It’s no secret that what happens inside the Conservatory of Music isn’t always obvious to those outside the world of “The Con”. Yet every once and a while, students and people around the community get the chance to see the amazing talent that resides inside Mees. Such an occasion is happening in the form of the 18th annual Capital University Jazz World Music Festival which combines many different performers with venues all across the area for three weeks of music.
“Most of the events took place last week, but we still have some more events coming up” Dr. Lou Fischer, who is one of the people in charge of coordinating the festival, said.
Last week, students at Capital, along with special guests, and students from high schools and middle schools from across 5 different states came together to perform for the festival.
“What’s great about this festival,” said senior music technology major Jordan Canada, who plays trumpet and does some vocals for both Big Band and the Capital University Rock Ensemble, “is the abily to perform, it’s always fun… And when they bring in the guest artist, finding out what they have to say is always fun too.”
Among the guest performers at the festival was renowned vocalist Sunny Wilkinson, drummer Steve Houghton, Trumpeter Rob Parton, composer and pianist Ron Newman, and saxophonist Ariel Alexander.
These guests worked in multiple roles, both as performer and educator for students in the Conservatory.
“Another great aspect of the entire festival is the alumni day that brought alumni to capital on Saturday for a whole evening of amazing musical performances. The previous day, the festival sponsored a jazz invitational for Jazz Ensembles from middle and high schools all around the region. “It brings a lot of parents and alumni in for the week.” Said senior music technology major Trevor Butch. “Both of these activities also help to advertise Capital.”
But what those involved think makes this festival great is that it is not just enjoyable for the students participating, but also for the greater community to be able to share in enjoying the talents that are present here at Capital.
“It makes the entire camps aware of the music that is going on in the con.” Said Butch, who explained that a big part of this whole festival was letting everyone know what the conservatory is really about, “It shows that we’re not all a bunch of weirdos. And that we like to have fun!”
Events started last week with outreach performances across the area at places such as churches, schools, and even Rick’s Coaches in Gahanna.
Today the events continue with the MIDI Band, World Music Ensemble, and confusion Band playing up in the Mezz starting tonight at 8. Next week things wrap up with 4 straight days of performances out on the plaza outside the CAP Center on Mound and Pleasant Ridge.
