IMPROVISATION, FREEDOM AND THE MEANING OF JAZZ

Jazz, much like Unitarian Universalism, is essentially an improvised democratic process that is constantly changing and evolving. It combines the most individualistic act of the solo with the collective decision-making of the group. James will touch on the origins of jazz and also explore what improvisation is, how we do it in our daily lives and may not even realize it, and what musicians and non-musicians alike can learn from the art of improvisation.

James Galasinski has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jazz Studies from Cardinal Stritch University, free-lances as a jazz bassist in the Milwaukee area, and is a member of First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee.

Ryan Miesel, composer, arranger and multi-saxophonist, got his bachelors of music from the UW-Madison and his Master’s from the Northern Illinois University.

Celia Faye is a freelance musician and music educator.  She runs a teaching studio in her home, teaches at the White House of Music in Germantown, and serves as the Music-Coordinator at West Granville Presbyterian Church in Milwaukee.

Music: Bob Judd; The Meisel Music Collective Trio: Ryan Meisel – saxophones, James Galasinski – bass, and Celia Faye – vocals and saxophone
Service Leader:Cynthia Stiehl