Jazz Studies Program Terminated at Northwestern!!

NickD · 05-17-2007, 09:38 PM

I couldn't believe it when I heard it during lunch with the music faculty today, but here is the link outlining this sad event - the ending of jazz studies at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.

Friends of NU Jazz

It's 2007! I thought jazz was widely regarded as a consumate art form - spontaneous composition. I'm reeling over this.

Any thoughts?

Nick

As an edit, I'm adding this from the Tribune:

Students protest end of NU jazz major

By Howard Reich
Tribune staff reporter
Published May 17, 2007
Students at Northwestern University in Evanston handed out fliers on
Wednesday and otherwise protested the School of Music's decision to
discontinue its jazz studies degree program, created in 1999.

Current jazz studies majors will get to complete their degrees, and the
school plans to enhance its jazz offerings for all music students, Music
Dean Toni-Marie Montgomery said.

The decision by the faculty and dean to end the jazz studies major came
after the school had spent two years fruitlessly searching for a new head
for the jazz studies department, Montgomery said.

"It pains me that this is the outcome after two years of working with
faculty, working diligently to strengthen the program," she said.

"However, in talking with experts in jazz throughout the country, their
comments to me were that the School of Music was known internationally, but
we are not known in a positive way for jazz," added Montgomery, whose school
indeed has emphasized classical music above all else.

Music senior Mike Lebrun criticized the administration's decision.

"Cutting the jazz major is a huge mistake," said Lebrun, who helped organize
the protests and created an advocacy Web site at friendsofnujazz.com.

"This has been a very frustrating experience for students at NU," Lebrun
said. "The biggest issue has been dealing with the classical faculty and
their lack of willingness to establish jazz as a legitimate art form here."

Meanwhile, Northwestern University President Henry Bienen told the Daily
Northwestern newspaper last month that a new building for the School of
Music, long under consideration, is "going to get built, because it's an
important thing to do for the university."

-----------

hreich@tribune.com

Copyright © 2007, Chicago Tribune

bachstrad72 · 05-17-2007, 11:10 PM

That is such a shame that instead of trying to change the reputation of their jazz program they just canned it, using their priority of classical music as an excuse. This is dangerous stuff. It reminds me of the saying from the Holocaust, "First they came for the Communists, but I was not a Communist, so I said nothing. Then they came for the Social Democrats, but I was not a Social Democrat, so I did nothing. Then came the trade unionists, but I was not a trade unionist. And then they came for the Jews, but I was not a Jew, so I did little. Then when they came for me, there was no one left to stand up for me"

Brekelefuw · 05-17-2007, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bachstrad72

That is such a shame that instead of trying to change the reputation of their jazz program they just canned it, using their priority of classical music as an excuse. This is dangerous stuff. It reminds me of the saying from the Holocaust, "First they came for the Communists, but I was not a Communist, so I said nothing. Then they came for the Social Democrats, but I was not a Social Democrat, so I did nothing. Then came the trade unionists, but I was not a trade unionist. And then they came for the Jews, but I was not a Jew, so I did little. Then when they came for me, there was no one left to stand up for me"

Mingus uses a quote like that on one of his albums.

I don't understand how after 100 years of Jazz music, it still isn't taken by fellow musicians as an art form. Maybe if it was more well known that the jazz masters like Ellington, Mingus and more studied the Classical masters like Bach and Stravinsky.

trpt2345 · 05-18-2007, 12:10 AM

But Nick, you must admit that Northwestern was never that into jazz, their program was mediocre, haphazard, and not very highly regarded. They hired a bunch of really good musicians as adjuncts who were paid next to nothing. They were never into jazz as much as DePaul or NIU, not to mention Indiana or Eastman or Manhattan. It's stupid and way out of date, but to want to go to NW for jazz would be as silly as going to University of Chicago to be a performance major. It's just not what they do.

