The King's College Late Night Jazz had the opportunity to work with top New Zealand jazz saxophonist, Nathan Haines in an evening workshop on Tuesday, 10 February.
Nathan worked with the ensemble in a two-hour session on all of the 12 songs that they are currently practicing, covering elements such as ensemble set-up, actively listening and responding to what the other players are doing, use of dynamics and how to build solos and provide shape in the music.
Nathan also talked about the need to highlight different members of the band in each of the pieces and worked with the group to re-work one of the songs to showcase the guitarist, and another to highlight the bass player.
The students responded really well and particularly enjoyed it when Nathan joined the band, who occasionally took some of the solos which were amazing.
The workshop was well timed to coincide with the band’s preparation for the Valentine’s Dinner Dance on Friday, 13 February, however the King's community will have another chance to hear Late Night Jazz at the Headmaster’s Garden Party on Wednesday, 25 February.
