By Lisa Lacher
Drake University recently played host to a master class and concert by Chris Potter, a Grammy nominee and renowned jazz saxophonist and composer. Both events were well attended by Drake students and faculty, as well as members of the Des Moines community and music enthusiasts from across the state.
The master class, which was free and open to the public, was held in the newly constructed home for Drake's acclaimed jazz program—the Patty and Fred Turner Jazz Center.
Potter performed with and constructively critiqued not only Drake students, but also student musicians who had traveled from the University of Northern Iowa and Iowa State University. He also fielded questions from audience members on how to develop a personal musical style.
Drake student Frank Merchlewitz said that the master class gave students a rare opportunity to perform with a professional musician of Potter's caliber.
“Any time that younger musicians can interact in any form with a mature, well-versed performer, it's going to be a positive learning experience," said Merchlewitz, a pianist and first-year writing major from Winona, Minn.
Drake University recently played host to a master class and concert by Chris Potter, a Grammy nominee and renowned jazz saxophonist and composer. Both events were well attended by Drake students and faculty, as well as members of the Des Moines community and music enthusiasts from across the state.
The master class, which was free and open to the public, was held in the newly constructed home for Drake's acclaimed jazz program—the Patty and Fred Turner Jazz Center.
Potter performed with and constructively critiqued not only Drake students, but also student musicians who had traveled from the University of Northern Iowa and Iowa State University. He also fielded questions from audience members on how to develop a personal musical style.
Drake student Frank Merchlewitz said that the master class gave students a rare opportunity to perform with a professional musician of Potter's caliber.
“Any time that younger musicians can interact in any form with a mature, well-versed performer, it's going to be a positive learning experience," said Merchlewitz, a pianist and first-year writing major from Winona, Minn.
