Bear

So do people not realize that if they want a job when they graduate they will have to know about jazz as well as classical? People at my school REFUSE to play or learn anything at all about jazz. My righthand man (Scott, amazing solo chops) and I (I'm the lead) try to talk to people and get them interested, especially the younger folxs just to keep the program going. And trust me, in a few years it's going to be great, our new jazz director is Brad Leali (Count Basie lead alto for several yrs, Harry Connick band, etc). Anyways, we keep gettin' "excuses" like "It'll ruin my chops" or "I don't know how to play jazz" or "I can't swing" and yadda, yadda...
Anyone else have a similiar expeirence? How do you talk to these people? Do they not realize that outside of the symphony/orchestra hall, most (argueably) most is mainstreamed or commericial? You have to be able to to solo, you have to be able to swing, etc.... grrrr.... In the morning, you might have to go play a jingle, then afternoon rehearsal for a symphony and then a bigband gig that nite ya know? lol, eh, oh well, more gigs for me right? Sorry for ranting.