Young Bend musicians get top-flight jazz lesson

Have you ever wanted to play jazz with a world-class musician? Central Oregon music students were treated to that on Saturday.

Musicians, singers, band directors, music teachers, parents and students filled Summit High School’s auditorium Saturday morning to learn how to play jazz like a professional.

It’s part of a music education workshop, sponsored by BendBroadband and the Oxford Hotel.

The workshops feature international jazz stars, and this one featured drummer Mel Brown.

“You can sit and talk to Mel for like three or four minutes — he’s a very very warm gentleman,” said Georges Bouhey, a local jazz instructor. “Actually, you shouldn’t talk to Mel for four or five minutes, you should just listen. Because you just can’t compare the experiences he talks about.”

Brown has played with The Supremes, The Temptations and George Harrison, among many others.

A total of 55 young musicians were signed up to play.

The next workshop is scheduled March 16th at Mountain View High School, featuring saxophonist Tom Scott.

You can learn a bit more about Brown’s stellar career at this Wikipedia page.