Michael McLaughlin

Bigot: One who is obstinately and zealously attached to an opinion that you do not entertain.
Ambrose Bierce

TrentAustin · 05-18-2007, 12:13 AM

While I majored in Orchestral performance and still pull out the horns for an occasional Brandenburg or Stravinsky piece I find my "practical" education of jazz/commercial music FAR more valuable. It's sad that NU is "giving" up so easily... or better yet pushing jazz under the rug.

Go to NEC instead ;) hahaha.

TrentAustin · 05-18-2007, 12:14 AM

FYI

Friends of NU Jazz is worth checking out for more of the story

trpt2345 · 05-18-2007, 12:21 AM

Wow, reading that friends of NU Jazz link wasn't a surprise. Charlie Geyer, much as I love him and learned from him, always hated jazz and was very discouraging towards those pursuing it. It's not a knock, just a fact. So I am not at all surprised he seems to be actively involved in this whole thing.

Michael McLaughlin

TrentAustin · 05-18-2007, 12:27 AM

Maybe the serious classical players are scared we're going to take all their Brandenburg's ;) and still be able to navigate through Inner Urge.

That's why I personally love programs like the one Ed's building at Cal Arts, NEC's program, etc. They study tradition, cover all the fundamentals in all genres, are open-minded and have an eye towards the future! Improvisation is a crucial part to a musician's repertoire. bummer.
-T

NickD · 05-18-2007, 09:28 AM

Mike raises an improtant point. NU has always regarded jazz askance. Guyer has been opposed (again no knock, just pretty well known around here) to jazz. NU has never been known as the Berkely School of Music of Chicago.

However, it is known as a highly respectable institution and a place where a young jazz musician could get a degree with the NU name. Now, that is gone.

However, what REALLY chaps my a.., er, uh, hide, is what NU is saying to jazz musicians by doing this. They are sending a not too subtle message that they consider jazz some sort of bastard art form not worthy of their consideration. Now, NU does have a reputiaton for being "bottom line" oriented. They did kill the organ music department, which, if memory serves, was one of the best in the world when under the leadership of Dr. Dick Enright. So, the notion that jazz wasn't a "money maker" certainly fits their modus operendi. Nevertheless, I think if they really committed themselves to the jazz program they could have built someting amazing and lucrative.

Finally, I have a copy of the letter at home in email form, that the dean wrote on this matter. She was claiming that, after a nationwide search they couldn't find a suitable director of the jazz program. Is she kiddn' me???!!!?? Steve Wiest intereviewed for that job. So did Marvin Stamm. Wiest is going to teach at NTSU now. And Marvin Stamm?? Well, 'nuff said there. I don't by that part of the story for a split second.

On the plus side, schools like Columbia College and Roosevelt University have a powerful opportunity to capitalize on this, and well they should. They have very nice programs there with Rob Parton at Roosevelt and Jon Faddis at Columbia.

Ok, I've got to get ready for class, and if I keep up here, I just going to get more ticked off.

Peace, all!

Nick

TrentAustin · 05-18-2007, 10:45 AM

yeah, nick... that's all BS from the school. My favorite musician and mentor CT doesn't have a "degree" but can out teach 95% of the musicians out there. The fact you need a piece of paper to teach improvisation is stupid. That's just silly. What ever happened to good ole on-the-job training? Marvin or Steve would have been great choices. Oh well, more outlets for schools like DePaul, Columbia College, etc. to attract students.
-T

