On Monday and Tuesday, April 14th and 15th, the Centennial, Northview, and Prairie Ridge Jazz Bands hosted guest artist Mike Conrad. Over the course of his two day residency, Mr. Conrad rehearsed with all four jazz bands and presented master classes on trombone, improvisation, rhythm sections, composition, and careers in music. The residency was capped with a concert featuring the Prairie Ridge Jazz Band, the Northview Jazzguars, Centennial Jazz Studio, Centennial Jazz Collective, and Mr. Mike Conrad. Read on to hear recordings and check out the video!

Prairie Ridge Jazz Band – Video
All the Blues that’s Fit to Print by Andy Clark
Walrus Walk by Dean Sorenson
Please Don’t Climb on the Iguana by Dean Sorenson

Mike Conrad improvising with the Prairie Ridge Jazz Band on “Don’t Climb on the Iguana”

Mike Conrad working with the Prairie Ridge Jazz Rhythm Section

Mike Conrad working with the Prairie Ridge jazz trombones

Northview Jazzguars – Video
Minnie the Moocher by Calloway & Mills, arranged by Ford
The Master Plan by Rick Stitzel

Mike Conrad playing with the Northview Jazzguars

Northview Jazzguars improvising with guest artist Mike Conrad

Centennial Jazz Studio  – Video
I Get a Kick Out of You by Cole Porter, arranged by Kris Berg
St. Louis Blues by W.C. Handy, arranged by Michael Sweeney
The Jive Samba by Nat Adderley, arranged by Mark Taylor

9th Grade trombone players talking jazz trombone with Mike Conrad

9th Grade jazz students improvising with Mike Conrad

Jazz Studio rehearsing with Mike Conrad

Centennial Jazz Collective – Video
Driftin’ by Herbie Hancock, arranged by Tamir Hendelman & Michael Conrad
Emily by Bob Washut
Blue Miles by Chick Corea, arranged by Bob Washut

Jazz Collective Rhythm Section working with Mike Conrad

Mike Conrad talking to Centennial music students about careers in music after high school