 "Photo: Brandon Tan/Poly Post")
The Cal Poly Jazz Band held its second annual "Rehearsathon" last Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Twenty-five jazz musicians rehearsed and performed for the six hours and raised about $2,000. The money raised will offset travel costs to the University of Northern Colorado and Greeley Jazz Festival in April.
Money from ASI is helping with the Jazz Band's traveling expenses, but it still needs to raise enough money to cover the cost of hotels, food and transportation from the airport to the university.
"The idea is a little like the old 'dance marathon,' except we are playing and rehearsing instead of dancing," said David Kopplin, director of the Jazz Band. "In those marathon dances, people raised money for good causes. With the budgets being so tight, we thought this was a good way to raise money for our touring and participation in festivals."
Last year, the Jazz Band also raised $2,000 at the "Rehearsathon".
The idea for a "Rehearsathon" was brought up in the classroom when the band was brainstorming fundraising ideas.
"A student mentioned that his band had done it in high school, as I recall," Kopplin said. "It seemed like a better idea than selling chocolate or magazines or things like that."
This year will be the first year the Jazz Band participates in the Greeley Jazz Festival.
"It is a high level educational event that isn't really about competition," Kopplin said. "It is about learning and growing.
Experts will clinic the band and help us sound better and perform at a higher level."
Traditionally, a jazz band is made up of musicians who play alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trombone, trumpet, and a rhythm section made up of a drum set, guitar, bass guitar or string bass, and piano.
In the Cal Poly Jazz Band, some members of the saxophone section double on flute, soprano saxophone, and bass clarinet. The Jazz Band also features a vocalist for some of its songs.
The Jazz Band started the "Rehearsathon" with "Early Afternoon Blues." The musicians kept plenty of water by their side in preparation for the long rehearsal ahead.
This event allowed the audience to see how a rehearsal is run. Kopplin gave notes to the jazz band, stopping them to run individual sections when necessary.
Throughout the rehearsal, music was passed out for the band members to sight read, or play as a group without previously seeing the music.
The song "Better Get Hit in Your Soul" allowed the band members to practice their jazz improvisation skills during the solo sections. The song began with a string bass solo and throughout the piece soloists were showcased from all sections of the jazz band.
The "Rehearsathon" was treated as an extension of what the musicians learn in the classroom. Occasionally Kopplin waved his hands to stop the band, asking them specific questions about the music and proper articulation.
A variety of songs were played at the "Rehearsathon." Songs ranged from "On the Street Where You Live" - a jazz version of the song from the musical "My Fair Lady" - to "Red Clay," a piece featuring a tenor saxophone and trombone duo and Kopplin on the drum set.
Audience members enjoyed having a look at how a rehearsal is run.
Andy Morris, a first-year civil engineering student, attended the event because his music class requires him to attend concerts. He said that this one interested him because he thought he would enjoy seeing the Jazz Band perform.
"I think it's a good idea," said Morris. "They're in it for the long haul and they're passionate about what they do."
Lily Chan, a first-year undeclared student, said she was impressed with the level of experience of the Jazz Band.
"I hope that they will raise enough money for their trip," said Chan.
The Cal Poly Jazz Band will perform a concert in the Recital Hall on March 11 at 8 p.m. where they will continue to accept donations.
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