05-17-2007, 09:38 PM	#1
NickD Mezzo Forte User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Chicago northern suburbs Posts: 938	Jazz Studies Program Terminated at Northwestern!! I couldn't believe it when I heard it during lunch with the music faculty today, but here is the link outlining this sad event - the ending of jazz studies at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Friends of NU Jazz It's 2007! I thought jazz was widely regarded as a consumate art form - spontaneous composition. I'm reeling over this. Any thoughts? Nick As an edit, I'm adding this from the Tribune: Students protest end of NU jazz major By Howard Reich Tribune staff reporter Published May 17, 2007 Students at Northwestern University in Evanston handed out fliers on Wednesday and otherwise protested the School of Music's decision to discontinue its jazz studies degree program, created in 1999. Current jazz studies majors will get to complete their degrees, and the school plans to enhance its jazz offerings for all music students, Music Dean Toni-Marie Montgomery said. The decision by the faculty and dean to end the jazz studies major came after the school had spent two years fruitlessly searching for a new head for the jazz studies department, Montgomery said. "It pains me that this is the outcome after two years of working with faculty, working diligently to strengthen the program," she said. "However, in talking with experts in jazz throughout the country, their comments to me were that the School of Music was known internationally, but we are not known in a positive way for jazz," added Montgomery, whose school indeed has emphasized classical music above all else. Music senior Mike Lebrun criticized the administration's decision. "Cutting the jazz major is a huge mistake," said Lebrun, who helped organize the protests and created an advocacy Web site at friendsofnujazz.com. "This has been a very frustrating experience for students at NU," Lebrun said. "The biggest issue has been dealing with the classical faculty and their lack of willingness to establish jazz as a legitimate art form here." Meanwhile, Northwestern University President Henry Bienen told the Daily Northwestern newspaper last month that a new building for the School of Music, long under consideration, is "going to get built, because it's an important thing to do for the university." ----------- hreich@tribune.com Copyright © 2007, Chicago Tribune __________________ NickD "Live Webcam Lessons Now Available with NickD" http://www.nickdrozdoff.com http://www.newyorktrumpetcompany.com http://www.myspace.com/nickdrozdoff Last edited by NickD; 05-17-2007 at 09:56 PM.

05-17-2007, 11:10 PM	#2
bachstrad72 Pianissimo User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Philly Posts: 194	Re: Jazz Studies Program Terminated at Northwestern!! That is such a shame that instead of trying to change the reputation of their jazz program they just canned it, using their priority of classical music as an excuse. This is dangerous stuff. It reminds me of the saying from the Holocaust, "First they came for the Communists, but I was not a Communist, so I said nothing. Then they came for the Social Democrats, but I was not a Social Democrat, so I did nothing. Then came the trade unionists, but I was not a trade unionist. And then they came for the Jews, but I was not a Jew, so I did little. Then when they came for me, there was no one left to stand up for me" __________________ Perry Last edited by bachstrad72; 05-17-2007 at 11:12 PM.

05-18-2007, 12:10 AM	#4
trpt2345 Mezzo Forte User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Chicago Posts: 801	Re: Jazz Studies Program Terminated at Northwestern!! But Nick, you must admit that Northwestern was never that into jazz, their program was mediocre, haphazard, and not very highly regarded. They hired a bunch of really good musicians as adjuncts who were paid next to nothing. They were never into jazz as much as DePaul or NIU, not to mention Indiana or Eastman or Manhattan. It's stupid and way out of date, but to want to go to NW for jazz would be as silly as going to University of Chicago to be a performance major. It's just not what they do. Michael McLaughlin Bigot: One who is obstinately and zealously attached to an opinion that you do not entertain. Ambrose Bierce __________________ Chicago MM

05-18-2007, 12:13 AM	#5
TrentAustin Forte User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 1,967	Re: Jazz Studies Program Terminated at Northwestern!! While I majored in Orchestral performance and still pull out the horns for an occasional Brandenburg or Stravinsky piece I find my "practical" education of jazz/commercial music FAR more valuable. It's sad that NU is "giving" up so easily... or better yet pushing jazz under the rug. Go to NEC instead ;) hahaha. __________________ Trent Austin http://www.trentaustin.com Become a partner in my new CD "Meditations" http://trentaustin.blogspot.com

05-18-2007, 12:14 AM	#6
TrentAustin Forte User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 1,967	Re: Jazz Studies Program Terminated at Northwestern!! FYI Friends of NU Jazz is worth checking out for more of the story __________________ Trent Austin http://www.trentaustin.com Become a partner in my new CD "Meditations" http://trentaustin.blogspot.com

