Selkirk Pro Musica organizer Elizabeth Cunningham can barely contain herself when talking about the recent pair of “fabulous” concerts put on by the Clinton Swanson Quartet.
“About 150 grade three to five students from Blewett and Rosemont Elementary schools enjoyed snapping their fingers and tapping their toes to the jazzy rhythms and beat,” Cunningham told the Star.
“Trumpet player Donnie Clark was especially stellar and brought out the best in everyone,” she said. “The musicians had a lively rapport with the students at Blewett School and the kids asked many interesting questions.
“Nobody was able to sit completely still as the music filled the gym.”
Students were interested to learn the four musicians all started playing their instruments at approximately the same age the students are now.
That evening the quartet appeared before a packed house at St. Saviour’s Anglican church. The group played original compositions along with favourites by John Coltrane, John Lewis and Charlie Parker.
The Selkirk Pro Musica series pairs touring musicians with local schools. Swanson’s quartet consisted of him on saxophone, Clark on trumpet, Doug Stephenson on guitar and Rob Fahie on bass.
