Mary Rucinski
Staff Writer
UW Director of Jazz Studies Ben Markley said there tends to be trendsetters in art whom other artists become inspired by. World-class drummer Ari Hoenig can be considered one of these artists.
“He is someone who is certainly influenced by people, but [is] also really contributing something to the art form that really wasn’t there before,” Markley said.
According to Hoenig’s website, he began studying the violin and piano as a four year old after being exposed to music at an early age. Hoenig’s father is a classical singer and conductor while his mother is a violinist and pianist. He began playing the drums at 12 years old.
“He has really helped to kind of forge a new rhythmic language within jazz, and in that process really created a unique voice…We’re also looking forward to learning more about his rhythmic language and trying to incorporate that into our own skill set,” Markley added.
“The real thing that makes his music so amazing though is that those techniques are just tools that he uses to make extremely deep and emotional music,” UW Graduate student Dougan Smith said of Hoenig.
During Hoenig’s time in Laramie, he will teach three master classes. Markley said there are a couple different types of master classes. First, the teacher can pick a topic and teach it to the students and then have the students try it out.
“Another type of master class is sometimes our students will play for the teacher and then receive feedback,” Markley said. Hoenig will do both types of master classes.
The classes are something students will be able to reflect on for years to come as something that developed and shaped them, Markley explained.
“We want to bring outstanding artists on campus every year…We want to inspire our students and to have a chance to work with world-class artists and receive feedback.”
In addition to teaching the classes, Hoenig will perform with the Wyoming Jazz Ensemble on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts concert hall.
“Part of the fun is [that] we are going to premiere four of his pieces, for large ensemble, that have never been performed before,” Markley said.
Markley explained that in order to perform pieces that have never been performed before, some risks must be taken. One of these risks is students who participate may have an uncomfortable experience.
However, Markley said, “I’ve been really happy with our students for being able to take this on and, you know, make some music.”
Part of Hoenig’s travel fund is supported through student fees. Markley explained this as a great opportunity for students to see a direct benefit from those fees.
“I want to soak up every word he has to say. It’s an absolute privilege that he will be here,” Smith said.
Hoeing’s remaining class is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 24, at 1 p.m in the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts. The classes are free and open to the public. Tickets to Thursday’s concert can be found at the Wyoming Union information desk or the Performing Arts Box office.
