Roxy Coss - Earshot Jazz - Guest Artist Lecture and Performance

EWHS Jazz Program with Guest Artist Roxy Coss

On Tuesday, October 10th 2017, Roxy Coss joined the EWHS Music Department as guest artist for the day. Earshot Jazz Festival helped support the event with PR. Logistics and production were handled by EW Music Booster Extraordinaire Mike Henderson with help from Tim and Michelle Nye. 

This was an inspiring session and students were smitten with Roxy's beautiful sound, powerful technique and easy charm.  For more about Roxy ... visit here... https://www.roxycoss.com

The day was a combination of large and small group rehearsals combined with some lecture and demonstration. Roxy prepared to play as a guest with Jazz Ensemble III and Jazz Ensemble II (big bands).  She also sent several original arrangements in advance that were prepared by Jazz Ensemble I for the evening show held in EW Theater. 

There Q&A sessions with the Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony and some small group mentorship with the top combo musicians. 

Concepts that were addressed in the Q&A included:

1) mindfulness - get out of your own way when improvising

2) pay attention to your body and how you feel about things (in reference to her sax harness).  She discussed the back issues that have been a result of scoliosis and years of playing a heavy saxophone. 

3) a list of heroes which she grew up studying - know 20 players, have 3 favorites and one current favorite

4) the importance of her experience with Essentially Ellington as a 15 year old and how it formed her life path 

5) background info about her arrangements 

6) an explanation about a typical day in her life demonstrating her ability to continuously hustle

7) the importance of the soloist to be intentional about playing WITH the rhythm section

8) the difference between soloing in a vertical versus horizontal style

9) seek out the center of the activity that you're most passionate about

10) benefit of private lessons - band is fun but private lessons are much more efficient way to improve - you'll still need to practice

11) seek out the private teacher at the colleges you are thinking of attending starting as early as grade 10

12) strive to emulate your favorite artists by LISTENING and don't worry that you're going to become a copycat ... you'll always sound like you ... find your voice

Roxy Coss Quartet featuring Randy Halberstadt, Michael Glynn and D'Vonne Lewis

Roxy plays for the EWHS Wind Symphony Class
https://vimeo.com/238196345

Jazz Ensemble 2 and Roxy Coss Quartet - thanks to Parent J.S. for sending this video.
https://youtu.be/5EbFhVnXiWM

Jazz 1 with Roxy Coss - Don't Cross the Coss
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bn7erkRTmb4

Jazz 1 with Roxy Coss - Chasing the Unicorn
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgbuO4wy8qQ

Jazz 1 with Roxy Coss - Breaking Point
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xr9s6TF9Gu8