I just finished a summer jazz course at Douglas College, and it was really fun. I got a chance to meet various well-known musicians from Vancouver including Ross Taggart, Kent Wallace and Bernie Arai. It was a week full of musical intensity for all of us students. I met 5 other drummers, a few of whom I could definitely relate with in terms of the music I like. I don’t think anybody at this camp was a total beginner, and it seemed like at least half of these people were really good at their instrument. So after my very short audition, I was put in the intermediate combo. We played a few songs including “Blue Monk”, “Maiden Voyage”, and “Recordame”. Also, we got 2 master classes from Bernie, who was very down to earth and is an amazing drummer as well.
We played 3 concerts, one at the Java Jazz Cafe, one at the Cellar, and one at the college. The one at the Java Jazz Cafe was pretty fun, since it was a jam night and everyone was sightreading. The Cellar was very cramped, but it was a great show nonetheless, and at a great venue. And afterwards, me and some friends from the camp went busking near English Bay. It was really fun, and we made $6 each from only 40 mins of playing! But at the college it felt more like a real stage setting, which is what I’m more used to. The whole week was really fun, and I hope that I can do it again next year.
On the other side of things, I had a list of things that I knew I had to do before the end of summer. Here it is:
1. Study some math to prep for Grade 10. Check!
2. Not suck at jazz camp. Check!
3. Get a phone!! Check!!
4. Get “The Beast” sneakers by Gravis!! Check!!
5. Get a new hoodie. Check!
6. Get the BAPE X G-Shock watch. Uncompleted.
After all that, I think I’m ready for summer to end. Well, partially.
Two Wongs 