both written feedback on their performances and clinics with guest clinicians, who will listen to the bands and offer suggestions for improvement. The attendees will be primarily high school bands, with some middle school bands.

The festival will feature a gala concert at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 3, featuring Sharel Cassity, Jazz Saxophonist, and the SEMO Jazz Ensembles.

By highlighting women composers, Jefferson hopes to start a conversation about bodies of work many jazz musicians and directors might not have heard before.

“If we do not highlight all aspects of jazz and those playing this music, we kind of do a disservice not only to the music, but also the students in which we’re teaching,” Jefferson said.

Christopher Moser, a junior majoring in music education and trumpet performance, said it’s been a great experience playing more than just the big names.

“You’re not just teaching Basie or Ellington or Kenton or whatever, you’re actually going into a more niche area of jazz,” Moser said.

Jefferson said it is important for music education majors who will teach jazz someday to understand what constitutes authentic jazz, and imperative that the essence of elements like call and response and blues is heard and felt.

This is the first time the festival is being held in three years due to COVID-19 restrictions and inclement weather, and Jefferson describes it as one of the largest events held at River Campus all year.

Ella Crader, a senior majoring in vocal music education, attended the last jazz festival held at SEMO. She said one of her favorite parts was the opportunity to make unique connections with other ensemble members and high schoolers.

Junior Bachelor of Music major Angel Cremens described the preparation and rehearsal process as intense, especially since many of the musicians aren’t as familiar with the specific styles of jazz they are performing.

“We’ve been focusing on really internalizing that groove and making sure everybody’s feeling it the same way,” Cremens said.

Junior music education major Brendan Iverson said he appreciates the opportunity to play the music of such talented composers, some of whom he met at a jazz event in Florida.

“[They were] very nice, and just crazy cool. Seriously, just larger than life figures. So I’m happy that we’re bringing their music to other people,” Iverson said.

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