Great atmosphere at the Steinmühlenforum with the hr Big Band

The hr Big Band has a reputation: whoever’s in it is the real deal. No wonder the ensemble’s announcement that they would be performing at the Steinmühle was met with great anticipation. An incredible atmosphere filled the Forum during the event on the Friday before Pentecost. And let anyone try to say again that jazz is only for older people.

Bouncing, snapping—the place was rocking. Even the youngest students were caught up in the rhythm. Somehow, the songs seemed familiar, and the names sounded familiar too: Steely Dan, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Thad Jones. These were great artists whose music was being performed here.

 

“Advanced Course” on Jazz

Well before the event, some members of the Steinmühlen Jazz Ensemble had taken on another task: hosting the event. Students Talea Funk, Samuel Ruff, Tom Herfert, and Marit Winterstein had traveled to Frankfurt specifically to attend a workshop at Hessischer Rundfunk, where professionals taught them how to host a jazz concert. These quick learners had quickly taken the tips to heart. Without any visible nervousness, but with deep respect for the ensemble and its performance, the Steinmühlen musicians guided the audience through the morning’s program.

They provided the audience with insights into the pieces performed by the professionals. The band members interviewed them on various topics. Not only did the audience get to hear some lively jazz, but they also learned something new. It was a crash course in jazz music for everyone in attendance.

The hr Big Band’s visit to Steinmühle is, in a sense, part of a mission. Since it’s well known that opportunities to experience good jazz music in schools are generally few and far between, the hr Big Band goes on school tours throughout Hesse at regular intervals.

This time, the Steinmühle was on the itinerary. It was the last stop on our tour through our state. The big band professionals certainly couldn’t have known or anticipated that jazz at the Steinmühle isn’t just something people talk about, but is firmly established as part of the venue’s active music program. However, they probably enjoyed performing in front of a few “connoisseurs of the scene.”