Talkin’ Jazz is a performance-based programme for high school students who have an interest in playing and studying jazz music and want to learn more about it.
And next month, after spending two weeks prepping, Talkin' Jazz will showcase what students have learned with a special, one-night performance at the Brisbane Jazz Club.
The programme originally started in 2006 and ran until 2012; now Dan Hirsch and Euan Cumming are doing it again. “I think what we’re doing this year is a little bit different from previous years in terms of structure,” Dan says.
“We both study jazz at uni and we’re both passionate about that kind of music. We’re also high school teachers, so we’re passionate about education as well,” Dan continues. “This year has been a trial year, to see if it is something that is worth putting back together, and the answer is yes, it definitely is.
“In September is a two-week performance workshop, so over the September holidays the students spend the mornings Monday to Friday at the Jazz Club with Euan and myself and then throughout the two weeks, a range of immensely talented and experienced musicians and educators are coming in as well.”
The 2015 programme had 25 slots for grade 8-12 students, with all positions booked. “It pretty much filled up straight away, and 90-95 per cent of the students doing it are students that came through the jam sessions. Where they got to meet each other and got to know us a bit,” Dan says.
After hosting jamming sessions for the last four months, the feedback has been great from students. “It’s very relaxed, very welcoming, there’s no pressure to do anything you’re uncomfortable with and the students are meeting a lot of other students who have a big interest in this.”
Dan wishes the programme had been around when he was in high school. “I think, if you’re a student in high school, doing music, you can sometimes be part of a slightly smaller group, and if your interest is jazz, which mine was back when I was in high school, you’re part of a slightly smaller group again.”
He says that with this programme, the students get to realise they’re “not weird or different”, and there’s a lot of other people who enjoys this as much as they do. “I think people will be impressed at the standard and the level these kids are playing at. We’re very impressed at their ability to pick up and learn things. It’s exciting to see the future for this music and what Brisbane, Queensland and Australia can potentially be.”
The Talkin’ Jazz showcase, supported by the Rafael Karlen Quintet, plays the Brisbane Jazz Club 3 October.
