Hastings jazz fest turns classrooms into stages and students into performers

People/ File: The Hasting banner

 According to The Hasting banner, across Hastings, many rooms doubled as both classrooms and makeshift performance venues during the 22nd Annual Thornapple Arts Council (TAC) Jazz Festival.

On Friday morning, Kerry Moffit sat at the back of the lower level of Green Street United Methodist Church, trumpet in hand, jotting down notes as the Thornapple Kellogg High School jazz band performed three pieces, including “Sugar Blues,” which featured an impressive solo by junior trumpeter Mark Cuison.

Originally from Flint and now living in Virginia, Moffit is an accomplished jazz trumpeter who spent nearly 25 years with the United States Air Force Band. He reached the rank of Master Sergeant and, in 2010, became the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge and Music Director of the NATO Jazz Orchestra.

Offering feedback to the students, Moffit focused early on articulation. He explained his dislike for poorly executed staccato notes, noting that they are often cut too short and lose their fullness of sound. As he spoke, Thornapple Kellogg band director Clair Jansma observed from the audience.

Staccato notes-played short and detached-remained a key point when Moffit later worked with the Lakewood High School jazz band following their performance.

He encouraged students to sing or scat their parts before playing to better internalize the music. As he reviewed sections of their performance, he emphasized stronger dynamics, even jokingly calling for “more cowbell.” He also urged students to study great jazz musicians throughout history, including John Carter, Louie Bellson, Buddy Rich, Herbie Hancock, Count Basie and Duke Ellington.

Cuison said he enjoyed the experience, calling it a valuable chance to perform for the community. He added that Moffit’s advice helped the group become more aware of their sound and musical dynamics.

Moffit had previously worked with Cuison at a summer jazz camp at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, which several Thornapple Kellogg students attend each year. Cuison noted that his favorite part of the festival is the instructional sessions that follow performances.

Band director Clair Jansma said those sessions are just as valuable for educators. Hearing clinicians explain concepts in new ways gives her fresh ideas for teaching and phrasing, making the experience beneficial on both sides.

The Lakewood High School jazz band performed “Whirly-Bird” by Count Basie and “Pure Imagination” from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

This year’s TAC Jazz Festival featured 158 performances across 15 venues from April 23 to 25. Participants included middle and high school jazz bands, big bands, combos, choirs, and both professional and amateur musicians from around the state.

Performance locations ranged from churches and banks to restaurants, Thornapple Plaza, the Barry Community Enrichment Center and the Hastings Public Library. The festival’s featured performance was by the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra with vocalist Edye Evans Hyde, held Friday evening at the Hastings Performing Arts Center.

Continuing tradition, Friday’s headlining show opened with a High School All-Star Band made up of selected students from participating schools. Cuison and his classmate Miranda Ova were among those chosen, along with several Hastings High School musicians.

The festival began Thursday with a performance by the Thornapple Jazz Orchestra featuring guest Max Colley III at the First Presbyterian Church, along with a Middle School All-Star Band.

In addition, the Hastings Public Library hosted a presentation titled “Echoes of Harlem: Black Composers and the Great American Songbook,” led by Edye Evans Hyde and Michael Hyde, highlighting jazz history and cultural diversity.