Ronkonkoma Middle School’s Rhythm Factory Jazz Band attended a field trip to The Jazz Loft in Stony Brook under the direction of band teacher Elizabeth Alaimo.
While there, the Connetquot students participated in a workshop run by jazz historian, music educator, and cornet player Dr. Thomas Manuel. Dr. Manuel is the founder and president of The Jazz Loft, a creative space that joins jazz performance, preservation
and education in celebration of the past, present, and future. Dr. Manuel dedicates his professional efforts to both the preservation of Long Island’s jazz history as well as presenting it to future generations.
Students experienced a guided tour of historical jazz instruments and relics featured in the museum. Dr. Manuel guided students with musical interpretations and improvisation, a jazz technique in which musicians compose their music on the spot. Students ended their trip with a preview performance of their upcoming spring jazz concert.