The jazz band rhythm section appears to be a mystery to many directors who do not perform on those instruments. A handful of teaching institutions offer jazz pedagogy curriculum but often do not concentrate on rhythm section development. Most school rhythm sections are a combination of ability levels, with little or no private instruction on their instruments. Many are transfers from classical piano, rock bass or guitar background, or concert band drummers wanting to learn drum set.
The focus is on how to identify a rhythm section issue, and how to resolve the issue. A rhythm section will identify the most common student issues when playing in a big band. The presenter will then present a multitude of issues and expedient fixes – all focusing on how the non-rhythm section director can identify these issues. The session will also focus on attendees identifying what the clinic rhythm section plays incorrectly.
Target Audience
Jazz Band Directors
Additional Notes
Clinician Info
John Maltester
John Maltester has been a music educator for nearly sixty years, with thirty-seven years as Professor of Music and Director of Bands at Los Medanos College in Pittsburg, CA. He is also the Music Director Emeritus of the Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra, the Artistic Director Emeritus for the Diablo Wind Symphony and Professor Emeritus of Instrumental Music at Saint Mary’s College.
Professional recognitions include the The Generations in Jazz Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award, elected into the California Alliance of Jazz Hall of Fame, and receiving the CMEA Bay Section ‘Lifetime Achievement in Music Education’ award. He is one of only two conductors to conduct both the California All State Honor Band and Honor Jazz Band.
His service includes the CMEA Bay Section (President, Treasurer, Area Representative, Conference Host, Festival Host), IAJE (California President and Western Division Coordinator), and CBDNA (Past-President of the Western Division).