Bucks’ jazz orchestra is
seeking new musicians to join
for the spring semester to
play in a concert at the end of
April.
Professionals, semi-professionals,
college students and
even high school students are
all welcome to attend
rehearsals and instruments
are welcome, but the orchestra
could especially use two
more trombones, said
Director Mike Hoffman.
“The classic jazz orchestra
sound is a nearly extinct but
important piece of American
culture,” said Doug Bell, a
musician and private music
tutor.
Bell currently plays trumpet
for the orchestra. “Playing in
the orchestra has turned me
on to many great pieces and
composers that were big in
the 40s and 50s, but nearly
forgotten today. Most of
today’s generations will say
these sounds are like ‘elevator
music,’ and that shows
how little a part jazz plays in
American culture today.”
Bell who joined the orchestra
while a student at Bucks,
returned to the group after
graduating.
“I’ve taken what I’ve
learned from playing in the
orchestra to my other musical
endeavors like my jazz guitar
playing,” said Bell. He also
said that playing in the jazz
orchestra improved his
improvisational skills.
“I love playing challenging
music and improvising solos
in a large ensemble. Dr.
Hoffman runs a very cool and
relaxed rehearsal every
Tuesday where everyone is
comfortable and not afraid to
play a wrong note or two,”
said Bell.
Hoffman has been directing
the jazz orchestra since spring
of 2006.
Outside of Bucks, Hoffman
has accomplished a lot in the
world of jazz.
In addition to being a fulltime
faculty member at
Bucks, he also works as a
free-lance guitarist, arranger,
music lithographer, composer
and copyist. More information
about Hoffman can be
found at his website, drmikehoffman.
com.
Rehearsals have already
started, occurring every
Tuesday from 7- 9:30 p.m. in
the Music and Multimedia
Building, room 001.
The concert will be performed
April 29 at 7:30 p.m.
in the same location.
Interested musicians can
contact Hoffman at hoffmanm@
bucks.edu or call
(215) 504-8595.