Palmer Jazz Festival: a two day showcase and synergy of younger and seasoned talent

PALMER — It’s time again for the annual Valley Jazz Festival, hosted by Palmer High School. This Friday and Saturday, 22 middle school and high school jazz ensembles from across the state will showcase their talents and hone their skills in musical workshops with professional musicians visiting from the lower 48. The statewide celebration of Jazz is in its third year after taking the mantle from Fairbanks and according Palmer High School’s new music teacher, Barbara Carroll, it’s growing each year, “building a world of Jazz.”

“We decided that was something the kids couldn’t go without,” Carroll said.

She said that more schools are adding jazz programs to their curriculum. Every middle and high school the Mat-Su Valley- except Su Valley- is participating this year. Su Valley included, each school is growing their jazz programs in respect or another, like “Jazz Choir.” Her Palmer group has already got to talk with some of the artists who are already here, saying they “feel spoiled.”

“They love it. There’s a lot of energy going around. They get the VIP treatment ” Carroll laughed.

Carroll credits the entry fees ($500 per school) and the various sponsors, both local and abroad for making the festival possible. Conn-Selmer, Inc. is an American manufacturer of musical instruments for concert bands, marching bands and orchestras. Conn-Selmer is a major sponsor for the event and actually helped Carroll access their list of licensed musicians. She thumbed through a catalogue and picked some her “idols.” The company will pay for half of the artists’ expenses, making the event affordable, Carroll said.

“All of a sudden, I built this award winning cast which is really cool,” Carroll said.

The assorted schools will start Friday and Saturday off at 9 a.m. doing musical workshops with the visiting pros, each having their own specializations. Students will also play in front of judges to critique their skills. On Friday, the JBER 9th Army Band will perform at 1 p.m. the “Showcase Concert” with each school’s ensembles will start at 5:30 p.m. The final concert on Saturday starts at 6 p.m. and will feature the pros and honor ensembles playing alongside them. Both concerts are free to the public.