05-18-2007, 12:21 AM	#7
trpt2345 Mezzo Forte User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Chicago Posts: 801	Re: Jazz Studies Program Terminated at Northwestern!! Wow, reading that friends of NU Jazz link wasn't a surprise. Charlie Geyer, much as I love him and learned from him, always hated jazz and was very discouraging towards those pursuing it. It's not a knock, just a fact. So I am not at all surprised he seems to be actively involved in this whole thing. Michael McLaughlin __________________ Chicago MM

05-18-2007, 12:27 AM	#8
TrentAustin Forte User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 1,967	Re: Jazz Studies Program Terminated at Northwestern!! Maybe the serious classical players are scared we're going to take all their Brandenburg's ;) and still be able to navigate through Inner Urge. That's why I personally love programs like the one Ed's building at Cal Arts, NEC's program, etc. They study tradition, cover all the fundamentals in all genres, are open-minded and have an eye towards the future! Improvisation is a crucial part to a musician's repertoire. bummer. -T __________________ Trent Austin http://www.trentaustin.com Become a partner in my new CD "Meditations" http://trentaustin.blogspot.com Last edited by TrentAustin; 05-18-2007 at 12:32 AM.

05-18-2007, 09:28 AM	#9
NickD Mezzo Forte User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Chicago northern suburbs Posts: 938	Re: Jazz Studies Program Terminated at Northwestern!! Mike raises an improtant point. NU has always regarded jazz askance. Guyer has been opposed (again no knock, just pretty well known around here) to jazz. NU has never been known as the Berkely School of Music of Chicago. However, it is known as a highly respectable institution and a place where a young jazz musician could get a degree with the NU name. Now, that is gone. However, what REALLY chaps my a.., er, uh, hide, is what NU is saying to jazz musicians by doing this. They are sending a not too subtle message that they consider jazz some sort of bastard art form not worthy of their consideration. Now, NU does have a reputiaton for being "bottom line" oriented. They did kill the organ music department, which, if memory serves, was one of the best in the world when under the leadership of Dr. Dick Enright. So, the notion that jazz wasn't a "money maker" certainly fits their modus operendi. Nevertheless, I think if they really committed themselves to the jazz program they could have built someting amazing and lucrative. Finally, I have a copy of the letter at home in email form, that the dean wrote on this matter. She was claiming that, after a nationwide search they couldn't find a suitable director of the jazz program. Is she kiddn' me???!!!?? Steve Wiest intereviewed for that job. So did Marvin Stamm. Wiest is going to teach at NTSU now. And Marvin Stamm?? Well, 'nuff said there. I don't by that part of the story for a split second. On the plus side, schools like Columbia College and Roosevelt University have a powerful opportunity to capitalize on this, and well they should. They have very nice programs there with Rob Parton at Roosevelt and Jon Faddis at Columbia. Ok, I've got to get ready for class, and if I keep up here, I just going to get more ticked off. Peace, all! Nick __________________ NickD "Live Webcam Lessons Now Available with NickD" http://www.nickdrozdoff.com http://www.newyorktrumpetcompany.com http://www.myspace.com/nickdrozdoff

05-18-2007, 10:45 AM	#10
TrentAustin Forte User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 1,967	Re: Jazz Studies Program Terminated at Northwestern!! yeah, nick... that's all BS from the school. My favorite musician and mentor CT doesn't have a "degree" but can out teach 95% of the musicians out there. The fact you need a piece of paper to teach improvisation is stupid. That's just silly. What ever happened to good ole on-the-job training? Marvin or Steve would have been great choices. Oh well, more outlets for schools like DePaul, Columbia College, etc. to attract students. -T __________________ Trent Austin http://www.trentaustin.com Become a partner in my new CD "Meditations" http://trentaustin.blogspot.com

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