Fall Fest Countdown: Bethel Jazz is set to impress at Taste of Newton
The performance is part of a greater community-building evening and overall weekend.
The Bethel College jazz band will kick off Fall Fest via the annual taste of Newton on the corner of Broadway and Main Street at 6 p.m. on Thursday night.
The Bethel College Fine Arts Department is held in high regard and the jazz band is no exception. Led by Joel Boettger, this group consists of brass, woodwind, string, and percussion musicians.
Jazz music, as a genre, is characterized by syncopated rhythms, improvisation, and swing. Combined, these elements create space for unique, but endlessly challenging, musical expression.
Lead alto saxophone Bryce Wilson says of the music that “it may seem spur of the moment, and indeed some solos are improvised on the spot, but rest assured, many weeks of intense rehearsal and practice have been dedicated to making this performance the best it can be.”
Jazz musicians are often so knowledgeable about their craft that they can create music entirely separate from what they read on the page. In many jazz spheres, sheet music is seen as a foundation upon which artists can build a unique sound. That being said, like any art form, significant preparation is necessary before each performance, especially at the collegiate level.
Bethel jazz band members attend two hour rehearsals twice a week, and nearly all of these musicians are in additional ensembles entirely separate from the jazz genre. Professor Boettger has facilitated this opportunity for his students to expand their instrumental horizons and capabilities through exposure to all types of music.
A student favorite piece that the band will perform is Duke Ellington’s “Cottontail.”
“It's a high-energy, harmonically-colorful piece and, boy, does it swing,” said Eli Regier, lead tenor saxophone. “This sort of music was meant to be danced to, and, while I doubt we'll have many people hopping up to cut a rug, we want to bring that same energy to transport people to a different time and place, even if it's just for a moment.”
Outside of the jazz band performance, Taste of Newton is an opportunity to engage in the community, support local businesses, and appreciate some great music.
“Come listen to just one tune that the jazz band plays, cheer for the undefeated football team, talk to someone who is different from you, or visit some booths and eat some good food. Fall Fest beckons us to engage in community building,” said Regier.