Fairfield has music fans of all types, from rock to hip-hop, R’B, reggae and pop, and even some freestyle and house.
But jazz?
“We don’t listen to enough jazz music. It’s skipped our generation. The closest you’re getting to jazz is neo-soul,” said Charles Bentley ’06.
What seems to capture younger audiences are popular genres of music such as hip-hop, pop, rock and R’B.
The problem is not unique to Fairfield. Attendance at jazz performances among young adults (aged 18-24) declined from 1982-1992, in conjunction with eroding arts education, as recorded by the National Endowment for the Arts in American Demographics.
Brian Torff, professor of Visual and Performing Arts and director of music programming, said that Fairfield is one of the universities in the area that tries to foster the art form.
“First of all there is probably more jazz at Fairfield University than at any other university in the area,” said Torff. “Jazz hasn’t been truly popular on college campuses since the ’50s and the ’60s and lost its young generation due to rock and roll.”
Part of this problem, explained Torff, continues to develop from the lack of media exposure, and many young people relying on television and radio for their music education. Today’s generation, affected by MTV and other media outlets, has almost no place for an authentic jazz landscape.
However, under Torff’s direction, Fairfield University offers classes such as the history of jazz, music of black Americans, the history of rock and roll, jazz world music and even conducts a jazz band to provide student musicians and enthusiasts with an authentic jazz experience.
“I think that people that take my classes enjoy both the entertainment and educational aspects,” said Torff. He also expressed how it’s really up to today’s generation, like any other to seek out culture and music.
Steve Sennett ’06, a musician and member of the Fairfield jazz band, said students are not into jazz unless they play an instrument or are open to all types of music.
“Jazz will thrive…it has and will continue to thrive in countries where there is an appreciation for different types of music,” he said.
Students need to get initial exposure to the art form, according to jazz percussionist David DiGiantomasso, who has played with contemporary jazz legends like Ze Luis (Brazilian Saxophonist) and Papo Vazquez (Latin Trombonist).
“The majority of young people are not being exposed to jazz and its history…hip-hop, funk and rock continues the jazz improvisation,” DiGiantomasso said.
Students at Fairfield can take advantage of jazz courses and performances off campus. The campus radio station offers a variety of jazz shows.
Lauren Cesiro, one of WVOF’s music directors, named at least three shows offered weekly that play jazz. Show listings are Monday 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. with DJ Brendan Hernalyn, Tuesday 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. with DJ Andre, and Wednesday 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. with DJ AJ.
Students can catch these shows by tuning into either the Ham Channel, the radio at 88.5 or by logging onto WVOF. org.
According to Torff, students must have a mindset of going out and realizing what’s available for them.
“Intelligence is connected with curiosity,” he said. “If you really want it, you should be hungry for knowledge.”
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