by: Ebony Smith
[Slide-Show available here]
RICHMOND, Va. – Jazz is all about good improvisation, on-the-spot creativity and a respectable admiration for the historic genre. VCU student, Jake Sherman has been interested in all of these important concepts of a genre that he has come to love.
When Sherman arrived at Virginia Commonwealth University in the fall of 2008, his goal was to become a great jazz musician. The Arlington native auditioned over the summer and was accepted into the prestigious VCU Arts Foundation to study his passion, jazz. Antonio Garcia, associate professor of music, leads the well-respected music program, known and referred to as jazz studies.
Sherman is enrolled in a class instructed by Bryan Hooten, an adjunct professor of jazz and music theory who teaches small jazz ensembles, jazz labs and music theory. Sherman admires the talented and knowledgeable staff that teaches him the standards for becoming successful in performing arts.
“The VCU Music Department provides really good faculty for the students,” Sherman said.
Sherman has performed in various gigs in and around Richmond, ranging from the VCU Barnes & Noble Bookstore to the Richmond Pump House. He has contributed to the Yorktown Jazz Ensemble, Virginia Big Band and the Blues Alley Youth Orchestra.
Founded in 1985, the Blues Alley Jazz Society works with Washington, D.C., area student musicians to promote the philosophies of youth, jazz and education. Sherman embodies all of these same characteristics.
Sherman says that his dream gig would be to play for the Air Force Jazz Band, as well as doing solo performances. He would not be out of his league, as Sherman has been playing jazz guitar for eight years. He describes jazz music as a much different way to express himself.
“There is the complete freedom to verbalize and improvise,” Sherman said. “Listen to jazz because a lot of people don’t give it a chance. Now-a-days music is all too much the same.”
