READING, Pa.- The Berks Jazz Fest continues with its “Get Jazzed” program, bringing student musicians together with the pros for some listening, learning and collaboration.
“I am primarily a saxophone player,” said Eric Marienthal, a seasoned musician and versatile artist. “I play all the different saxophones and I play other woodwind instruments too, for my recording side of what I do for a living.”
Marienthal has been part of the Berks Jazz Fest as often as possible over the years.
“Because a lot of the same artists come each year, a lot of the same volunteers and guests who come, it becomes a real family sort of a feeling,” Marienthal explained.
Like any family there’s an element of nurturing the next generation.
Marienthal and other notable artists took part in several sessions with student musicians from area schools at the DoubleTree as part of the Get Jazzed Program.
Part of that education involves performing for the pros and with the pros.
“Throughout the day we also get to sit in and do some reading and listening to jazz, and so that makes the experience even better,” said Matthew Schrack, the Tulpehocken High School Jazz Ensemble director.
“We get to actually mingle with other high school groups and play with them and, again, work with some amazing world class musicians,” Schrack added.