Minnesota Music Students To Play With Midwest Jazz Band
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Minnesota is home to some of the most unique sounds in the music industry. These sounds, like that of Bob Dylan, Prince, The Jayhawks and Doomtree, have inspired countless of inspiring artists to pick up instruments.
Many of whom come to St. Paul, Minn. to the McNally Smith College of Music where classes focus on performance, recording and engineering.
On Monday, students enjoyed a jam session paired with a lesson in professional collaboration.
"'Cuz in the real word we're often working with instrumentalists as writers, and as rappers and as performers," Toki Wright, Hip Hop Studies department head, said. "We're making sure we're getting students real advice and to see people who are out in the scene living out what many of us are dreaming of."
Youngblood Brass Band, a New Orleans style band, has been on the road for 10 years. Since they're independently managed, they're responsible for keeping track of their finances.
"The learning curve was probably a decade long. From when we used to go out on tour and just hope for the best and hope we came home with some money, to knowing how to promote the band and deal with promoters and clubs," band member David Henzie-Skogen said.
Workshops like the one the school has provided helps students gain real-world experience.
"These students are really getting a chance to not only play the music, learn from the people that are producing the music, but also to...participate in a professional gig with them," Dr. Scott Agster, McNally Smith Brass and Woodwinds faculty member, said.
Youngblood Brass Band will play the Triple Rock in Minneapolis in May. They've invited students from McNally Smith to be their opening act.
Tickets are available for $10 in advance or $12 at the door.
