By Caitlin Hofen
The Northwestern Oklahoma State University Second Line Brass Band performed at the Kansas Music Educator Association conference in Wichita, Kansas, on Friday.
Dr. Michael Black, Northwestern’s band director, used this performance as a teaching opportunity for Kansas educators to learn about this style of music.
“We wanted to use this performance to teach Kansas music educators about what second line jazz is, how to start a second line jazz band, what instruments are included, how to improvise in this style and how it can be a great way to introduce jazz to their students,” Black said.
Second line jazz originates from big brass bands in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The first line of brass is the main section of a parade.
The second line consists of people who follow the band to enjoy the music, dance and engage with the community.
The style of music is typically more upbeat and easier to dance to.
Northwestern established its Second Line Brass Band last fall, and the band has been practicing and performing since.
It was featured in the homecoming parade in November as a small group of students and Black played around “The Square” in downtown Alva.
“A full jazz band is not always accessible, especially at small school districts,” Black said. “To have a full jazz band, you need four trumpets, four trombones, five assorted saxophones, drums, piano, guitar and bass.
“Many small schools don’t even have that many students in band. A second line jazz band only requires drums, tuba, trumpet, trombone and saxophone. It could only be five players.”
At the Kansas Music Educator Association conference, Black and his students were able to inform a variety of educators and musicians about the benefits of adopting a second line brass band.
“It was attended by most of the music educators in Kansas, as well as college students that are studying music education,” Black said.
“Every year, the all-state band, orchestra and choir performs at this conference, as well as select collegiate and high school ensembles from the area.”
Sophomore vocal music education major and brass band member Addyson Noyes said she enjoyed getting to perform at the conference.
“I believe our performance went really well,” Noyes said. “Everyone who came to listen seemed to really enjoy our performance and was interested in our process.”
Black and his band intend to continue performing this subgenre of music and informing other teachers of the benefits of adopting a second line brass band for their schools.
“I believe that most schools have not already adopted this style of music because they don’t know much about it,” Black said. “We hoped to raise awareness about this style, and to help educators see how it could be a good fit for their programs.”